TIRANA, November 7 – Starting January 1, 2026, the minimum wage will increase to 500 Euros in both public and private sectors. The government will subsidize businesses for nine months to cover contribution costs.

Prime Minister Edi Rama said about 10,600 service-sector employees will benefit immediately from the increase.

According to the 2026 draft budget, the rise will cover 307,850 registered employees in both public and private sectors. The law will ensure that no one earns less than the new minimum.

Rama noted that this is the first increase. During the fourth term, the minimum wage will reach 700 Euros.

The government will support businesses with a nine-month subsidy. It will cover 90 million Euros of additional insurance costs for employees in the private sector who receive the new minimum wage.

/a.p./