Includes how foreign exchange is managed and implications for U.S. business.
Last Published: 8/23/2019

There are no foreign exchange controls in Albania. The Bank of Albania is entitled to impose exchange restrictions for payments and transfers for capital account transactions. Such restrictions can be introduced for a period not to exceed 12 months and extended for a similar period. In 2009, the BOA amended the Regulation of Foreign Exchange Controls, which does not include any restriction over international financial remittances. The export of hard currency by commercial entities, including juridical persons and sole traders, must be done through bank transfers.

Repatriation of income (dividends, royalties, and consultancy services) is allowed if no tax liabilities are outstanding in Albania. Transfers of current international payments (imports of goods and services, transportation, interest and principal payments, and other purposes defined in the regulation) must be supported by documentation such as invoices, certificates, or transport documents, to the transferring bank. There is a limit of USD 8,000 of hard currency and other assets that can be carried across border checkpoints. Violation of the rule is subject to penal charges.
 

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.