“Vertigo Free Zone – Durrës Industrial Park” is an industrial park operating within the framework of the Technological and Economic Development Areas (TEDA), as regulated by Law No. 9789, dated July 19, 2007, “On the Establishment and Operation of Technological and Economic Development Areas,” as amended. This legal framework outlines the establishment, operation, and regulation of such zones, which aim to promote economic growth, technological advancement, and innovation in line with national strategic objectives.
The activities of Vertigo Free Zone – Durrës Industrial Park are primarily directed towards both domestic and foreign investor companies wishing to engage in logistical, processing, manufacturing, and trading (import-export) activities. The park takes full advantage of its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and the fiscal and financial incentives provided within the TEDA framework, available to companies licensed as “users” of the zone.
What are the steps for obtaining licensure as a TEDA “user”?
In accordance with the current Albanian legal framework, the term “user” refers to a physical or legal person, whether domestic or foreign, who engages in economic activities within a Technological and Economic Development Area. The following conditions must be met to obtain such licensure:
- First Condition: Establishment of a New Entity within the Zone To be granted TEDA user licensure, the entity must establish a new business within the TEDA zone. The mere relocation of an existing business from outside the zone in order to benefit from tax incentives is not permitted, as this may lead to exclusion from the fiscal advantages offered by the zone.
- Second Condition: Legality and Alignment with TEDA Objectives The activity to be carried out within the zone must be lawful and in compliance with Albanian legislation, while also being consistent with the goals of TEDA. These goals include, but are not limited to, the promotion of new industries, clean technologies, energy efficiency, and technological innovation.
Licensing Procedure
Licensing as a TEDA user is issued by the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation. The process begins with the submission of a formal request by the candidate seeking approval to operate as a user. The following documentation must accompany the application for user approval:
- Agreement between the developer and the candidate for user status;
- A detailed business plan outlining the intended activities, clearly describing the employment plan, investment plan, and key performance indicators to be achieved. The business plan should emphasize the promotion of new industries, innovative technologies, industries that meet international pollution control standards, energy-efficient industries, and industries with high labor productivity, provided that such activities do not have a material adverse effect on local market activities.
In the case where the candidate for user status is already a registered physical or legal person operating outside the TEDA zone, the following additional documents must be submitted:
- Extract from the Commercial Register of the entity, including the entity’s history;
- Certification from the tax office confirming that the entity has settled its tax and social security obligations;
- Certificates from relevant institutions indicating that the entity is not under criminal investigation and has no pending legal disputes related to its business activities;
- Certification stating that the entity is not undergoing bankruptcy proceedings and its assets are not subject to enforcement by bailiffs.
Foreign candidates must provide proof that they meet the aforementioned requirements. If the documents required are not issued in the candidate’s country of origin, a written declaration from the candidate may suffice.
The Ministry responsible for licensing will review the application and decide whether to approve or reject the request for user status within 15 days of submission.
Establishment of a Commercial Entity within the Zone
The establishment of a commercial entity within the zone follows the standard process outlined in Law No. 9723, dated May 3, 2007, “On Business Registration”, as amended. The application for initial registration must be submitted electronically via the National Business Center (Albanian acronym: QKB) through the E-Albania government portal. After conducting the necessary verifications in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, QKB will complete the registration within one business day from the date of application submission.
Below is a summary of the key documents required for the registration of a limited liability company (LLC) within the zone, as the most common form of business entity:
Documents Required for Initial Registration of an LLC
| Document | Description | Language | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Founding Act | The founding document of the company | Albanian |
| 2 | Articles of Association | The company's governing rules | Albanian |
| 3 | Authorization of the Representative | Authorization for the representative to apply for registration | Albanian |
For Registration of a Foreign-Owned Company or Branch
| No. | Document | Language | Apostille and Notarized Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Founding Act | English and Albanian | |
| 2 | Articles of Association | English and Albanian | |
| 3 | Authorization of the Representative | English and Albanian | |
| 4 | Foreign Company’s Founding Act | Origin language with official translation into Albanian | + |
| 5 | Foreign Company’s Articles of Association | Origin language with official translation into Albanian | + |
| 6 | Foreign Company Registration Certificate | Origin language with official translation into Albanian | + |
| 7 | Certificate of the Current Status of the Foreign Company | Origin language with official translation into Albanian | + |
| 8 | Foreign Company’s Financial Balance of the preceding fiscal year | Origin language with official translation into Albanian | + |
| 9 | Foreign Company’s Decision to Establish a Branch or a Daughter Company within the Zone | Origin language and English, with official translation into Albanian | + |
“Vertigo Free Zone – Durrës Industrial Park” operates as a one-stop shop service center, where you can not only conduct your business activities but also receive essential support for your success. Tailored consultancy services are available to meet the specific needs of your business, provided by experienced professionals in the relevant fields.
Consultancy Services Include:
- Tax Consultancy: Professional advice on the interpretation and effective use of fiscal incentives, as well as solutions to any tax-related uncertainties;
- Financial and Business Consultancy: Support in financial planning, business sustainability analysis, and the preparation of development strategies;
- Operational Management Consultancy: Guidance on managing and improving operational processes;
- Business Strategy and Structuring Consultancy: Assistance in formulating business strategies and structuring the organization for growth and efficiency.
- Comprehensive legal consulting and assistance: Supporting the client from the company formation stage to legal representation before the competent authorities, ensuring efficient and timely management of any legal matter.