What happened?
The Bank of Albania has proposed a new regulation:
Exchange offices will no longer be allowed to process cash transactions above 1,000,000 ALL (or the equivalent in euros or dollars).
What if I want to exchange more than that?
You’ll need to do it through the bank – not in cash.
The transaction must be made via a bank account or electronic payment.
Why was this limit introduced?
This rule aims to:
- Combat informality,
- Prevent money laundering,
- Strengthen control over cash circulation in the economy.
Who is affected by this change?
All licensed exchange offices in Albania.
There are currently around 600 active exchange offices in the country.
What if I split the amount into smaller transactions that total over 1 million ALL?
Technically, splitting transactions may not be flagged immediately, but exchange offices are required to monitor and report suspicious activity.
If circumvention is detected, both parties could face consequences.
Is this rule already in effect or just a proposal?
It is currently a draft regulation, but it is expected to come into force soon after approval by the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania.
Does this also apply to international transfers?
No. This limit only applies to physical cash exchanges within Albania.
Bank transfers to/from abroad are not affected by this rule.
How will exchange offices know if someone is trying to bypass the rule?
They are required to:
- Keep records of every transaction,
- Identify customers,
-
And report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities.
The Bank of Albania may issue fines up to 1 million ALL for violations.
Are there other changes?
Yes, the draft regulation also includes:
- Doubling the minimum capital required for licensing: from 2.5 to 5 million ALL;
- Stricter rules for verifying and storing client documentation;
- Sanctions for any entity that fails to comply with the new rules.
📌 Information based on the draft regulation proposed by the Bank of Albania regarding foreign exchange offices (Maj 2025).