Foreign citizens and companies could be allowed to purchase agricultural land in Albania seven years after the country joins the European Union, according to a new draft law published for public consultation by Albania’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The draft law, titled “On the Transfer of Ownership of Agricultural Land to Foreign Natural and Legal Persons”, aims to establish a clear legal framework for foreign ownership of agricultural land while balancing national interests and foreign investment.
According to the ministry, the legislation seeks to ensure the rational use of land, sustainable development, and increased investment in Albania’s agricultural sector, while protecting agricultural land as a strategic national resource.
In addition to individuals, foreign companies would also be eligible to purchase agricultural land under the proposed framework. The draft notes that branches and subsidiaries of EU-based companies would enjoy property rights similar to Albanian companies, although restrictions would continue to apply to strategic resources such as forests and certain natural assets.
The proposal specifies that foreign owners would be required to use the land strictly for agricultural and livestock activities and would not be permitted to change the land’s designated agricultural purpose.
The draft law also addresses so-called “undivided agricultural land,” which currently covers around 100,000 hectares administered by local government units in Albania.
Authorities would retain the right to impose sanctions or revoke ownership rights if legal obligations are violated.
The procedures, deadlines, and required documentation for foreign ownership applications would later be determined through decisions of Albania’s Council of Ministers.
