Albania is requiring transport and accommodation businesses to install POS terminals for card payments, with wider application to all businesses expected by the end of 2026. Transport operators are asking for more time due to costs, lack of fiscalized ticketing infrastructure, and unclear implementation rules, while accommodation providers are more willing to comply but may transfer payment costs to customers.
Albania Mandates POS Terminals for Transport and Lodging Sectors Amid Industry Pushback
Public
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Category:
General information
Views:
54
Content accuracy validation date:
26.06.2026
Content accuracy validation time:
08:20h
The obligation applies to urban and intercity transport, taxis, guesthouses, hotels, and other accommodation structures. It was introduced through changes to the tax procedures law approved in December 2025 and is expected to be extended to all businesses by the end of 2026.
Transport operators are requesting an extension of the deadline, arguing that implementation is currently not possible. They point to several unresolved issues, including the lack of a fiscalized transport ticketing system, uncertainty over who will pay bank commissions, technical difficulties in placing and operating POS terminals on buses, and possible maintenance costs.
The Public Transport Association says that card payment commissions of around 2–3% would be difficult to cover, especially for low-value tickets such as the 40 lek urban ticket. Since ticket prices cannot be changed without institutional approval, operators argue that the state should subsidize these costs or that the implementation should be phased in, starting with taxis and intercity transport before urban buses.
The Tax Administration has stated that there will be no formal extension of the deadline, but that fines will not begin immediately and some tolerance will be applied at the start.
Accommodation businesses appear more open to the new requirement, especially because foreign tourists often request card payments. However, representatives of the hostel sector say that businesses may pass the cost of card payment services on to customers. They also noted that staff still need training to use these payment systems properly.
The measure is part of Albania’s broader effort to reduce cash use, increase digital payments, and formalize the economy. Currently, around 32,000 POS terminals are installed across approximately 143,000 businesses, meaning that only about one in four businesses has a POS system. Card payments have grown significantly over the past decade, increasing from EUR 128 million in 2015 to more than EUR 11.1 billion by the end of 2025.
Other news from Albania
Albania: High Costs and Connectivity Issues Stall Card Payments on Tirana Buses
Public
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
POS card payments on public buses remain uncertain due to high bank fees, POS costs, and the lack of internet connectivity on buses. Banks have confirmed card commissions and related fees, while operators are seeking talks with state institutions and the Municipality of Tirana on possible cost coverage. The main obstacles are the additional costs linked to bank commissions, POS terminal installati... Read more
Albania Reminds Foreign Digital Service Providers of Local VAT Compliance Obligations
Public
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Albania reminded foreign digital service providers that sales of digital services to non-VAT-registered customers in Albania are subject to local VAT rules. Such providers must appoint a tax representative, register for VAT, charge 20% VAT, and pay it through the representative. For supplies to VAT-registered Albanian businesses, VAT is handled by the local recipient through reverse charge. The no... Read more
Albania: General Directorate of Taxes Issues Compliance Reminder for Mandatory POS/POI Implementation
Public
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
Albania
Author: Ljubica Blagojević
The General Directorate of Taxes reminded affected entities that mandatory POS/POI electronic payment acceptance must be implemented by May 30, 2026. The obligation applies to accommodation, transport services, public institutions, and state-owned companies, with non-compliance after the deadline potentially leading to administrative measures. The obligation applies to points of sale in accommodat... Read more
Albania: Cashless Payment Compliance Deadline Approaching
Public
Albania
Author: Vukašin Santo
Albania
Author: Vukašin Santo
Businesses must enable cashless payments by May 30, 2026, to enhance transaction efficiency and transparency. Businesses and public entities subject to the new cashless payment requirement have 27 days left to comply with the obligation to enable cashless payments through POS/POI devices at sales points. The requirement applies to accommodation structures, transport service providers, and state-o... Read more
Reminder: fiscalization and electronic payment obligation for coastal businesses
Public
Albania
Author: Nikolina Basić
Albania
Author: Nikolina Basić
Law No. 79/2025 introduces stricter fiscalization and electronic payment requirements for coastal businesses, mandating POS terminals and setting limits on cash transactions to encourage card or bank payments above defined thresholds. The measure aims to modernize the tourism sector, reduce reliance on cash, and ensure smoother and more transparent transactions, especially ahead of the summer seas... Read more
New document was uploaded: Registration process in Albania
Albania
Author: Vukašin Santo
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of the registration process required for fiscalization in Albania, in accordance with the Law on Invoice and Circulation Monitoring System (Law No. 87/2019). Read more
Subscribe to get access to the latest news, documents, webinars and educations.
Already subscriber? Login