For Albanians, emigration is not simply an economic phenomenon. It is part of our modern history, family narratives, and collective identity. For decades, hundreds of thousands of Albanians have built their lives far from their homeland, but without ever losing touch with their families, communities, and Albania.

Today, this connection is stronger than ever.

According to recent estimates, around 2.25 million Albanians live abroad, representing almost half of Albanian citizens worldwide. They live in Italy, Greece, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States and many other countries, but continue to be an active part of the social, economic and cultural life of their country.

One of the most tangible ways through which this connection is expressed is through the sending of remittances.

During 2024 alone, Albanians abroad brought over 1 billion euros in remittances to Albania, the highest level ever recorded, while the positive trend has continued during 2025. These funds support thousands of families, finance children's education, health expenses, investments in housing or small businesses, and contribute directly to the country's economic development.

But remittances are not simply financial transfers.
Over 1 billion euros a year is not just money moving from one country to another. It is the most tangible proof of Albanians' connection to their families and country, wherever they live.

An impact that goes beyond the economy

Emigration has often been seen as a loss of human capital. However, today's reality shows that the Albanian diaspora represents much more than the departure of people from the country.

In addition to financial support, Albanians living abroad bring new knowledge, professional experience, successful business models, international contacts and innovative ideas. They contribute to the development of entrepreneurship, education, technology and culture, creating what economists call “brain gain” – the return of knowledge and experience to the country of origin.

At the same time, the Albanian diaspora continues to be one of the most important factors in promoting Albania in the world, building bridges of cooperation between the countries where they live and their country of origin.

Connections that are not separated by distance

Although they live far away, Albanians continue to celebrate the same holidays, preserve family traditions, speak Albanian with their children, and support causes that affect the Albanian community.

Every summer, thousands of families return to Albania to spend the holidays with relatives. Diaspora organizations support educational, cultural and social projects. Albanians abroad mobilize for humanitarian aid in cases of natural disasters, support community initiatives and contribute to the promotion of Albanian culture in the international arena.

In an increasingly connected world, technology has played a key role in strengthening these relationships. Today, a video call can bring families together across continents, while digital platforms and modern financial services enable financial support to reach relatives in minutes.

Technology has not eliminated geographical distance, but it has made it much less sensitive.

A new reality for Albania

While Albania has been largely a country of emigration for decades, a new reality has emerged in recent years. The number of foreign nationals choosing to live and work in Albania is increasing year by year, especially in sectors such as tourism, services and construction. This means that, in addition to incoming remittances from the Albanian diaspora, outgoing remittances – the funds that foreign workers transfer to their families in their countries of origin – are also gradually increasing.

This development shows that Albania is becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy and the international movements of people, ideas, and capital.
A thank you to Albanians everywhere

On International Family Remittances Day, we honor the contribution of every Albanian living and working abroad.

Every transfer is more than a payment. It is a gesture of care. A promise that family ties remain strong despite the miles. An investment in the well-being of loved ones and in the future of Albania.

Because remittances don't just build stronger economies. They build safer families, more stable communities, and an Albania more connected to its citizens, everywhere in the world.

And today, thanks to technology, this connection is just a click away.

Jonida Kellezi

Director of the Marketing Department at EasyPay