Commercial, Office, or Warehouse Space in Albania for Business

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Albania, a country experiencing robust economic growth, offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves there. Whether you’re seeking commercial space, an office, or a warehouse, this guide will help you navigate the Albanian real estate market and find the ideal space for your business. Discover the best strategies, available resources, and practical aspects to consider for a successful establishment in Albania.

Keys to Finding the Perfect Space in Albania

Finding the ideal space for your business in Albania requires a strategic approach and good knowledge of the local market. Here are some effective methods to conduct your search successfully:

Utilize online platforms: Websites like imobiliare.al or merrjep.al are valuable resources to start your search. These Albanian real estate portals offer a wide range of commercial properties for rent or purchase throughout the country. You can filter your searches according to specific criteria such as location, size, and budget.

Engage local real estate agents: Real estate professionals in Albania possess in-depth market knowledge and can save you valuable time. Agencies like Century 21 Albania or Colliers International Albania have particular expertise in commercial real estate and can help you find opportunities not necessarily advertised publicly.

Explore industrial and commercial zones: Albania has developed several industrial parks and special economic zones, particularly in Tirana, Durrës, and Vlorë. These zones often offer modern infrastructure and tax benefits for businesses. Contact the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) for information about these opportunities.

Network with the local business community: Join business associations like the Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry or the Foreign Investors Association in Albania (FIAA). These networks can connect you with property owners or real estate agents specializing in commercial properties.

Key Players in Albanian Commercial Real Estate

To facilitate your search for commercial space in Albania, it’s essential to know the main real estate agencies specializing in this field. Here’s a selection of reputable players in the Albanian market:

Century 21 Albania: This well-established international franchise in Albania offers a wide range of real estate services, including for commercial properties. Their extensive network and knowledge of the local market make them a preferred partner for foreign companies.

Colliers International Albania: Specializing in commercial and industrial real estate, this agency provides consulting and brokerage services for businesses looking to establish themselves in Albania. Their expertise covers offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.

RE/MAX Albania: With several agencies across the country, RE/MAX offers a wide selection of commercial properties and enjoys a solid reputation in the corporate real estate sector.

Albanian Properties: This local agency stands out for its deep knowledge of the Albanian market and offers personalized service for foreign investors seeking commercial opportunities.

Tirana Real Estate: Specializing in the capital and its surroundings, this agency offers a wide range of commercial properties, from small spaces to large industrial areas.

It’s recommended to contact several of these agencies to compare offers and get a comprehensive view of the market. Don’t hesitate to ask them for references of foreign companies they’ve previously assisted in establishing themselves in Albania.

Leasing File: Essential Documents

To lease commercial space in Albania, you’ll need to prepare a complete file including several essential documents. Here are the main items to provide:

Business registration extract (QKB): This document, issued by the National Business Center (Qendra Kombëtare e Biznesit), certifies the legal existence of your business in Albania. If you haven’t yet created your company, you’ll need to do so before signing a commercial lease.

Tax identification number (NIPT): This unique number is assigned to your company upon registration with Albanian tax authorities. It’s essential for any commercial transaction, including leasing space.

Legal representative’s identification: A copy of the passport or ID card of the company director or authorized representative will be required.

Financial documentation: Property owners or real estate agencies may request financial guarantees, such as recent bank statements or financial statements, to ensure your company’s solvency.

Business plan or activity description: Some landlords may request an overview of your activity to ensure compatibility with the space and environment.

Professional liability insurance: Although not always mandatory, proof of insurance may be requested by the property owner.

It’s important to note that all official documents must be in Albanian or accompanied by a certified translation. Additionally, depending on your business activity, specific permits may be required, particularly for regulated sectors like food service or retail.

Leasing Budget: How Much Does Professional Space Cost in Albania?

The cost of leasing commercial space in Albania varies considerably depending on several factors, particularly location, size, and property quality. Here’s an overview of price trends in the Albanian market:

Offices in central Tirana: In the capital, prices for quality offices can range between 10 and 20 euros per square meter per month. Premium spaces in new developments in the business district can reach 25 euros/m²/month[1][2].

Commercial spaces in city centers: For prime locations on Tirana’s shopping streets, rents can range from 30 to 60 euros/m²/month, or even more for the most sought-after locations[3].

Industrial zones and warehouses: In peripheral areas of Tirana or near Durrës, warehouses and industrial spaces typically rent for between 3 and 8 euros/m²/month, depending on facility quality[4].

Secondary cities: In cities like Vlorë, Shkodër, or Elbasan, prices are generally 30 to 50% lower than in the capital, offering interesting opportunities for businesses looking to optimize costs.

It’s important to note that these prices are indicative and may vary depending on negotiation and specific lease conditions. Additionally, you need to consider additional charges that may include:

• Condominium fees for office buildings
• Local property taxes
• Utility costs (electricity, water, internet) which are often the tenant’s responsibility

Finally, it’s common in Albania to have to pay a security deposit equivalent to 2 or 3 months’ rent when signing the lease.

Albanian Cities Offering the Best Value for Money

For businesses looking to establish themselves in Albania while optimizing costs, certain cities offer particularly interesting opportunities. Here’s an overview of the most promising destinations:

Durrës: The country’s second-largest city and main seaport, Durrës offers an attractive combination of modern infrastructure and competitive costs. Proximity to the port and Tirana airport makes it a smart choice for import-export focused businesses. Rents there are about 30% cheaper than in Tirana, with particularly affordable industrial spaces.

Vlorë: This coastal city experiencing tourist growth presents interesting opportunities, particularly for businesses related to tourism or services. Commercial real estate prices there remain attractive, with rents potentially up to 40% lower than in the capital.

Shkodër: Located in the north of the country, Shkodër benefits from a strategic position near the Montenegrin border. The city offers very competitive establishment costs, with commercial rents sometimes 50% cheaper than in Tirana. It’s an interesting option for businesses targeting the local market or seeking an entry point to the Western Balkans.

Elbasan: This industrial city in central Albania offers opportunities for manufacturing or logistics businesses. Rents there are among the lowest in the country, and the city benefits from good road connectivity with the rest of the country.

Fier: An important agricultural center, Fier presents advantages for businesses related to agribusiness or processing. Establishment costs there are very competitive, with commercial rents potentially up to 60% cheaper than in Tirana.

It’s important to note that these cities, although cheaper than the capital, are experiencing rapid development. Investing now could allow you to benefit from advantageous costs before likely price increases in the coming years.

Establishment Support: Welcome Assistance

Albania has implemented several programs and initiatives to attract foreign investors and facilitate their establishment. Here’s an overview of the main support available for businesses seeking to lease commercial space in the country:

Technological and Economic Development Areas (TEDA): These special zones offer tax benefits and modern infrastructure to businesses that locate there. Tenants can benefit from corporate tax exemption for the first 5 years, as well as a 50% reduction in social security contributions.

SME Support Program: The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) offers grants for small and medium enterprises, covering up to 70% of eligible costs for leasing commercial space during the first year of operation.

Sectoral Tax Incentives: Certain priority sectors, such as automotive industry, agribusiness, or information technology, can benefit from specific tax advantages, including reductions on property taxes for commercial spaces.

Municipal Support: Several Albanian cities offer local programs to attract businesses. For example, the Tirana municipality offers reductions on local taxes for startups establishing themselves in certain developing neighborhoods.

SME Guarantee Fund: This fund, supported by the Albanian government and the European Investment Bank, can facilitate access to financing for businesses, including for leasing commercial space.

To benefit from this support, it’s generally necessary to submit a detailed business plan and meet certain eligibility criteria. It’s recommended to contact AIDA or local chambers of commerce for detailed information about available programs and application procedures.

Expert Tips for Successful Establishment in Albania

To optimize your search for commercial space and succeed in establishing yourself in Albania, here are some tips from real estate market experts and foreign investment specialists in the country:

Conduct thorough market research: Before choosing a location, carefully analyze local demographics, consumption trends, and competition. This will help you identify the most promising areas for your business.

Negotiate lease terms: In Albania, it’s common to negotiate lease conditions, including rent, duration, and indexation clauses. Don’t hesitate to request rent-free periods or contributions to renovation work.

Verify legal compliance: Ensure that the space you’re considering leasing complies with all current regulations, particularly regarding safety and urban planning. A local lawyer can assist you in this process.

Consider subleasing options: If you don’t need a large space immediately, consider leasing a larger space and subleasing part of it. This can offer flexibility for future expansion.

Explore coworking spaces: For initial establishment or market testing, coworking spaces in Tirana and other major cities can offer a flexible and economical solution.

Establish local relationships: Develop a network of local contacts, including lawyers, accountants, and business advisors. Their knowledge of the market and local practices will be invaluable.

Be patient and flexible: The Albanian real estate market can sometimes be less structured than in other European countries. Be prepared to adapt your approach and explore different options.