Albania
Mediterranean-climate country with great beaches and vistas
- Locations: Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Shkoder
- Living Costs: Far lower than U.S. average
- Healthcare: Adequate
- Gaining Right to Stay: Relatively easy
Long past its isolationist Communist background, Albania is a NATO member sitting east across the Adriatic Sea from the heel of Italy. It offers a Mediterranean climate, scenic beaches and mountains, and a cost of living half the U.S. average. The government is stable, and serious crime is low. Healthcare is merely adequate (but getting better) with some patients still preferring to consult specialists in Italy. Private health insurance is a must. English is spoken, but not everywhere. There is no tax treaty with the U.S. barring double taxation, but Albania doesn’t tax pension income of foreigners. A D Long Stay Visa leading to a retirement visa requires a showing of about $17,500 in annual pension income. On the downside, flights to the U.S. require a change somewhere, and storm flooding can be a problem. Popular retirement locations include the capital Tirana, the coastal towns of Durrës and Vlorë, and the mountain town of Shkoder.
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