Legal Framework

• Law no. 15/2019 “On Employment Promotion”, as amended by Law no. 47/2023 (entered into force July 29, 2023).
  🔗 National Employment and Skills Strategy 2030 (PDF)
• Law No. 79/2021 “On Foreigners” → regulates foreigners’ employment and residence.
  🔗 Law No. 79/2021 (PDF)
• e-Albania portal → online services for residence permits.
  🔗 https://e-albania.al/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Definition of Special Groups

• Young people under 29 → classified as Special Groups if:
  • Unemployed
  • Not in education or training (NEET)
• Other special groups include:
  • Family members of individuals with disabilities
  • Other disadvantaged jobseekers (as per law)

Programs for Young People

Youth Guarantee Scheme

• Guarantee that within 4 months of registration with the employment office, young people are offered:
  • Employment
  • Continued education
  • Professional practice

Employment Advisory for Special Groups

• Tailored counseling and orientation for young NEETs and other special groups.

Voucher Scheme for Professional Training

• Provides vouchers to cover fully or partially the cost of vocational/professional training in private training centers.

Youth Entrepreneurship & Self-Employment Programs (expanding in 2024-25)

• Support for young entrepreneurs:
  • Business plan coaching
  • Small start-up grants
  • Access to micro-credit (via national programs + EU IPA funds).

Bilateral / WB6 Provisions

• Citizens from Western Balkans (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia):
  • No traditional work permit required → only an Employment Declaration needs to be submitted.
  • Equal employment rights as Albanian citizens.
  • Residence permit required if staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.
• Application Steps:
  • Employment Declaration → submitted by employer.
  • Residence Permit → apply via e-Albania portal.
  • Processing time: ~12 weeks.
• Fees:
  • Residence permit application: ~45 EUR
  • Biometric card coupon: ~57 EUR

🔗 Visa & Residence Info