Opportunities For Expats In Albania’s Job Market

Published on October 31, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Albania, a Balkan country undergoing significant economic transformation, is increasingly offering opportunities for expatriates seeking a unique professional experience. With sustained economic growth and reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment, the Albanian job market is gradually opening up to international talent. This article explores various aspects of employment in Albania for expatriates, from promising sectors to salaries and methods for securing a position.

Securing a Job in Albania: Keys to Success

Finding a job in Albania as an expatriate might seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Networking plays a crucial role in this small country where personal relationships are highly valued. Attending professional events, joining expatriate groups on social media, and cultivating your local network are all effective ways to make yourself known in the Albanian job market.

Proficiency in English is a major asset, as many international companies are establishing themselves in Albania and seeking bilingual profiles. Although Albanian isn’t always essential, learning it can greatly facilitate professional and social integration. Expatriates with foreign language skills, particularly in Italian, Greek, or German, are especially sought after in the tourism and call center sectors.

Online job search platforms like Duapune.com, Njoftime.com, or LinkedIn are increasingly used in Albania. However, directly approaching companies remains an effective method. Don’t hesitate to send unsolicited applications to companies that interest you, highlighting your unique skills and international experience.

Expatriate Salaries: What You Can Expect to Earn

Salaries in Albania are generally lower than in Western European countries, but the cost of living is also lower. For qualified expatriates, compensation can be attractive, especially in sectors with high demand for specific skills.

Here are some concrete examples of salaries for expatriates in Albania in 2025:

• An experienced IT engineer can expect to earn between €1,500 and €2,500 per month
• A manager in the banking or financial sector can receive a salary ranging from €2,000 to €3,500 monthly
• An English teacher at an international school can earn between €1,000 and €1,800 per month
• A project manager in the tourism sector can earn between €1,200 and €2,000 monthly

It’s important to note that these figures are averages and can vary considerably depending on experience, qualifications, and the company. Multinational corporations and large Albanian companies generally offer more attractive packages, sometimes including benefits like private health insurance or housing assistance.

The minimum wage in Albania was set at 40,000 leks (approximately €385) per month in 2024, but qualified expatriates can expect significantly higher salaries. It’s common for companies to offer higher wages to expatriates to compensate for relocation and attract specific skills.

Recruitment Agencies: Your Allies in Finding a Job

Recruitment agencies play an increasingly important role in the Albanian job market, particularly for managerial positions and specialized profiles. Here’s a list of reputable agencies that can help you in your job search in Albania:

• Manpower Albania: Branch of the international group, specializing in recruitment and temporary staffing
• ABC Human Capital: Local agency offering recruitment and HR consulting services
• Adecco Albania: Albanian branch of the global leader in temporary and permanent recruitment
• HR Solutions Albania: Human resources consulting firm and recruitment agency
• Balfin Group: Albanian conglomerate with its own recruitment division for its numerous subsidiaries

These agencies can provide privileged access to unpublished job offers and help you navigate the specifics of the Albanian job market. They are particularly useful for expatriates because they understand the specific needs of international candidates and can connect them with companies seeking international profiles.

Don’t forget to prepare a resume and cover letter adapted to Albanian standards. Agencies can advise you on local expectations regarding the presentation and content of your application documents.

Hiring Sectors: Where Are the Opportunities?

The Albanian economy is undergoing significant changes, with several sectors offering interesting opportunities for expatriates. Here are the most promising fields in terms of recruitment:

1. Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

Albania has become an attractive destination for companies looking to outsource their IT services and call centers. Companies like Teleperformance and Deloitte have established significant centers in Tirana, creating strong demand for technical and linguistic profiles.

2. Tourism and Hospitality

With its Mediterranean beaches and rich cultural heritage, Albania is experiencing a tourism boom. Major international hotel groups are establishing themselves in the country, offering opportunities for professionals in the sector, particularly in management and marketing.

3. Renewable Energy

Albania is heavily investing in green energy, particularly hydropower and solar energy. Engineers and project managers in this field are highly sought after by local and international companies.

4. Financial Services

The banking sector and financial services are developing rapidly, with growing demand for experts in finance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

5. Agriculture and Food Industry

Albania is seeking to modernize its agricultural sector and develop its food industry. Opportunities exist for agronomists, supply chain experts, and food marketing specialists.

Challenges and Opportunities: What You Need to Know Before Taking the Leap

Working in Albania as an expatriate presents both unique challenges and opportunities. Bureaucracy can sometimes be complex, particularly for obtaining work and residence permits. It’s recommended to ensure support from your employer or a local lawyer to navigate these procedures.

Albanian work culture may differ from what you’re used to. Personal relationships are highly valued, and it’s not uncommon for professional decisions to be influenced by relational considerations. Adaptability and patience are essential qualities for success in this context.

However, opportunities for professional growth can be significant. In a developing market like Albania, expatriates often have the chance to take on important responsibilities more quickly than in more mature markets. Moreover, the experience gained in a rapidly transforming environment can be a valuable asset for your future career.

Learning the Albanian language, although not essential in some sectors, can greatly facilitate your professional and social integration. Many companies offer language courses to their expatriate employees.

Finally, the quality of life in Albania is often cited as a major advantage by expatriates. With a relatively low cost of living, pleasant Mediterranean climate, and welcoming culture, Albania offers an attractive living environment that can compensate for sometimes lower salaries compared to Western Europe.