Moving to Andorra
Everything you need to know for a smooth move to Andorra, from start to finish.
LIVING IN ANDORRA
Complete Guide to Your Move to Andorra
Moving your life to a new country is a big step. We explain the entire process to make your move to the Principality a success: customs, documentation, exemptions, and key tips for 2025.
Guide Contents
📋 Key Requirements Before You Start
Before contacting a moving company, it’s vital to be clear on the prerequisites. Proper initial preparation is the key to a process without surprises or unexpected costs.
1. Residency Permit
This is the most important requirement. You must have obtained your residency permit in Andorra (active or passive) before starting the import of your personal belongings. Without this document, customs will not authorize the entry of your move under the residency relocation scheme.
2. Detailed Inventory
You will need a detailed and valued list of all the goods you are going to move. This inventory is a crucial document for customs declaration. The moving company will help you prepare it during packing, but it is your responsibility to ensure it is correct.
3. Age of Belongings
To benefit from the tax exemption (franchise), your belongings must be used. Specifically, you must have owned the goods for at least 6 months before the moving date. This does not apply to new goods.
🔢 The Step-by-Step Customs Process
An international move to Andorra necessarily involves customs clearance…
- 1Hiring and Planning: You choose a moving company with experience in Andorra. They will assess the volume, plan the logistics, and guide you in preparing the documents.
- 2Collection and Packing: The professional team packs your belongings and creates the detailed valued inventory (packing list) that will be used at customs.
- 3Customs Procedures: With all the documentation, the company’s customs agent carries out the “import clearance”. The application is submitted to the Government of Andorra and the border crossing is managed (usually at La Farga de Moles).
- 4Application of Exemption or IGI Payment: Customs verifies if you meet the requirements for the exemption (tax-free). If not, the IGI (4.5% of the declared value of the goods) is calculated and paid.
- 5Delivery and Unpacking: Once the goods are released by customs, the truck heads to your new home in Andorra for the final delivery.
✅ How to Save on Taxes: The Relocation Exemption
Andorran law allows you to import your personal belongings without paying the import tax (4.5% IGI) if the reason is a change of primary residence. To benefit from this relocation exemption, you must strictly meet these conditions:
- ✓Have been a resident outside of Andorra for at least the 12 consecutive months prior to obtaining residency.
- ✓Your personal belongings must have been your property and used by you for a minimum of 6 months before the move.
- ✓The transfer of goods must be completed within a maximum period of 6 months from the date you are granted Andorran residency.
- ✓You cannot sell, rent, or transfer the goods imported under this exemption for 12 months following the move.
Attention! This exemption does not apply to certain goods such as alcohol, tobacco, or commercial vehicles. Importing your car is a separate procedure with its own rules. You can consult our guide to importing your vehicle.
📂 Essential Documentation
Proper preparation of documents is essential. Your moving company will provide a detailed list, but it generally includes the following:
- ›Copy of your valid Passport or ID.
- ›Copy of your Andorran Residency Permit.
- ›Consular De-registration or proof of residency from your country of origin.
- ›Residency certificate from the Comú (Parish) of your new home in Andorra.
- ›Detailed, dated, valued, and signed inventory of goods.
- ›Signed customs clearance authorization (provided by the moving company).
🚫 Prohibited and Restricted Items
Not all of your belongings can cross the border freely. Andorra has strict regulations on certain products to protect its security, economy, and environment. It is vital to know these rules to avoid confiscations and penalties.
Strictly Prohibited
These items cannot be imported under any circumstances:
- ✗Drugs and narcotic substances.
- ✗Illegal pornographic material.
- ✗Counterfeit or imitation products.
- ✗Protected flora and fauna species (CITES) without proper certification.
Require Declaration and/or Permit
These goods can be imported, but must be declared and may require special permits:
- ✓Firearms and ammunition: Require prior authorization from the Government of Andorra.
- ✓Alcoholic beverages and tobacco: Not covered by the relocation exemption and are subject to strict quantitative limits.
- ✓Works of art and antiques: May need a permit from the Ministry of Culture to certify their value and origin.
- ✓Plants and plant products: Require a phytosanitary certificate to prevent the introduction of pests.
Expert Tip: Transparency is your best ally. When in doubt, always declare the item to your moving company. They will guide you on feasibility and the necessary procedures. Hiding information can lead to serious problems at customs.