Tirana is Albania's economic heartbeat — the city with the highest number of businesses, the largest tourist inflow, and a population that increasingly prefers digital payments. With the new POS law of 2026, thousands of businesses in Tirana must start accepting POS payments. In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about POS payments in Tirana, the options available to you, and why NextPOS is the best solution for Tirana businesses.
Whether you own a cafe in Blloku, a shop in Pazari i Ri, a beauty salon in the city center, or a pharmacy on the outskirts — this article will help you understand how to accept cashless payments in the simplest and most affordable way.
Why Businesses in Tirana Need to Accept POS Payments
In early 2026, Albania adopted a new law requiring all businesses to accept digital payments. Tirana, the capital and largest commercial center, has the highest density of businesses in the country. This means the impact of this law is felt more strongly here than anywhere else.
The deadlines are clear and approaching fast. Accommodation and transport businesses (hotels, guesthouses, taxis) must comply by May 30, 2026. All other businesses — shops, restaurants, cafes, salons, pharmacies, freelancers — have until December 31, 2026.
But the law is not the only reason. Tourists visiting Tirana expect to pay by card or phone. The younger generation of Albanians already uses digital payments in their daily lives. If your business in Tirana does not accept POS payments, you risk losing customers.
- ✓The POS law 2026 requires all businesses to accept digital payments
- ✓Tirana has the highest density of businesses in Albania
- ✓Tourists and younger customers expect cashless payment options
- ✓First deadline: May 30, 2026 (hotels, transport) — final deadline: December 31, 2026
What Are Cashless Payments?
Cashless payments refer to every payment made without using physical money. Instead of cash, the customer pays with a bank card, phone, or payment application. In Tirana, cashless payments are growing rapidly — especially among young people and tourists.
Types of cashless payments
- ✓POS terminal with card — the customer taps their card on the POS device (contactless/NFC)
- ✓QR code payment — the customer scans a QR code with their phone and pays online
- ✓Phone payment (NFC) — Apple Pay, Google Pay through the phone
- ✓App-based payment — direct transfer through banking applications
Why cashless payments are growing in Albania
Albania is following the European trend of financial digitization. The Bank of Albania has promoted electronic payments, and the new POS law now obliges businesses to offer digital options. For businesses, cashless payments bring concrete benefits: faster transactions, fewer counting errors, less risk of cash theft, and a complete digital record for accounting.
Types of POS Terminals in Tirana
In Tirana's market, businesses have several options for accepting POS payments. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let us look at them in detail:
1. Traditional bank POS terminal
Traditional POS terminals are offered by the major banks in Albania such like BKT, Raiffeisen, Credins, and OTP. These require a monthly fee, a commission on every transaction, a long-term contract, and physical hardware. Installation typically takes several weeks. For large businesses in Tirana this may work, but for small businesses the costs are considerable.
2. mPOS (mini card terminal)
mPOS devices are small card readers that connect to your phone via Bluetooth. They are less expensive than traditional terminals, but still require purchasing hardware, come with per-transaction commissions, and the device can break or get lost.
3. SoftPOS (like NextPOS) — your phone becomes the terminal
SoftPOS is the most modern solution: your phone becomes a payment terminal. With NextPOS, you generate a QR code on your phone, the customer scans it with their own phone, and the payment is processed through Paysera (a secure European processor). No extra hardware is needed, there is no contract, and the cost is just €4.99/month.
| Feature | Traditional POS | mPOS | NextPOS (SoftPOS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | Higher | Medium | €4.99 |
| Hardware | Yes (terminal) | Yes (small device) | No (your phone) |
| Activation | Several weeks | Several weeks | Within a day |
| Contract | Long-term | Varies | No contract |
| Maintenance | Repairs, replacements | Device replacement | None |
| Annual cost | Significantly higher | Higher | ~€60 |
NextPOS — The Best Solution for POS Payments in Tirana
For businesses in Tirana that want to accept POS payments without high expenses, NextPOS is the ideal solution. Here is why thousands of merchants are choosing NextPOS:
- ✓€4.99/month — significantly cheaper than traditional POS terminals
- ✓No extra hardware — use the phone you already have to accept payments
- ✓Activation within a day — do not wait weeks like you would with banks
- ✓First month free — try without any risk before you decide
- ✓No contract — cancel whenever you want, with no penalties
- ✓Cashless QR code payments — customer scans, pays, done
- ✓Secure processing through Paysera — licensed in the European Union
- ✓Support in Albanian — a local team that helps you at every step
NextPOS is perfect for every type of business in Tirana: a cafe in Blloku, a restaurant in the city center, a shop in Pazari i Ri, a beauty salon in Komuna e Parisit, a pharmacy in Laprakë, a taxi moving through the city, or a freelancer working from home — it works the same for everyone.
How to Start Accepting POS Payments in Tirana
Getting started with NextPOS is simple and fast. There is no bureaucracy, no long waits. Just follow three steps:
- Register online at nextpos.al — fill out the form in 5 minutes with your basic business details (business name, tax ID, IBAN, email)
- Get activated — our team verifies your account within the business day and activates you
- Start accepting POS payments — generate the QR code on your phone, the customer scans and pays. Done!
NextPOS works everywhere in Tirana and throughout all of Albania. All you need is a phone with an internet connection and a Paysera account (which can be opened for free online).
Frequently Asked Questions About POS Payments in Tirana
Does NextPOS work everywhere in Tirana?
Yes, NextPOS works in every zone of Tirana — in the center, in Blloku, in Komuna e Parisit, in Laprakë, in Yzberisht, in Kashar, and everywhere else. All you need is an internet connection (WiFi or mobile data). It also works throughout all of Albania — not just in Tirana.
How much does it cost to accept POS payments with NextPOS?
NextPOS costs just €4.99/month, with the first month free. There is no hardware cost, no per-transaction commission, and no long-term contract. Compared to traditional POS terminals, it is the most economical solution on the market.
Do I need a bank account to use NextPOS?
To accept POS payments through NextPOS, you need a Paysera account. Paysera is a payment processor licensed in the European Union, and opening an account is free. You can transfer the money you receive to your bank account whenever you wish.
Is NextPOS compliant with the POS law of 2026?
Yes, fully. NextPOS meets the requirements of the new law for accepting digital payments. By using NextPOS, your business in Tirana is compliant with the law without needing a physical POS terminal.