Foreign workers in Albania rise above 22,000

The number of foreign nationals working in Albania rose to 22,693 by the end of June, up from about 18,000 in December 2025.

State data show that 20,332 held permits as employees, while 2,361 were registered as self-employed.

Workers from the Philippines, India and Egypt accounted for about half of all employee permits. Filipinos held 3,552 permits, Indians 3,423 and Egyptians 3,283.

Many work in restaurants, factories, transport, farming and household care, as employers turn abroad to fill labour shortages.

Italian nationals led self-employment, holding 868 permits, followed by citizens of Kosovo, Turkey and the United States.