Moving to Albania

IMPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

For expat families, the process of moving to a new country, finding a suitable accommodation or good school for their kids is just one of the many things they have to deal with as they prepare to start life in their new environment. Managing the whole process alone can be stressful and time consuming, and so the help of relocation experts is highly recommended. At Move One Relocations we understand the importance of making a seamless transition when settling in your new destination, and are committed to making this possible.

When moving to Albania, foreigners (other than diplomats) wishing to import household goods into Albania cannot be exempted from duties and taxes. They need to pay all duties, taxes and VAT for their goods, and only after receipt of payment the shipment can be customs cleared. The clearance process takes two days and the following documents are requested to be submitted:

• Copy of packing list – the inventory needs to be very detailed indicating customs values as this will be the base of calculation of duties and taxes
• Proforma invoice indicating customs value
• Copy of passport with the possibility that the original must be shown
• Power of attorney for Move One to import the shipment
• Note from hosting company that the shipper will be working in Albania for certain period
• Copy of registration documents of the hosting company (NIPT)

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Returning Albanian citizens are requested to get an approval from the Custom Office for exemption from duties and taxes. This exemption from duties and taxes can be taken only once in a lifetime.

The customs clearance takes two days and the following documents are needed for returning Albanian citizens to import their goods:

• Packing list translated into Albanian
• Proforma invoice indicating customs value of the goods
• Passport copy (notarized)
• Power of Attorney for Move One to import the shipment
• Request for exemption from custom duties and taxes
• Family certificate (original)
• Residence permit (translated and notarized) from country of arrival
• Documents that prove a continuous stay abroad for at least one year, such as lease contract, certificate from district/municipality, declaration from police about de-registration of the address abroad (translated and notarized copies)

In case the request for duty and tax free import is rejected by customs authorities, returning Albanian citizens will need to pay all duties, taxes and VAT for their goods and only after receipt of payment the shipment can be customs cleared.

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Diplomats importing household goods and personal effects to Albania do not need to be present for the customs clearance process. They can import their goods duty free with no bank guarantee or bond. The customs clearance process takes two days and the following documents are requested to be submitted:

• Copy of packing list
• Copy of passport
• Copy of ID diplomatic card
• Power of attorney for Move One to import the shipment
• Proforma invoice with stated value for customs purposes
• Diplomatic protocol from the Embassy

Diplomats importing alcohol to Albania must pay full taxes regardless of their diplomatic status.

Notes

Valued inventory list for items being imported should be descriptive, e.g. double bed set, wardrobe, dining table with six chairs and etc. Home electrical and electronic appliances should be very clearly mentioned along with their serial numbers. It is also suggested to declare low customs value for clearing purposes.

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The following items cannot be imported to Albania:

• Weapons of all kinds
• Pornography
• Narcotics
• Toxic materials
• Radioactive materials
• Stuffed animals

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The shipper is not required to be present at import customs clearance. The clearance process takes about three days for cars.
Documents needed are:

• Certificate of origin
• Copy of passport with the possibility that the original must be shown
• Copy or owner’s drivers license
• Car registration
• Power of attorney for Move One to handle the customs clearance
• Proof of insurance
• Note from hosting company that the shipper will be working in Albania for certain period
• Copy of registration documents of the hosting company (NIPT)

Notes

Only diplomats are exempt from paying duties and taxes, all other individuals have to pay duties, taxes and registration fees for their imported vehicles.

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When importing such items to Albania, the items do not need to be registered upon arrival, but it is recommended to bring certificates of origin for as many pieces as you can. When exporting artwork and antiques from Albania the original paperwork showing that antiques were originally brought into the country is needed to facilitate the process.

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The allowance limit for the import of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes for personal consumption is:

• Alcohol: 12 bottles
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars per person

Duties and taxes are to be paid for amounts exceeding the permitted limit, amount is always determined by customs authorities after checking the shipment.

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EXPORT OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS

Regulations, charges or restrictions may apply to household goods exports as they leave Albania and when they arrive at their destination country. Specialists at Move One Relocations are experts in local rules and industry regulations and will handle your transaction on both sides. At Move One Relocations we understand the importance of making a seamless transition as your foreign assignment in Albania is coming to an end, and are committed to making this possible.

Foreigners exporting goods from Albania should allow two days to customs clear their shipments. The following documents are requested for customs clearance:

• Packing list
• Copy of passport
• Power of attorney for Move One to export the shipment
• Import paperwork from when the goods were brought into Albania
• Note from hosting company that the shipper has been working in Albania for certain period
• Copy of registration documents of the hosting company (NIPT)

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Albanian citizens exporting goods from Albania should allow two days to customs clear their shipments. The following documents are requested for customs clearance:

• Packing list
• Copy of passport
• Power of attorney for Move One to export the shipment

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Diplomats exporting goods from Albania need one day for their goods to be cleared through customs. The following documents are needed for the export customs clearance:

• Packing list
• Copy of passport
• Power of attorney for Move One to export the shipment
• Diplomatic card
• Diplomatic protocol

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The following items cannot be exported out of Albania:

• Weapons of all kinds
• Pornography
• Narcotics
• Toxic materials
• Radioactive materials
• Stuffed animals

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When exporting a vehicle from Albania it needs to be de-registered before leaving the country. Documents needed for customs clearance are:

• Certificate of the vehicle
• Invoice
• Copy of VAT certificate
• Power of attorney for Move One to export the vehicle
• Status of the owner of the car
• Note from hosting company that the shipper has been working in Albania for certain period
• Copy of registration documents of the hosting company (NIPT)

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When exporting antiques from Albania, the original paperwork showing that antiques were originally brought into the country is needed to facilitate the process. Special export permits are needed to export paintings and antiques. It takes about three days to get an export permit. Export of antiques, such as carpets, paintings, books, icons or any other items that are considered to be of cultural and historical value will not be permitted.

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The allowance limit for the export of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes for personal consumption is:

• Alcohol: 12 bottles
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars per person

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