Starting June 1, the bilateral pension agreement between Albania and Italy has officially entered into force, enabling the recognition of work contributions made by Albanian emigrants in Italy for pension purposes.
This long-awaited agreement, signed in Rome on February 6, 2024, and finalized in Tirana on May 15, 2025, will benefit approximately 500,000 Albanian citizens and around 4,000 Italians who have worked in both countries.
Key Benefits of the Agreement
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Workers will receive pensions from both Albania and Italy, proportionate to the years worked in each country.
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20% of individuals over the age of 67, who have not previously received pensions, are now eligible—some may receive up to €400 per month.
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The agreement also covers:
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Disability pensions
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Survivor/family pensions
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Unemployment benefits
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Healthcare and maternity-related allowances
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Simplified Process
Citizens do not need to handle procedures themselves. The Albanian Social Insurance Institute will process and forward all applications to its Italian counterpart.
Budget Projections
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The initial budget for implementing the agreement is €7.6 million for the first year.
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It is expected to rise to €20.3 million by the end of the planning period, reflecting increasing participation and payouts.
This agreement marks a major step forward in protecting the social security rights of emigrants and strengthens Albania–Italy cooperation in labor and social policy.
