Foreign workers take more jobs in Albania

Albania issued about 14,000 first-time work permits to foreign nationals in 2025, as more employers turned to workers from abroad.

Indian and Filipino citizens made up the largest groups. Albania approved 3,251 work permits for Indians and 3,279 for Filipinos, with each country accounting for about 18% of online approvals.

Egyptian citizens followed with 15% of approved requests, while Turkish citizens accounted for 9%.

Foreign workers are increasingly employed in services, manufacturing, agriculture and care work, as well as in specialized jobs such as engineering.

Kosovo citizens and Italians also made up large groups of foreign residents in Albania, though they follow easier procedures. Kosovo citizens with residence permits rose 32% to 6,076 in 2025, while Italians rose 75% to 3,776.