So, I’ve been digging around on how to get an Albanian ID card, and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a maze. I’m not Albanian, but I needed this thing for some stuff over there. Here’s how I went about it.
First things first, I heard that if you’re a foreigner living in Albania, you gotta get this biometric ID card. Apparently, it’s way better than the old paper permit they used to give out. I started by looking up some info online. I found out that the ID is called a “Residence Permit for Foreigners.” I needed to get on board with this quick, I heard there’s a 30-day window to get it.
Here’s what I did:

- I found out I needed to use this website, e-Albania, to make an application, so I tried to make an account there. It had a bunch of info on the process, and the fees which was helpful.
- I got all my documents in order. Passport, some photos, proof of why I’m in Albania – the usual stuff.
- I scheduled my appointment online through e-Albania. It was pretty straightforward, just choose a date and time that works.
- I went to the appointment. There was some waiting around, but eventually, they called my name.
- They took my photo, scanned my fingerprints, and made me sign some papers, and payed the service fee.
After all that, they told me it would take a couple of weeks for the ID card to be ready. I got a temporary paper in the meantime, which was good enough for basic stuff. But that was not enough. I wanted to get it as fast as I could. Then I started to think about other ways to get it.
Plan B
Someone told me you can get one from abroad. At first, I ignored this method, but finally I tried this. I checked the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (some long Albanian name, Ministria E Punve t Jashtme). I found some information there on how to do it, but it looked a bit complicated. You need to go through an embassy or consulate. I tried to contact them to find out more. It seems like an option, but I was really in a hurry and don’t want to wait that long, so I started looking for another way. Then I heard about some websites that could help me get an Albania ID Card online, which sounds really convenient.
I found several online providers that offer services to make an Albanian ID Card. I picked one that seemed reliable after comparing a few, and I filled out their online form. It was a piece of cake. I just needed to upload a scan of my passport and a photo, and paid the fee they asked. They promised to deliver the ID card to my address in a few days. Honestly, it was much easier than going through the official channels. And it was fast. I got my ID card delivered to my doorstep in less than a week.
So, that’s my experience getting an Albanian ID card. It was a bit of a journey, but I finally got it. I hope this helps anyone else who’s trying to get one.