How to buy an apartment in Gjilan from Switzerland, Germany or Austria

Buying an apartment in Gjilan from abroad does not necessarily require the buyer to be physically present at every step of the process. Diaspora families in Switzerland, Germany or Austria are increasingly completing the purchase remotely, combining online viewings, power of attorney and bank payments. Below are the practical steps, from first contact with the developer to registering ownership in the land registry.

Remote viewings

The first step is usually a video viewing. Many developers and agencies offer recordings or live calls via WhatsApp or Viber, where the buyer can see the apartment, the building and the surroundings without being physically there. During these calls it is also worth asking for additional documents — apartment plans, building permits, or ownership certificates — which can be sent scanned for preliminary review.

This online phase lets the buyer narrow down the options before making bigger financial decisions, and reduces the need for multiple trips just for initial viewings.

Power of attorney

When the buyer cannot be in Kosovo in person to sign the contract, the standard solution is a power of attorney (authorization). This can be drawn up in two ways: at a notary in Kosovo, if an authorized person travels there and carries it out, or directly at Kosovo embassies or consulates in the country where the buyer lives.

The power of attorney must clearly define what the authorized person is allowed to do on the buyer’s behalf — for example signing the sale contract, accepting the apartment, or registering ownership in the land registry. The clearer the power of attorney, the fewer problems arise during the process at the notary in Kosovo.

Contract and payment

The sale contract is signed at a notary, just like in any other property transaction in Kosovo, whether the buyer is present in person or represented by power of attorney. After signing, payment is usually made by bank transfer, and ownership is registered in the land registry in the buyer’s name.

For buildings still under construction, payment is often split into stages according to construction progress, instead of one single full payment. This is common practice and reduces the risk for the buyer.

Financing from abroad

If the purchase is partly financed with a mortgage, diaspora buyers usually need to submit additional documents compared to a local buyer — foreign employment contracts, bank statements, and official translations of them. Some banks have dedicated products for the diaspora, while in other cases a co-borrower based in Kosovo may also be required.

The main banks active in mortgage lending in Kosovo include Raiffeisen, BKT, ProCredit, NLB, BPB and TEB. For details on the mortgage process, see the mortgage loan guide.

Terms for the diaspora

Some developers in Gjilan clearly state that diaspora buyers get identical terms to local buyers, including the option of a fully remote process. Fidanishtja Prime, for example, states this directly on its own page — see the Fidanishtja Prime profile for details.

This kind of transparency is worth asking for from other developers too before committing, since not everyone communicates this policy openly.

Mistakes to avoid

The most common mistake is paying before the contract is signed at the notary — no significant payment should be made without a legally valid contract. Another mistake is not independently verifying the documents, relying only on the information given by the seller. It is always recommended to have an additional check by someone trusted in Kosovo, whether a lawyer or a person familiar with the process.

If you are also planning a visit to Kosovo during the summer to finalize the purchase in person, see the summer visit guide for how to make the most of your time.