- The allure of retirement in Albania stems from its attractiveness and affordable lifestyle.
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The clear waters and sandy shores of Albania have bestowed upon it the nickname 'Europe’s Maldives'.
And it's fast becoming one of the continent's top tourist destinations with international visitor arrivals soaring by 56 per cent between 2019 and 2023, according to the World Tourism Organisation .
However, for others, this Balkan nation holds an allure that extends beyond a brief vacation. Its low cost cost of living is making it an increasingly appealing choice for retired individuals from Britain.
Jen Stevens, who serves as the executive editor at International Living , a guide to retiring and investing overseas, shares with MailOnline: "Albania hasn’t become widely known among many people yet, but it deserves more attention. Firstly, it’s stunning—boasting a coast that some insist is superior even to those found in popular destinations." Italy Or Croatia, where the value concerning the cost of living is exceptional.
In the meantime, the specialist group at Magic Towns A guide to moving to Albania mentions that they receive queries from British citizens nearly every day.
Sara Alimehmeti, an editor at Magic Towns, shares her insights: "We observe that the combination of affordable living costs, pleasant climate, high standard of living, and notably low taxes makes these locations very appealing to foreign residents. Recently, there has been a particular interest from British nationals—our sense is that this trend correlates with concerns about potential future tax hikes in the United Kingdom."
For retired Britons considering this move, here’s your comprehensive guide to the top locations to reside in Albania, details on obtaining a visa, expenses related to accommodation, and an overview of their healthcare system.
Visas and tax perks
British pensioners have access to 'a special retirement visa offered by Albania for individuals who aren’t from the EU/EEA,' according to William Cooper, the marketing director at an expat company. William Russell .
He states: "The first step involves acquiring a 'D' visa, allowing for an extended stay during the processing of your residency application."
'Once completed, you can apply for a residency permit via the e-Albania online platform. For this application, you generally must provide documentation of housing, proof of adequate financial resources, and health insurance coverage.'
To obtain the visa, retirees must show evidence of a 'minimum regular monthly pension income of 120,000 Albanian lek (£1,011/$1,271)', according to William.
When discussing tax benefits, the specialists at Magic Towns point out that for international retirees living in Albania, 'earnings derived from pensions—whether they be state-funded, privately managed, or sourced internationally—are generally exempt from taxation.'
Politics and culture
Albania experienced a regime led by a communist dictatorship from 1946 up until the early 1990s. During this period, it remained isolated and gained recognition as the ' North Korea of Europe'.
Much has evolved since those days, and today Albania operates as a parliamentary democracy featuring a president serving as the head of state alongside a prime minister as the head of government. Edi Rama currently holds the position of prime minister and has done so since 2013.
Albania is a secular nation without an officially recognized religion; however, the 2023 census carried out by Institute of Statistics , 53 percent of the population identifies as Muslim, 16 percent as Christian, 17 percent as having no religious affiliation, and 16 percent prefer not to declare their religion.
Jennifer from International Living explains to MailOnline, "Albania faces misconceptions rooted in the past. When people hear 'Albania,' many might wonder, if they even consider it at all, whether it was once a communist stronghold—whether things have changed. However, Albania has been a democracy since the early 1990s. It's an inviting destination offering a great standard of living without breaking the bank."
The nation boasts 'the greatest density of coffee shops per person globally,' according to Sara from Magic Towns, who also mentions its strong connections to the UK via direct flights to London Heathrow, Luton, and Stansted airports, along with routes to Birmingham and Manchester departing from Tirana Airport.
Where to Live and Housing Options
Experts from Magic Towns highlight that Albania's real estate market provides a wide array of choices, ranging from exclusive modern condominiums to traditional Ottoman residences and early 20th century Italian-inspired properties. According to them, Tirana—the capital city—as well as coastal areas like Vlorë and Saranda, present excellent opportunities for those looking to retire.
Tirana
In Sara’s interview with MailOnline about magical towns, she shares: "Being the capital city, Tirana boasts superior facilities, numerous new developments, along with ample healthcare and educational resources. It stands out as an excellent option for those seeking retirement, particularly for individuals fond of an energetic way of life filled with various cafes, eateries, pubs, and cultural happenings."
Cost: According to Magic Towns, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically ranges between €400-€700/£332-£582/$418-$732 per month, whereas outside the central area, it drops to approximately €250-€500/£207-£415/$261-$523. The cost of property varies from €1,500-€3,000/£1,247-£2,495/$1,569-$3,139 for each square meter.
Vlorë
Sara elaborates: "Vlore is a seaside town situated along the renowned Albanian Riviera and serves as an ideal location for those seeking retirement near the ocean. The city boasts an increasing number of foreign residents, a recently constructed waterfront pathway, and convenient proximity to many of Albania’s stunning shores. Compared to Tirana, Vlore offers a more peaceful environment yet remains equipped with all necessary amenities, featuring a bustling downtown area. During summertime, it becomes even more vibrant but can get quite busy with both visitors and local crowds."
Cost: The cost varies depending on how close you are to the seaside, with beachfront homes potentially costing between €1,200-€2,500/£998-£2,079/$1,255-$2,616 for each square meter. Typically, rental prices here are about 20-30 percent less expensive compared to those found in Tirana.
Saranda
'Saranda is the most temperate of the trio and has long appealed to retired individuals,' clarifies Sara. She continues, 'It shares a resemblance with Vlorë, offering beautiful ocean vistas and the pleasant ambiance typical of beachside communities. Additionally, Saranda enjoys convenient ferry connections directly to Corfu, Greece. During winter months, however, things quiet down considerably since it primarily serves as a summer getaway.'
Cost: The cost of property varies depending on how close they are to the sea, with beachfront homes often priced at €1,200-€2,500/£998-£2,079/$1,255-$2,616 for each square meter. In comparison to those found in Tirana, rental prices typically stand between 20% and 30% less.
Cost of living
According to Numbeo The average cost of living in Albania is 50 percent less compared to the UK, with rents being up to 70 percent cheaper. Additionally, the cost of living in Spain—a favored place for British retirees—is about 11 percent lower.
Sara mentions that dining at an average-priced restaurant might set you back around €8-€15/£6.65-£12.48/$8.37-$15.70 per person, whereas a cup of coffee typically costs less than €1/83p/$1.05.
She mentions that a pair might easily allocate between €250-€400/£207-£332/$261-$418 each month for food expenses, based on their way of life, whereas utilities such as electricity, water, and internet typically amount to approximately €100/£83/$104 monthly.
Healthcare
At William Russell, William elucidates: "In Albania, healthcare is provided universally through a system financed by both compulsory and optional payments, with additional support from the government budget."
He cautions that the 'standard of public healthcare can differ' and amenities might be restricted beyond Tirana.
The expert points out that private healthcare has experienced considerable expansion, with these facilities typically offering a superior level of care.
He suggests that retirees buy individual global health coverage and look into relocating to places where healthcare services are readily accessible, unlike many remote regions.
'We simply fell for the charm of the locals and the allure of the landscape.'
The amiable and hospitable inhabitants of Albania are among the factors contributing to Deborah and James Riley’s contentment during their retirement. Both octogenarians, they relocated from Bloomington, Indiana, to a village near the port city of Durrës in 2020. Deborah shares with MailOnline, "Upon our arrival, we were met with an abundance of warmth, affection, and camaraderie. The people and the natural splendor of this place won our hearts."
James shares: "People here are extremely warm towards those coming from different parts of the world. My wife and I purchased our home from some brothers who've been incredibly kind to us due to our advanced age. Not long ago, we experienced a massive flood which ruined the motor of my car. When I mentioned that I couldn’t afford to fix it at the moment, one of them responded, 'Don't worry about it; I’ll take care of it. You can repay me whenever you’re able.'"
They mention that they manage with just $7/£5.56 per day on groceries, covering sustenance not only for themselves but also for their four pets and additional animals around the area.
Deborah shares: "In everyone's yards, plenty of fruits and veggies are cultivated, making the small shops selling produce really fresh. Our selection includes oranges, lemons, kumquats, pomegranates, and olives. Arugula grows throughout the year along with beautiful roses."
James notes: "Albania is among the most stunning destinations you will visit. Within just an hour’s journey, you’ll encounter remarkable diversity. Move another hour ahead, and discover yet more differences. In our small village, you can stroll to the remnants of a Byzantine church."
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