QKB, new business registrations increase by 7.5% in the first 6 months of 2026
The National Business Center (NBC) publishes statistical indicators for the period January-June 2026, which evidence a positive performance of economic and administrative activity in the registers administered by the institution. The data show an increase in new business registrations, an expansion of foreign capital participation, as well as an increase in requests for permits, licenses, and applications in the register of beneficial owners.
During the first 6 months of 2026, 11,567 new entities were registered, or 806 more than in the same period of 2025, marking an increase of 7.5%.
The structure of registrations continues to be dominated by natural persons, with 8,757 registrations or 75.7% of the total, followed by Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) with 2,775 registrations.
By ownership, entities with 100% Albanian capital remain dominant with 10,179 registrations, while registrations of businesses with 100% foreign capital increased significantly by 35.7%, reaching 1,240 entities, an indicator of the growing interest of foreign investors in the Albanian economy.
Geographically, Tirana Region continues to lead with 6,039 registrations for 2026, or 52.2% of the total, followed by Vlora with 1,347 and Durrës with 1,310 registrations. Significant increases were also recorded in the regions in the north of the country, Lezhë, Shkodër, Dibër and Kukës.
In terms of economic activity, the wholesale and retail trade sector remains the most preferred for new business registrations, with 2,771 entities, followed by accommodation and food services, professional activities, transport and information and communication. Strong increases were also recorded in the real estate sector (+35.8%) and transport and storage (+26.3%).
In the National Registry of Permits, Licenses and Authorizations, 897 licenses were registered during the period January-June 2026, while the number of permits reached 124, with an increase of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Type B Environmental Permits constituted the main category of registrations.
Meanwhile, 2,813 entities were registered in the Beneficial Owners Registry, or 7.1% more than in the first 6 months of 2025. Registrations continue to be dominated by LLCs, which represent almost all entities registered in this registry.
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