“The Mountain Package”: A Golden Opportunity for Investment in Tourism and Rural Development in Albania
Published by: M&E Group Albania
As a proud member of LEA Global, M&E Group Albania is pleased to share an important legal and economic development that opens significant new opportunities for investment in Albania’s highlands.
In May 2025, the Albanian Parliament passed a pioneering legislative initiative titled “The Mountain Package”, aimed at revitalizing the country’s mountainous regions through structured, long-term investment incentives. This law is designed to transform underdeveloped rural areas into economically vibrant destinations by leveraging Albania’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.
What is the “Mountain Package”?
The “Mountain Package” is a national strategy that offers favorable legal and fiscal conditions to encourage sustainable development in mountain zones. Specifically, it includes:
- Full transfer of public land to private ownership for a symbolic fee of just 1 euro, for land used for more than 10 years;
- 10-year exemption from all national and local taxes (including corporate, income, and infrastructure taxes);
- Simplified regulatory and institutional procedures to streamline project approvals;
- Opportunities for public-private partnerships, particularly between local communities and private investors, including those from the Albanian diaspora.
How It Works?
The program will initially target northern territories such as Tropoja, Dibra, Kukës, Shkodra, Malësia e Madhe, and parts of southern Albania with high tourism and agribusiness potential. The legal framework requires:
- Proof of land usage for at least 10 years by local residents;
- A formal business plan outlining development goals (e.g., eco-resorts, agrotourism, organic farming);
- Legal agreements for joint ventures with external investors;
- Monitoring mechanisms to ensure implementation within 10 years;
- Legal safeguards allowing the state to reassess or reclaim land in case of non-compliance.
Why It Matters for Investors and Local Economies
The Mountain Package is a catalyst for development that balances economic incentives with social impact:
- Tax holidays and fee reductions improve ROI and investment viability;
- Clear property rights allow access to credit and long-term planning;
- Increased land value and rural job creation support economic decentralization;
- Local-diaspora partnerships promote knowledge transfer and community empowerment;
- The initiative supports environmental stewardship and the preservation of traditional lifestyles.
M&E Group Albania’s Role
As a firm deeply engaged in Albania’s economic transformation, M&E Group Albania offers full-service support to domestic and international investors interested in this opportunity. Our services include:
- Legal and fiscal advisory on eligibility, compliance, and benefits;
- Development of tailored business plans and project structuring;
- Guidance through regulatory procedures and institutional coordination;
- Community integration strategies and legal frameworks for joint ventures;
- Assistance with land formalization and access to financial support schemes.
We believe that the “Mountain Package” represents not only a unique legal framework but also a transformational opportunity to invest in sustainability, economic growth, and cultural heritage.
If your firm or clients are seeking new frontiers for responsible investment, Albania’s mountains are open—and we’re here to guide you.
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