Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Durrës

About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Durrës, Albania

Investment and business structuring in Durrës is governed by national Albanian law and implemented locally by the Municipality of Durrës. The city’s port and coastal location make it a focus for logistics, tourism, and manufacturing investments. Structures typically involve choosing a corporate form, registering with national authorities, and obtaining sector specific licenses.

Key national frameworks cover foreign investment, corporate formation, taxation and licensing. While local rules mirror nationwide law, Durrës investors often face municipality level permitting, environmental assessments, and zoning requirements for coastal development. A local attorney can coordinate corporate setup, land issues, and licensing with city authorities to avoid delays.

For formal business structures, most foreign or domestic investors use Albanian entities such as SHPK (Shoqëri me Përgjegjësi të Kufizuar) and SHA (Shoqëri Aksionare). Registration typically occurs through the National Business Center (QKB) and tax registration via the Tax Administration. Understanding these steps is essential to begin operations in Durrës without regulatory hiccups.

Source: World Bank Albania overview - reforms in company registration and tax administration impact investment climate. World Bank - Albania overview

Source: European Commission - Albania business environment reforms and investment framework. European Commission - Albania

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Professional guidance helps avoid costly compliance gaps and delays in Durrës. Below are concrete scenarios where Investment & Business Structuring counsel is essential.

• Setting up a Durrës based logistics and import-export company. You need advice on choosing SHPK or SHA, drafting shareholder agreements, and coordinating with the National Business Center for registration and with customs authorities for clearances.
• Securing land or long-term leases for a beachfront hotel development. Counsel can navigate land ownership rules, zoning, environmental permits, and necessary building licenses with the municipality.
• Obtaining sector licenses for hospitality or manufacturing operations. A lawyer coordinates licensing with municipal and line ministries to ensure compliance before opening.
• Structuring cross-border supplier and distribution agreements. An attorney drafts contracts that address governing law, dispute resolution, and tax withholding requirements.
• Handling a local share purchase or merger with a Durrës partner. Legal counsel conducts due diligence, negotiates terms, and ensures regulatory approvals are secured.
• Preparing work permits and residence documentation for expatriate staff. A lawyer liaises with the National Employment Service and border authorities to obtain authorizations.

Local Laws Overview

Albania relies on a core set of statutes for investment and business structuring, complemented by sector specific regulations. The following statutes are central to most Durrës investments and are frequently updated to reflect reform efforts.

• Law on Foreign Investments governs incentives, guarantees and rights for foreign investors operating in Albania. It lays the foundation for project approvals and protections in partnership with local entities. (In force since 1991, amended several times to reflect evolving investment climate).
• Companies Law regulates corporate forms such as SHPK (limited liability) and SHA (joint stock), including requirements for formation, shareholding, and governance. It is the backbone for structuring a business entity in Durrës.
• Taxation and Administrative Procedures Law covers corporate income tax, VAT, payroll taxes, and general administrative procedures for licensing and registrations. Recent reforms have aimed to streamline registrations and tax administration for investors.
• Administrative Procedures Code governs licensing, permit issuance, and appeals at the local and central levels, guiding the interaction between investors and public authorities in Durrës.

Recent trends include simplification of business registrations, digital filing steps, and increased transparency in licensing processes. These reforms are part of ongoing efforts to improve Albania’s investment climate and align with EU accession criteria. Investors should verify current requirements with local counsel before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step to start a business in Durrës?

Define your business plan and select a corporate form (for example SHPK or SHA). Then prepare basic documents for the National Business Center (QKB) registration and tax registration with the Tax Administration. A local lawyer can coordinate document authentication and filings.

How long does it take to register a company in Durrës?

Registration typically takes 5 to 10 business days after document submission, assuming no anomalies. Delays may occur if due diligence reveals issues with corporate documents or licensed activity definitions.

Do I need a local partner to start a business in Durrës?

Not always. Foreigners can establish Albanian companies as owners or through a local partner, depending on the chosen corporate form and sector. A lawyer can assess ownership structure to meet regulatory and financing needs.

What are the costs to register a company in Durrës?

Costs include notary and registration fees, legal drafting, and potential capital requirements. Typical upfront costs range from a few hundred to a few thousand euros, depending on complexity and services used.

What is the standard corporate income tax rate in Albania?

The general corporate income tax rate is 15 percent. Taxpayers must file annual tax returns and may owe additional local or sector taxes depending on activity and location.

Do I need a work permit for foreign employees in Durrës?

Yes. Foreign staff require work and residence permits. Employers must file sponsorship documents and follow procedures with the National Employment Service and border authorities.

What licenses are required to operate a hotel in Durrës?

Hotel operations require a business license, health and safety approvals, and potentially environmental permits. Local planning and building authorities review compliance with zoning and construction codes.

Can a foreign investor own land in Durrës?

Foreign investors can acquire real estate through Albanian registered entities, with attention to land use and zoning rules. Direct ownership by foreign individuals may be restricted in certain land categories; consult a lawyer for structure planning.

What is the difference between SHPK and SHA?

SH.P.K. is a limited liability company suitable for smaller enterprises, with liability limited to the contributed capital. SHA is a joint stock company, often used for larger investments and share transactions.

How long does it take to obtain building permits in Durrës?

Building permits can take several weeks to months, depending on project scope, environmental assessments, and compliance with coastal zone regulations. A local attorney helps coordinate all agencies to minimize delays.

What is the difference between a basic license and a sector specific license?

A basic business license covers general operations, while sector specific licenses apply to activities such as hospitality, manufacturing, or fishing. Your lawyer can determine which licenses apply and how to secure them.

Should I hire a lawyer to assist with the setup in Durrës?

Yes. A lawyer reduces regulatory risk, speeds up registrations, and ensures documents comply with Albanian law. They can also manage negotiations with local authorities and assist with cross-border agreements.

Additional Resources

Use these official resources to inform your planning and compliance efforts in Durrës.

• World Bank - Albania overview: Provides context on Albania’s investment climate, reforms in company registration and tax administration. World Bank - Albania overview
• European Commission - Albania: EU relations, reform priorities, and business environment initiatives affecting investments. European Commission - Albania
• Kryeministria (Government Portal) Albania: Official government updates on regulatory changes, investment policies, and public notices relevant to business in Durrës. Kryeministria - Albania

Next Steps

1. Define your investment objectives and choose the entity form (SHpK or SHA) with a local counsel. Plan ownership, capital structure and management rights.
2. Compile required documents for company registration, including director identities, share allocations, and capital declarations. Prepare a clear due diligence checklist.
3. Engage a Durrës based attorney to register with the QKB and obtain a tax identification number. Schedule a kickoff meeting with municipal authorities as needed.
4. Submit registrations and await approvals for licensing and, if applicable, environmental and coastal zone permits. Track progress with your attorney regularly.
5. Secure sector licenses for hospitality, manufacturing or logistics, and complete work permit applications for foreign staff if needed.
6. Draft key commercial agreements, including supplier contracts, employment terms, and any cross-border agreements. Ensure governing law and dispute resolution are clear.
7. Set up compliance calendars for annual filings, license renewals and tax compliance. Review updates with counsel to stay aligned with regulatory changes.