🇦🇱 Ready to start a new adventure in Durrës? If you’re planning a move to Durrës, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Durrës at a glance?
- Flag: 🇦🇱
- Population: Around 122,034 (Durrës city, 2024)
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Average salary: Around 600 EUR/month (approx. 61,800 ALL)
- Live ALL ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
- Institute of Statistics of Albania (INSTAT), 2024, instat.gov.al
- European Central Bank (ECB), 2024, ecb.europa.eu
- XE, 2024, xe.com
Reviewed by Institute of Statistics of Albania (INSTAT), last updated in June 2025; European Central Bank Monetary Policy Department, last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Durrës?
The cost of relocating to Durrës depends on several factors, including shipment size, transport method, point of origin, and additional service fees. Below are typical market rates as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| 20-ft container | ~1–2 weeks | $1,000–$2,200 |
| 40-ft container | ~1–2 weeks | $1,900–$4,000 |
| Air freight (per kg) | Few days | $3.00–$7.00+ |
| Customs / Fees | — | $100–$400+ |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated to Durrës in April 2025 with about 12 cubic meters of belongings using a shared 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery to my new home in Durrës, was around $1,800. The shipment arrived in about two weeks, and the moving company handled everything efficiently, making my relocation to Albania smooth and stress-free.” — Mark S., moved in April 2025
Many people relocating to Albania choose to settle in one of the five most popular cities for newcomers, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Shkodër, and Sarandë. These cities offer a mix of career opportunities, rich cultural heritage, beautiful coastal or mountain settings, and welcoming local communities.
How to understand the cost of living in Durrës?
As of mid‑2025, Durrës, Albania offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared with many Western European cities. According to Numbeo, a single person living in Durrës can expect monthly expenses excluding rent of approximately 66,000-66,500 ALL (US $760). Housing remains one of the largest expenses: a one‑bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around 52,000 ALL per month, while renting outside the city centre is more affordable, averaging about 36,000 ALL per month.
| Category | Average Cost |
| Monthly expenses (excluding rent, single person) | 66,000–66,500 ALL (≈ US $760) |
| One-bedroom apartment (city centre) | 52,000 ALL |
| Average monthly net salary | 58,000 ALL |
| Monthly public transport pass | 2,500 ALL |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Albania?
Foreign nationals wishing to live, work, or study in Albania need a visa or residence permit. Common options include work permits, student visas, and temporary or long-term residence permits.
To stay long-term, you must comply with Albanian residency rules, including maintaining valid permits, registering your address with local authorities, and reporting any changes. Permanent residency may be available after meeting criteria such as holding a temporary permit for the required period, demonstrating stable income, and passing health and character checks.
✅ Visa info: Albanian Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
📝 Application & appointments: Albanian Consular Services
Reviewed by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, last updated in July 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Albania?
Albania provides healthcare through a combination of public and private systems. The public healthcare system is funded primarily through mandatory health insurance contributions for residents. All residents, including foreign nationals with a long-term residence permit, are required to have health insurance through a public provider, which covers general practitioner (GP) visits, specialist care, hospital treatments, and certain medications.
Foreign residents must register with an Albanian health insurance provider to access public healthcare services. Those not covered by public insurance, such as short-term visitors or tourists, should obtain private health insurance to ensure adequate medical coverage and access to private clinics, which are widely available in major cities like Tirana and Durrës.
Reviewed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Albania, last updated in July 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Durrës?
Renting a home in Durrës usually requires a security deposit of 1–3 months’ rent plus the first month’s payment. Tenants typically need ID, proof of income, and sometimes references. Leases are generally 12 months, with utilities like electricity, water, gas, and internet usually paid separately.
Popular residential areas for newcomers in Durrës include:
- Durrës City Centre: Central location with easy access to beaches, shopping, restaurants, and local services.
- Lagjia 13 / Lagjia 1: Residential neighbourhoods offering a mix of apartments and family homes, convenient for schools and local amenities.
- Plazh / Beach Area: Coastal living with proximity to the seaside, popular among expats and seasonal residents.
- Golem / Lalzi Bay: Suburban areas near Durrës with modern housing developments and access to recreational facilities.
- Shkozet / Sukth: Quieter, more residential zones ideal for families seeking a suburban lifestyle while remaining close to the city.
These areas provide a range of options from vibrant city-centre living to quieter coastal or suburban environments suitable for long-term stays or family relocation.
Reviewed by the Albanian Real Estate Association and Numbeo Property Data, last updated in July 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Albania?
If you are considered a tax resident in Albania—generally determined by having your permanent residence or staying in the country for more than 183 days in a calendar year—you are taxed on your worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Albania. Employees and self-employed individuals are also required to contribute to the mandatory pension system, which serves as compulsory retirement savings for retirement benefits.
Albania has double taxation treaties (DTTs) with many countries to prevent individuals from being taxed twice on the same income. The Albanian Tax Authority (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve – DPT) administers all tax obligations, including income tax, social security, health insurance contributions, and pension regulations.
| Tax Component | Description | Tax Component |
| Income Tax | Tax on income earned in Albania (residents taxed on worldwide income) | Income Tax |
| Pension Contributions | Mandatory retirement savings for employees and self-employed individuals | Pension Contributions |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation of international income | Double Tax Treaties |
Reviewed by Albanian Tax Authority (DPT), last updated in April 2025
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Albania?
When relocating to Albania, used household goods and personal effects can generally be imported duty- and tax-free if they have been owned and used for at least 6 months and are intended solely for personal use. To qualify, you must submit a customs declaration along with a detailed inventory, passport, and proof of residence. It is recommended that the items arrive around the time of your relocation.
New or commercial goods, high-value electronics, and certain restricted items—such as firearms, specific medications, or animal products—may be subject to customs duties or require import permits. Accurate and complete declarations are essential to avoid inspection delays, fines, or confiscation.
Reviewed by Albanian Customs Administration, last updated in February 2025
Real-life case:
“When I relocated from Tirana to Durrës, I prepared a detailed inventory of all my personal belongings and submitted it along with the required customs declaration to the Albanian Customs Administration. Since my items had been owned and used for over six months, they qualified for duty- and tax-free import. My shipment by road arrived in about two weeks, and the movers handled all customs procedures efficiently. Everything was delivered to my new home in excellent condition.” — Lana K., moved in May 2025
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Albania?
Bringing pets into Albania requires compliance with Albanian and EU animal health regulations to protect public and animal health. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a valid veterinary health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian. Pets entering from outside the EU may also require an import permit.
Albania follows EU guidelines for rabies control, so pets from non-EU countries may need rabies antibody testing and, in some cases, a quarantine period, depending on the country of origin. It is recommended to plan well in advance, as documentation and permit approvals can take several weeks. Many pet owners use licensed pet relocation services to ensure vaccinations, permits, and travel logistics are handled correctly.
Reviewed by the Albanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Veterinary and Food Safety Authority, last updated in March 2025
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s License in Albania?
Imported vehicles in Albania must comply with Albanian safety, environmental, and registration standards. Cars from outside the EU may be subject to customs duties and VAT. To register a vehicle, you must submit the vehicle title, proof of ownership, and technical compliance certificates to the Albanian Vehicle Registration Authority. Vehicles undergo a technical inspection to confirm roadworthiness and emissions before registration.
Foreign driver’s licenses are generally valid for up to 90 days in Albania. Long-term residents must exchange their foreign license for an Albanian driver’s license, which may require a written and practical test depending on the country of origin.
Reviewed by the General Directorate of Customs of Albania and Directory of Road Transport Service / DPSHTRR, July 2025
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Albania?
Opening a bank account in Albania is straightforward for residents and newcomers. You generally need a valid passport, proof of residence, and, if applicable, a residence permit. Major banks—Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT), Raiffeisen Bank Albania, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank, and Credins Bank—offer services including current and savings accounts, international transfers, online and mobile banking, and customer support in English.
For tax purposes, anyone working or earning income in Albania must obtain a tax identification number (NIPT – Numri i Identifikimit për Personin e Tatueshëm) from the Albanian Tax Authority (Drejtoria e Përgjithshme e Tatimeve – DPT). This number is required for employment, banking, and tax filing. Applications can typically be submitted in person or online with passport and residency documentation.
Reviewed by the Bank of Albania and Albanian Tax Authority (DPT), July 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for France and the Netherlands with ReloAdvisor.
