Country Information

The Republic of Albania is in southeastern Europe. The official language is Albanian. Since making a transition away from a socialist-styled government, Albania has developed a mixed economy with extensive trade ties with countries such as China, Italy, and Spain. Albania’s strategic location at the crossroads of major trade corridors in Europe makes it an ideal destination for expansion.

Employment Contracts

Employment contracts in Albania may be verbal or written. If verbal, the employer must prepare a written document that contains all the work-related details required in a written employment contract within 30 days.

Working Hours

The standard work week in Albania is 40 hours over five days. Employees under the age of 18 cannot work more than six hours a day. Employees receive 11 hours off between workdays.

Sick Leave

Employees receive 14 days of sick leave a year at 80% pay. Employees also receive five days of paid leave for the death of a spouse, child or parent.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Female employees receive 365 days of paid maternity leave. Male employees are entitled to up to four months of unpaid paternity leave. Employees are entitled to 12 days of paid leave to care for children over three years old, or 15 days for children age three and under. Termination of employment can occur during the probation period, at the end of a fixed-term contract, by mutual consent, by the employer (with or without cause) or by the employee.

Compensation

Performance-based bonuses are common in Albania. Albania has a minimum wage.

Vacation Leave

Employees receive 20 days of paid leave annually, which must be taken during the calendar year or in the first three months of the following year. Employees must take five days consecutively. Some collective bargaining agreements may provide additional leave.

Public Holidays
  • New Year’s Day
  • New Year Holiday
  • Summer Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Easter Monday
  • Orthodox Easter Sunday
  • Orthodox Easter Monday
  • Day of the Martyrs
  • Labor Day/May Day
  • Eid al-Fitr
  • Eid al-Adha
  • Mother Teresa Beautification Day
  • Flag and Independence Day
  • Liberation Day
  • National Youth Day
  • Christmas Day
Health Insurance Benefits

Albania provides universal healthcare, but employers may provide supplementary private healthcare insurance.

Employment / Termination / Severance

Termination of employment can occur during the probation period, at the end of a fixed-term contract, by mutual consent, by the employer (with or without cause) or by the employee. The probation period in Albania is three months. Employment can be terminated by either the employer or employee during the probation period with five days of notice. After the probation period, the notice period generally is between two weeks and three months. Severance is required in some circumstances.

Local Laws & Regulations

We understand that local laws and regulations change and sourcing an accurate reference guide is not easy. Our data is researched and verified by our team of local international Employment Attorneys, HR and Benefit Professionals and Tax Accountants through our Atlas team and consultants, to ensure information up-to-date and accurate.

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Partner with Atlas

Partnering with Atlas when expanding into Albania, can dramatically reduce the standard brick and mortar processes of doing business in foreign markets and allow you to focus on what you do best, growing your company! To discover more about how Atlas can simplify your ability to expand globally, please feel free to contact us.
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