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You need to be 18 years old with an Identify Card to open a current account. *For Albanian citizens 16 - 18 years old – Identity Card (ID), under 16 years old - Birth Certificate and for foreign citizens – Passport.

Thanks. @suroya365  So far I have contacted (personally in Tirana) three banks. They all told me they can't open it unless you are resident. Two more have replied my e-mails with a "NO, you can't".

I know there is a way because if you pay a consultant you will get an account, at least this is what they promise.

Keep into consideration that to US citizen different rules may apply due to agreements betweem USA and Albania.

Any of you knowing how to get a bank account before you get a resident permit? I know it is difficult but probably not impossible.
Thanks.
IT - È possibile aprire un conto bancario prima di divenire residenti in Albania? Se "SI", come? Grazie.
-@fladin

Impossible. Even with a Resident Permit. You need to be a citizen to open a bank account here.

You do not need to be a citizen of Albania to open a bank account.  However, you need to start the resident permit process and receive a temporary permit.  You can then bring this to the bank along with other paperwork.  Once your residency permit comes through, you can update your records with the bank.

Many thanks esnoot.

@esnoot

This is wrong information. You need a bank account to get residency. But you cannot get a bank account, unless you are a resident. The only option is to be a citizen. Don't lie on here. You clearly have never been to Albania.

@fladin

They are wrong. Why thank them for lying?

Dear Nikita, thanks for your reply.

I contacted a consulting firm in Tirana asking the following question:

>>I'm enquiring about the paperworks needed to obtain  a resident permit as property owner. <<

Their answer and solution to get a banking account is the following:

***

By way of introduction my name is Xxxx  Xxxxxxx, I am Attorney at Law and Partner of the firm.

Our office is specialized in assistance to foreigners in Albania with immigration services.

Regarding the residence by-real-estate-purchase please note the following:

1- There is no minimum limit

2- No mandatory stay for this type of permit. It is granted with a duration of 1 year and it can be renewed every year with no problem

3- If the spouse is not owner of the property, they can join through family reunion residence

The process for the business residence is as per steps provided below:

Step 1 - Business registration

Step 2 - Work Permit

Step 3 - Residence Permit

***

Conclusion based on their answer?

I could open a banking account AFTER getting a business resident permit.

    Dear Nikita, thanks for your reply.
I contacted a consulting firm in Tirana asking the following question:
>>I'm enquiring about the paperworks needed to obtain  a resident permit as property owner. <<

Their answer and solution to get a banking account is the following:
***
By way of introduction my name is Xxxx  Xxxxxxx, I am Attorney at Law and Partner of the firm.
Our office is specialized in assistance to foreigners in Albania with immigration services.
Regarding the residence by-real-estate-purchase please note the following:

1- There is no minimum limit
2- No mandatory stay for this type of permit. It is granted with a duration of 1 year and it can be renewed every year with no problem
3- If the spouse is not owner of the property, they can join through family reunion residence

The process for the business residence is as per steps provided below:
Step 1 - Business registration
Step 2 - Work Permit
Step 3 - Residence Permit
***
Conclusion based on their answer?
I could open a banking account AFTER getting a business resident permit.
   

    -@fladin

So why YOU and no one else?

Also, good luck with the most expensive real estate in Europe!

Mine is not a special case. 

True that some nationals (maybe US citizens) can get a different or preferential lane ( as in many other countries non all citizens are treated equal ) but the consultant's answer is the same any EU citizen will get.

About your affirmation:  "Also, good luck with the most expensive real estate in Europe! ".

Are you referring to real estate in Albania?  I hope not.

Best regards.

f

    Mine is not a special case. 
True that some nationals (maybe US citizens) can get a different or preferential lane ( as in many other countries non all citizens are treated equal ) but the consultant's answer is the same any EU citizen will get.
About your affirmation:  "Also, good luck with the most expensive real estate in Europe! ".
Are you referring to real estate in Albania?  I hope not.
Best regards.
f
   

    -@fladin

I wouldn't call being banned "preferential"...

Of course I am. What else would I be talking about?