Obtaining Residency in Andorra
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Residency in Andorra 2025
All the options for living legally in Andorra
Discover all the requirements, timelines, and costs for each type of residency permit. This complete guide contains all the verified and updated information to make your immigration process to Andorra in 2025 a success.
💼 Types of Active Residency in Andorra: 2025 Requirements
Active Residency for the Self-Employed
The main pathway for entrepreneurs, business owners, and freelancers who wish to establish their business and obtain tax residency in Andorra.
- ✓Incorporate a Company: Create an Andorran company where you serve as a director.
- ✓Shareholding: Own at least 34% of the company’s share capital and serve as a director.
- ✓Deposit with the AFA: A bond of €50,000 (refundable upon relinquishing residency). Exceptions apply for digital nomads and qualified professionals.
- ✓Minimum Stay: Reside effectively for 183 days a year in the country.
- ✓CASS Contributions: Register and contribute to the Andorran social security system (CASS).
Active Residency for Employees
This is the option for those who have a firm job offer from an Andorran company, representing the most direct way to reside legally as an employee.
- ✓Employment Contract: Present a formal employment contract with a local company.
- ✓Company Registration: The hiring company must be registered and in good standing in Andorra.
- ✓Medical Examination: Pass the official medical examination from the immigration service.
- ✓Minimum Stay: This implies tax residency, meaning a minimum of 183 days per year.
- ✓Simplified Process: The employing company usually handles most of the application process.
🏡 Types of Passive Residency: How to Live in Andorra Without Working
Passive Residency for Investors
Designed for individuals who wish to reside in Andorra without engaging in professional activity and have a high net worth to invest.
- ✓Main Investment: Invest a minimum of €600,000 in Andorran assets.
- ✓AFA Deposit: A non-interest-bearing bond of €47,500 (+ €9,500 for each dependent).
- ✓Minimum Stay: Flexible residency requiring only 90 days a year.
- ✓Financial Solvency: Prove income exceeding 300% of the minimum wage.
Residency for Scientific, Cultural, or Sporting Interest
An exclusive pathway for scientists, artists, or elite athletes with international recognition and prominence.
- ✓No Investment Required: This category is exempt from the €600,000 investment requirement.
- ✓AFA Deposit: The bond of €47,500 (+ €9,500 per dependent) is still required.
- ✓Recognition: Prove an internationally recognized track record and merits.
- ✓Minimum Stay: Only a stay of 90 days per year is required.
- ✓Main Activity Abroad: 85% of professional activity must be conducted outside of Andorra.
🗓️ Timelines for Renewing Your Residency Permit in Andorra
Obtaining the permit is just the first step. To maintain your legal status in the Principality, it’s crucial to understand the process and timelines for renewing residency in Andorra. The standard cycle is as follows:
- 1First Permit: Valid for the first year.
- 2First Renewal: Valid for two years (covers the 2nd and 3rd year).
- 3Second Renewal: Valid for another two years (covers the 4th and 5th year).
- 4Third Renewal: Valid for ten consecutive years.
Important: To secure each renewal, it is essential to continue meeting the original requirements for your residency (minimum stay, CASS contributions, etc.), be current on all payments to the administration, and have a clean criminal record. Starting from the first renewal, you must demonstrate a minimum level of integration, which includes a basic level of Catalan.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Obtaining Residency in Andorra
What is the total cost to obtain residency in Andorra?
The total cost of residency in Andorra varies significantly depending on the type. For an active self-employment residency, the main investment is the refundable bond of €50,000 with the AFA. To this, you must add the costs of company incorporation, government fees, and professional service fees, which can amount to between €5,000 and €8,000. In the case of a passive residency, a minimum investment of €600,000 in Andorran assets is required, in addition to a refundable bond of €47,500.
Do I need to speak Catalan to get the residency permit?
No, it is not a requirement to speak Catalan to obtain the first residency permit. However, for permit renewals (starting from the first year), the Andorran government requires a minimum level of integration. This involves taking a Catalan course of 30 hours or passing a basic level exam. The goal is to encourage the cultural and linguistic integration of new residents.
What health coverage will I have with Andorran residency?
Health coverage in Andorra is managed through the Andorran Social Security Fund (CASS). Active residents (self-employed or employees) are required to contribute and have full access to the system. The CASS generally covers 75% of medical expenses and up to 90% in case of hospitalization. Passive residents must purchase private health insurance that offers coverage equivalent to that of the CASS in Andorra.
What documents are essential to start the process?
Regardless of the type of residency, there are a number of mandatory documents. The most important are: a valid passport, a criminal record certificate from your country of origin and last countries of residence (it must be apostilled), a marital status certificate, and passport-sized photos. For passive residencies, proof of income and investment are added, while for active residencies, the documentation of the newly formed company is required.
Can I travel freely through Europe with Andorran residency?
Yes, but with some nuances. Andorra is not part of the Schengen Area, but it has border agreements with Spain and France. The Andorran residency permit allows you to enter and exit these two countries. To travel through the rest of the Schengen Area, the rules depend on your nationality. If you are an EU citizen, your ID card or passport is sufficient. If you are not from the EU, the Andorran permit facilitates obtaining a multiple-entry Schengen visa, allowing you to travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
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