Over 2 thousand new businesses in February 2026, increase in applications to the Central Business District!
Business registration and application activity at the National Business Center (NBC) has marked a significant increase during February 2026 compared to the same period a year earlier, reflecting an intensification of demand for registration services and administrative authorizations.
According to official data, in February 2026, a total of 13,324 applications were registered in the three main registries administered by the Central Bank of Kosovo, while in February 2025 the total number of applications was 11,397. This translates into an increase of about 17% in the volume of applications. The increase in requests is mainly related to the activity in the Commercial Registry, which during February 2026 alone processed 11,066 applications, while the rest is distributed in 1,180 applications for permits, licenses and authorizations and 1,078 applications in the Register of Beneficial Owners.
The number of new registered entities has also marked a significant expansion. In February 2026, 2,046 new entities were registered, while in February 2025 this number was 1,716, reflecting an increase of about 19% in new businesses. Tirana continues to remain the main center of economic activity, concentrating over half of the registrations with 1,099 entities, followed by Durrës, Vlora and Fier.
In terms of legal form, sole proprietorship remains the most widespread form of business organization, with 1,560 natural persons, while 479 entities are limited liability companies. During February, only 3 joint stock companies were registered.
Economic activity continues to be concentrated in the traditional services and trade sectors. The largest number of new businesses is accounted for by wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair with 536 entities, followed by accommodation and food services with 257 businesses, as well as the information and communication sector with 176 registrations. Construction, transportation and professional services also remain among the sectors with high registration activity.
Meanwhile, the register of permits and licenses shows a slight decrease in the number of new authorizations compared to last year. In February 2026, 179 permits and licenses were registered, while in February 2025 their number was 208. Of the authorizations granted this year, 168 are licenses and 11 are permits, mainly related to health services, auto repair activities, food trade, transport and tourism.
The data also shows a significant presence of female entrepreneurship. During February 2026, 650 entities managed by women were registered, reflecting a growing participation of women in economic activity.
At the same time, 507 entities are registered in the Registry of Beneficial Owners, where the form of limited liability companies dominates with 479 cases, while the rest consists of non-profit organizations and other legal structures.
Indicators for February 2026 show a significant increase in interest in opening businesses and in using registration services at the Central Business District, while the structure of sectors where new businesses are registered confirms the continued dominance of the services and trade sectors in the Albanian economy.
Implementation of JURONIX/Gogu begins: Transparency and citizens' access to justice increase
The Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu, participated yesterday in the activity organized by the High Judicial Council for the launch of the implementation phase......
How did infrastructure projects affect property prices? Areas near major projects benefit from increases of 10-20%
Three major infrastructure projects are expected to have the biggest impact on the Tirana property market over the next five years: the city's Grand Ring......
British Airways reduces service to the Middle East - Operation to Abu Dhabi, closed until the end of the year
Airlines continue to respond to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. British Airways has announced that it is “temporarily reducing” services across the......
Analysis/ Every 1 euro of tourism generates up to 2.8 euros in the economy - "Tourism beyond the beach", Why is every tourist worth more than he seems?
Tourism in Albania is no longer just a matter of packed beaches and full hotels during the summer season. A recent analysis published by ALTAX shows that the......
Report/ Young people live paycheck to paycheck - Cost of living increases financial insecurity among the younger generation
The cost of living continues to be a top concern for young people around the world. According to Deloitte's global "Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2025," rising......
China plans to revive economy with AI - "Using artificial intelligence a high political priority"
China's push to embrace artificial intelligence will create new jobs and boost the world's second-largest economy, policymakers and business leaders said,......
Chevron and Shell close oil deals in Venezuela - Venezuela's National Assembly approved oil law reform.
International oil majors Chevron and Shell are closing their first major oil production deals with Venezuela since the U.S. took over from President Maduro.......
Strait of Hormuz, US eliminates mine ships - Trump: Tehran will face serious military consequences
The US military "eliminated" 16 Iranian ships that were laying mines near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, US Central Command said in a statement. Meanwhile,......
