The number of foreigners working and living in Albania rises, with India and the Philippines leading applications

The number of foreign nationals holding residence permits in Albania rose significantly during 2025. INSTAT data show that there were 32,163 people at the end of the year, 47% more than in 2024.

European nationals continue to make up the largest share of foreigners with residence permits. In 2025, their number stood at around 17,000, or 53% of the total, after increasing by 18.5% in one year.

The largest increase was recorded among nationals from Asia. Their number reached around 10,000, marking a 118% rise compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, nationals from the Americas, Africa and Oceania numbered around 5,250, or 73% more than in 2024.

Employment is the main reason foreigners come to Albania. Residence permits issued for this purpose account for 55% of the total. Family reunification ranks next at 20%, followed by humanitarian reasons at 8% and studies at 3%.

The number of new applications for residence permits also increased during 2025. Compared with 2024, applications rose by 44%.

Among the nationals who submitted the most applications were those from India and the Philippines, who recorded a sharp increase, according to INSTAT data. This development is mainly linked to the growing need among Albanian businesses for workers in services, accommodation and domestic work, including waiters, cleaners, childcare workers and caregivers for the elderly.

Alongside the increase in the number of people holding residence permits, the number of cases of irregular residence also rose. In 2025, 1,900 foreign nationals were identified as being in an irregular situation, compared with 1,540 in 2024.

The figures show that men account for 65% of foreigners with residence permits, while women account for 35%. The most represented age group is 30–39, accounting for 25% of the total.