Living and Working in Albania: A Guide for Foreign Speakers

If you’ve never been to Albania, you might not know what to expect. But for many foreign professionals — especially those relocating for work — Albania has been a surprising and affordable place to settle.

Whether you’re a Greek speaker moving from Athens, an Italian looking for a new start, or someone joining a remote team in Tirana, this guide will give you a clear picture of what daily life is really like.

A Laid-Back Lifestyle with European Vibes

Life in Albania moves at a calm, comfortable pace. People are warm, friendly, and easy to connect with. There’s a strong café culture, and many locals speak English, Italian, or Greek — especially in cities like Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë.

Most foreign workers find that the lifestyle here feels familiar, but more relaxed. There’s less pressure, fewer crowds, and a growing community of digital workers and expats.

You won’t feel like a stranger for long.

Cost of Living That’s Hard to Beat

One of the biggest reasons people choose to live in Albania is the cost.

Rent, groceries, transport, and dining out are all much cheaper than in Western Europe. Here’s a rough comparison for monthly expenses in Tirana:

One-bedroom apartment: €300 to €450
Groceries (for one): €120 to €180
Local transport pass: under €20
Dinner for two at a nice restaurant: €25 to €35

For anyone earning a foreign salary or working for an international company, this gives you breathing room. You can save more, stress less, and still enjoy a high quality of life.

Internet, Infrastructure, and Remote Work

Albania is remote-work friendly. Most major cities have strong fiber internet, good mobile data coverage, and plenty of coworking spaces. Many apartments are already set up for digital work — and if you need something custom, local providers are affordable and fast.

Coffee shops are everywhere, and the culture is very open to laptop workers. Whether you’re on a Zoom call or just clearing your inbox, you’ll have no problem staying productive.

Language and Integration

If you speak Greek or Italian, you’ll feel right at home. These languages are widely understood — especially in the south, where many Albanians have lived or worked abroad.

Albanian is a unique language, but you’ll pick up key phrases quickly. Locals appreciate the effort, and it goes a long way. You don’t need to be fluent to get by, and in most jobs, English or another European language is what you’ll use day to day.

Safety, Healthcare, and Daily Life

Albania is one of the safer countries in the Balkans. Violent crime is rare, and most neighborhoods are walkable at any hour.

Healthcare is improving, and for basic services, it’s easy to find private clinics with low fees. Pharmacies are well-stocked, and appointments can often be booked same-day.

Daily life is simple. You can get fresh food at local markets, enjoy weekends by the sea or in the mountains, and take day trips to places like Berat, Gjirokastër, or the Albanian Riviera.

Community and Expat Support

While Albania isn’t yet packed with digital nomads like Portugal or Spain, the expat scene is growing. In Tirana especially, there are meetups, language exchange events, and coworking hubs where you can connect with others.

Most foreign professionals say they feel welcome and settled after just a few weeks.

Relocating for Work? What to Expect

If you’re relocating for a job — for example, to join a call center or remote team — most of your transition will be smooth.

Employers or local partners often assist with:

Apartment search
SIM card and banking setup
Residency paperwork (if needed)
Local orientation

You won’t be left on your own. And because costs are low, it’s easier to settle in without needing a high starting salary.

Albania might not be the first place people think of when it comes to relocation — but once they arrive, most don’t want to leave.

You get affordability, safety, good food, friendly people, and a calm pace of life. Whether you’re here for a job or looking to work remotely, Albania offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match.

Curious about relocating to Albania for work?