Albania
A solid all-round choice. Ranked 8 of 40, strongest on affordability, softest on expat community.
1 of 6 axes rest on data we could not verify yet; unverified inputs score a neutral 50 and are marked "partial data".
Key facts
No verified data yet
Visa & residency
Applicants must show annual pension income of at least 1,200,000 ALL, roughly 12,000 euros a year or about 1,000 euros per month.
Pensioners with sufficient stable income and valid health insurance may apply for a residence permit for retirement, applying online through the e-Albania portal with proof of accommodation and funds.
Healthcare
No verified data yet
Albania has a public and a private sector. Public healthcare is chronically underfunded and not recommended for expats, while private clinics in Tirana have improved and handle routine care well.
Private health insurance is essential for expats and is widely available, typically from about 30 to 150 euros per month depending on coverage.
Cost of living
A one-bedroom apartment in Tirana city centre averages about 67,300 ALL per month, roughly 640 euros.
Safety & climate
Albania ranks 36th with a score of 1.725 in the 2026 Global Peace Index, an improvement of seven positions on the prior year.
Coastal lowlands have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters around 8 C and hot dry summers near 33 C, while the interior highlands are continental with colder snowy winters.
Community & language
Tirana's expat community is growing but still small enough to feel intimate, with coworking spaces, meetups and language exchanges, and locals are welcoming.
Albanian is the official language. English is widely spoken in Tirana, tourist areas and among younger Albanians, so daily navigation is feasible without Albanian.
Taxes
No verified data yet
Albania has double taxation treaties in force with the UK and the Netherlands, but none with the US, Canada or Australia.
Compare Albania with its closest rivals
The three countries whose RetireScore sits nearest.
