The National Licensing Centre is a new public entity with its head office in Tirana. It was established by the Council of Ministers' Decision on the Creation of the National Licensing Centre (1697/2008). The decision entered into force in January 2009.

The centre operates under the supervision of the minister of economy, trade and energy and financed by the state budget.

The centre will support the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy in the process of preparing the normative and institutional framework for the issue and management of professional licences and permits, through the 'one-stop' system.

The prime minister shall approve the governing structure of the centre upon the minister's proposal. The minister shall appoint the person who shall be liable for the administration and representation of the centre to third parties, provided that all requirements of the Law on Public Officer Status (8549/1999) are met. The provisions of the law shall apply to all officers of the centre.

The initial recruitment of staff will be organized by the supporting bodies of the ministry. Until professional staff have been recruited, financial, accounting and procurement services will be performed by the ministry.

For further information please contact Renata Leka at Boga & Associates by telephone (+355 42 251 050) or by fax (+355 42 251 055) or by email (rleka@bogalaw.com).

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