Albania Phone Number Format (+355): Complete Validation & Area Code Guide 2025

Albania's country code +355 serves 2.8 million users through a modern telecommunications infrastructure managed by AKEP (Electronic and Postal Communications Authority). This guide covers Albania phone number formatting, validation patterns, area codes, and integration requirements for developers and system architects.

What you'll learn: Complete Albania phone number handling including validation regex, international dialing formats, mobile operator prefixes, and API integration best practices.

Albania Phone Number Quick Reference

Albania Telecommunications Overview

Albania's telecommunications infrastructure has evolved from analog networks to modern digital systems since the 1990s. AKEP oversees a standardized numbering plan serving 2.8 million users while maintaining compliance with ITU-T international standards and accommodating regional requirements.

Albania Phone Number Format Structure

Albanian phone numbers follow a structured three-part format balancing regional requirements with modern telecommunications standards:

• Country Code (+355) – Albania's global telecommunications identifier
• Area/Operator Code (2–5 digits) – Geographic region or mobile operator identifier
• Subscriber Number (6–7 digits) – Individual user identifier within the network

This standardized structure ensures consistent routing and enables seamless integration with international telecommunications systems.

Albania Geographic Phone Numbers and Area Codes

Albania's geographic numbering system maps directly to administrative regions, enabling efficient call routing and regional identification. Understanding these area code assignments is essential for accurate number validation and geographic routing logic.

Geographic format: 0AA XXX XXXX

Albania Area Codes by Region

Example: Tirana business number 04 123 4567 becomes +355 4 123 4567 internationally – the leading zero is removed when adding the country code.

Albania Mobile Phone Number Format

Albania's mobile numbering system uses operator-specific prefixes while supporting number portability. Users can switch carriers while retaining their numbers, requiring dynamic operator identification in applications rather than static prefix mapping.

Mobile format: 06X XXX XXXX

Albania Mobile Operators and Prefixes

Important: Mobile number portability enables operator switching while retaining numbers. Implement dynamic carrier lookup instead of prefix-based operator identification for accurate routing.

Albania Special Service Numbers

Albania's numbering plan includes dedicated ranges for specialized services essential for accurate routing and billing:

Toll-free services:

Format: 0800 XXXX
Purpose: Free-to-caller services, customer support
Example: 0800 1234

Premium services:

Format: 0900 XXX XXX
Purpose: Pay-per-call services, technical support
Example: 0900 123 456

How to Validate Albania Phone Numbers

Essential validation patterns and implementation strategies for accurate Albania phone number processing in production systems.

Albania Phone Number Validation Patterns

Core implementation requirements:

1. Storage format: Store all numbers in E.164 format (+355...) for consistency and international compatibility.

# E.164 formatting for Albania numbers
import re

def format_albanian_number(number):
    """Convert Albanian number to E.164 format."""
    # Remove spaces, hyphens, and leading zeros
    cleaned = re.sub(r'[\s-]+', '', number).lstrip('0')
    # Add country code if not present
    if not cleaned.startswith('355'):
        return f"+355{cleaned}"
    return f"+{cleaned}"

# Test cases
print(format_albanian_number("04 123 4567"))    # +35541234567
print(format_albanian_number("069-123-4567"))   # +355691234567
print(format_albanian_number("+35541234567"))   # +35541234567

Validation patterns: Use regex patterns to validate Albanian number formats and prevent invalid data entry.

// Geographic numbers
const geoPattern = /^0[2-5]\d{7}$/;

// Mobile numbers
const mobilePattern = /^06[789]\d{7}$/;

// Service numbers
const servicePattern = /^0(?:800|900)\d{4,6}$/;

// Example usage and test cases
console.log(geoPattern.test("041234567")); // Output: true
console.log(mobilePattern.test("0671234567")); // Output: true
console.log(servicePattern.test("08001234")); // Output: true
console.log(geoPattern.test("011234567")); // Output: false (Invalid area code)

These regular expressions provide a basic framework for validating Albanian phone numbers. You might need to adapt these patterns to handle specific edge cases or additional number formats. A common challenge is handling number portability, which requires regular updates to operator prefix mappings.

How to Call Albania from Other Countries

Calling Albania from USA

1. Dial 011 (US international access code)
2. Dial 355 (Albania country code)
3. Dial the area code (without leading 0)
4. Dial the local number

Example: 011 + 355 + 4 + 123 4567 (calling Tirana)

Calling Albania from UK

1. Dial 00 (UK international access code)
2. Dial 355 (Albania country code)
3. Dial the area code (without leading 0)
4. Dial the local number

Example: 00 + 355 + 69 + 123 4567 (calling mobile)

Common Albania Phone Number Implementation Challenges

1. Number Portability Handling: Number portability allows users to switch operators while keeping their number. This requires you to regularly update your operator prefix mappings. Consider using a real-time number portability database or API to ensure accuracy. As highlighted in the Citation, MNP (Mobile Number Portability) is a significant factor in the Albanian market.

2. International Formatting: Always strip leading zeros before adding the country code. Maintain a consistent format (E.164) for database storage. Handle both local and international input formats gracefully.

Albania Phone Number Regex Patterns

// Comprehensive Albania phone number validation
const albanianNumberPatterns = {
  // Complete validation for all formats
  complete: /^(\+355|00355|0)?([2-5]\d{7}|6[789]\d{7}|800\d{4}|900\d{6})$/,

  // Geographic numbers only
  geographic: /^(\+355|00355|0)?[2-5]\d{7}$/,

  // Mobile numbers only
  mobile: /^(\+355|00355|0)?6[789]\d{7}$/,

  // Service numbers
  service: /^(\+355|00355)?0?(800\d{4}|900\d{6})$/
};

// Validation function
function validateAlbanianNumber(number) {
  const cleaned = number.replace(/[\s\-\(\)]/g, '');
  return albanianNumberPatterns.complete.test(cleaned);
}

> Note: Consult AKEP's official guidelines for the latest numbering plan updates and regulatory requirements.

2025 Albania Telecommunications Updates

Albania's telecommunications landscape continues evolving with regulatory reforms and technological advancements. The Electronic and Postal Communications Authority (AKEP) drives these changes through updated policies and infrastructure requirements.

Mobile Number Portability Evolution

Mobile Number Portability (MNP) enables seamless operator switching while preserving existing numbers. Implemented in 2011 and continuously refined, the system requires dynamic carrier identification rather than prefix-based assumptions in applications.

Network Infrastructure Modernization

Albania's mobile infrastructure shows substantial growth, particularly in urban areas. Recent reports highlight significant improvements in 4G coverage and download speeds, with all major operators launching 5G services in 2024.

Consumer Protection and Tariff Regulation

AKEP implements comprehensive consumer protection measures including transparent pricing requirements and quality of service monitoring. These regulations impact billing systems and customer service applications.

Market Competition and Innovation

Albania's competitive mobile market features three main operators: Vodafone Albania, One Albania (formerly Telekom), and One Telecommunications. This competition drives innovation including eSIM technology, mobile payment solutions, and integrated digital services.

> Info: For detailed regulatory guidelines and market statistics, visit AKEP's official portal: www.akep.al/en/.

ITU-T Standards and Compliance

Albania's telecommunications infrastructure adheres to international ITU-T E.164 standards, ensuring seamless global network integration and consistent number formatting across international systems.

Number Allocation and Management

AKEP strategically manages number allocation to ensure sufficient capacity for future telecommunications growth and efficient resource distribution across operators.

Premium Number Services

AKEP manages premium numbers ("Golden Numbers" or "VIP Numbers") through transparent auction processes and fair pricing mechanisms, ensuring equitable access to valuable number ranges.

Technical Security Framework

Albania's telecommunications security infrastructure combines regulatory requirements with modern technical solutions including:

• Advanced call management: Real-time call blocking and spam prevention
• Fraud prevention systems: Sophisticated detection mechanisms across the network
• Number portability infrastructure: Near-instantaneous database updates and automated verification
• Network security: Comprehensive monitoring and threat detection systems

Future Telecommunications Developments

AKEP continues modernization efforts focused on:

• Infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansion
• Extended mobile number ranges for growing demand
• New service-specific prefixes for emerging technologies
• Enhanced security protocols and consumer protection measures

Frequently Asked Questions About Albania Phone Numbers

What is Albania's country code?

Albania's country code is +355. When calling Albania from abroad, dial +355 followed by the area code (without the leading 0) and the local number.

How many digits are Albania phone numbers?

Albania phone numbers have 8-9 digits excluding the country code:

• Geographic numbers: 8 digits (0X XXX XXXX)
• Mobile numbers: 9 digits (06X XXX XXXX)
• Service numbers: 7-9 digits depending on type

Can I keep my number when switching mobile operators in Albania?

Yes, Albania has mobile number portability (MNP) since 2011. You can switch between operators while keeping your existing number.

What are the main mobile operators in Albania?

The three main mobile operators are:

• Vodafone Albania (prefix 68)
• One Telecommunications (prefix 67)
• One Albania (prefix 69, formerly Telekom Albania)

How do I format Albania phone numbers for international use?

Always use the E.164 format: +355 followed by the area code and number (without leading zeros). Example: +355 4 123 4567 for Tirana landline.

What are Albania's emergency numbers?

• 112: European emergency number
• 127: Ambulance
• 128: Fire department
• 129: Police

Start Using Albania Phone Numbers with Sent

Ready to integrate Albania phone number validation into your applications? Sent's messaging API automatically handles Albania phone number formatting and validation, supporting all Albanian operators and number formats.

Key Benefits:

• Automatic +355 country code handling
• Built-in validation for all Albania number formats
• Support for mobile number portability
• Real-time delivery tracking
• Comprehensive developer documentation

Get started with Sent's Albania phone number support →

> Note: These technical specifications are subject to AKEP's regulatory updates and may change based on telecommunications modernization requirements.