Embassy of Sweden Tirana, Albania

Pets can be brought into Albania provided that the animal can be identified and that you have a vaccination certificate against rabies and other relevant diseases, the certificate must be issued by a veterinarian. It is permitted to bring unvaccinated animals younger than 3 months, provided that the animal has not come into contact with wild animals and can be identified. Please see the website of the Swedish Ministry of Agriculture and the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

​General information: Sweden’s development cooperation resources are funded through tax revenues. The Swedish Parliament makes decisions regarding the state budget, which includes the funds allocated to international aid. Sweden’s government agency for development cooperation is Sida. The authority to make decisions on behalf of Sida is delegated to the Embassy in Tirana since 2011. The Strategy for Sweden’s reform cooperation with the Western Balkans and Turkey for 2021–2027  is set by the Swedish government: strategy-reform-cooperation-western-balkans-and-turkey-2021-27.pdf (government.se). The yearly budget allocations for Albania amount approximately to 11 MEUR and distributed in 4 main areas/sectors. Agreement partners are public authorities, multilateral organisations, Swedish public agencies, CSOs, etc. The Swedish bilateral reform cooperation is complemented by regional programmes and cooperation through other channels such as Swedish Institute. Through Openaid, you can find all Swedish support globally as well as by country, including Albania. For general information on partnerships with Sida, check here: https://www.sida.se/en/for-partners/partnership-with-sida/

• How the Embassy financially support civil society organisations/CSOs in Albania?

The support aims a balance towards achieving strategy objectives with respecting the independent role of the civil society actors. Considering the nature of the long-term high-level objectives of the strategy, the interventions selected to contribute to its objectives are typically not small-scale interventions. The preferred modality is supporting civil society organisations through other civil society organisations that forward funding to selected partners, provide training, mentoring, coaching, etc. This modality gives access to funding to a considerable number of organisations all over Albania. The Embassy has direct agreements with a few selected organisations whose work match with the thematic priorities of the Embassy. 

• How to apply for funds?

There are currently no open calls for applications. The call for applications is not the preferred method for selecting civil society partners directly by the Embassy. The mechanism of support to civil society aim to encourage collaboration and not competition amongst local CSOs in accordance with the principles of the Sida’ s engagement with civil society. Having said this, Sida/Embassy agreement partners may publish call for applications depending on the needs and the type of the programmes and give possibility to different types of organisations to qualify. Information on call for applications from partners are regularly posted in the Embassy social media. In the framework of projects/programmes supported by the Embassy in different sectors, cooperation with CSOs can be included but with a very specific focus (Community Policing as an example).

• I am an artist, and I would like to share a concept idea on how to fight sexism and violence against women through an exhibition. How can the embassy support me?

The Embassy does not have funds for culture related activities. Direct support to individuals is not possible. However, there might be opportunities for cooperation in Sida funded programmes and which need to be explored by contacting directly with the relevant partners. When there are opportunities for cooperation with various culture related actors in Sweden, they are posted in the Embassy social media.

• We are a group of students with an interest in regional cooperation and exchange on youth issues and plan to organise a seminar on this theme in Tirana. How can we cooperate with the Embassy?

It is not possible to support financially stand-alone activities or events.

• We have heard about the core support programme that the Embassy supports and would like to receive more information about it including how to apply?

What it is? Core support is a long-term and flexible funding to mission driven CSOs’ overall Strategic Plans and operations as opposed to project or programme-based support, which is earmarked for a certain set of outcomes and activities. The Swedish Embassy has started a core support programme for selected Albanian Civil Society Organisations operating in thematic areas of interest within Democracy, Human Rights, and anticorruption. The number of selected partnerships is limited, and this is not the only mechanism for support to civil society organisations. See also question no.1.

What type of organizations are considered? Formally registered Albanian non-governmental organisations with a governance structure (i.e., general assembly, supervisory board, and executive director) with clearly separated responsibilities. To ensure that the CSOs have capacity to manage core support, organisational assessments are conducted and are an important part of preparing for core support. Based on identified needs, support is given to the CSOs to develop or further improve the organisational capacity prior to the core support as well as during the implementation. Core supported organisations are expected to have a functioning governance and management structure, sufficient internal policies and procedures and proper financial management and control. Systematic and strategic institutional development is thereby a strong feature of core support. In addition, the CSOs should work in the areas of human rights, governance and anti-corruption, conflict prevention and environment. 

How is the process? There are no calls for applications. The Embassy reaches out directly to potentially strategic organisations, but this does not exclude cases when organisations can directly approach the development cooperation section at the Embassy to present their work. It is strongly advised for the CSOs to carefully read the selection criteria (Annex I) and the principles of core support (Annex II). This enables interested CSOs to make their own assessments of their compliance with the embassy’s priorities and requirements and to decide if it wants to approach the embassy. First assessment/rapid assessment from the Embassy is made of to what extent interested CSOs’ visions, missions and goals coincide with the strategic priorities of the Embassy’s core support programme, together with a rapid assessment of CSOs’ organisational capability. CSOs which are considered strategic for the embassy thereafter undergo an internal control review (a type of audit), possibly complemented by a self-assessment as part of the selection process.

• What kind of other support and cooperation the Embassy has for civil society organisations?

One type of support is sharing information on learning and training possibilities such as International Training Programmes | Sida  which  are also open for non-civil society actors and participants are selected on individual merit-bases. Another example of cooperation is launching of Swedish Institute toolkits https://sharingsweden.se/toolkits/ with relevant and interested Albanian partners.   

How can I learn Swedish?

You can learn Swedish online from anywhere in the world. On Study In Sweden's website you can find a list of links to get you started. You can also visit Learning Swedish – a free language course! If you would like to study in Sweden, you can find more information at the page "Studying in Sweden".

Can I apply for asylum at the Embassy?

Applications for residence permit in Sweden, including all claims that refer to asylum and protection, are processed by the Swedish Migration Agency. The Embassy would like to point out that it is not possible to apply for asylum at any Swedish Mission Abroad and that such applications should instead be submitted directly to the Migration Agency in Sweden or to the Swedish Border Police when entering the country. Furthermore, it is not possible for the Migration Agency to grant asylum to an individual who is not present in Sweden.

Those who are not able to apply for asylum from within Sweden are generally advised to contact the UNHCR or the relevant authorities in their country of residence.

More information about protection/asylum in Sweden can be found on the website of the Swedish Migration Agency.

Can I visit Sweden while waiting for the residence permit?

Applicants are not prevented to go to Sweden, they could use the visa free regime (90 days during a 180 day period). But it is suggested that once they are in Sweden they inform the migration authorities about their stay there, so that the decision is not brought during the time they are in Sweden. Please note that it is always up to the border police if an applicant will be allowed to enter Schengen.

 What is required to obtain a Tourist Visa?

Albanian citizens holding a biometric passport are able to travel freely to Schengen Countries. Use the visa free regime (90 days during a 180 day period).

Why study in Sweden?

The quality of Swedish higher education is high, with many universities ranked among the highest in the world. There are, however, many reasons to study in Sweden, check for example out these 5 reasons to study in Sweden on Sweden.se.

What is required in order to study in Sweden?

If you are going to study at a university or university college in Sweden for longer than three months, you must have a residence permit. The permit must be in place before you travel to Sweden.

For information about studying in Sweden, visit the website Study in Sweden and for information about residence permit for studies, visit the Swedish migration agency's webpage.

Can I move to a relative or family member in Sweden?

In order to join your family or relative in Sweden, you must have a residence permit. Read more on Swedish Migration Agensy's webpage about how to apply for yourself and on behalf of your child.

Why work in Sweden?

The Swedish labour market is one of the most equal in the World, workers' rights are a cornerstone of the Swedish society and Sweden tops rankings in corporate social responsibility. Have a look at these 5 reasons to work in Sweden on Sweden.se!

What do I need in order to work in Sweden?

In order to work in Sweden, you must have a work permit. Read more on Swedish Migration Agency's webpage about how to apply for a work permit or for a residence permit as a self-employed person or a visiting researcher.

How do I apply for a work permit?

The main rule is that you should apply for and have been granted a work permit before entering Sweden. On Swedish Migration Agency's webpage you can find more information and do an online application.