Active or Passive Residency in Andorra: What Is the Difference and Which to Choose?
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The short answer
Active residency rests on a professional activity authorised in Andorra (employee or self-employed); passive residency is for those who do not carry out a gainful activity locally and requires an investment of at least 1,000,000 €. The choice depends on your life plan.
The comparison
| Criterion | Active residency | Passive residency |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Work or activity in Andorra | Living without gainful activity locally |
| Main condition | Work or activity authorisation | Investment of at least 1,000,000 €verified on 09/10/2026 |
| Payment to the AFA | Depending on the case | 50,000 €verified on 09/10/2026, non-refundable |
| Right to carry out an activity in Andorra | Yes, within the authorised framework | No |
| Typical profile | Employee, self-employed person, manager | Retiree, person living on investment income |
| Substance required | Real activity locally | Effective residency |
How to choose
- You work or want to start an activity in Andorra: active residency. See employee or self-employed.
- You live on income or capital and do not want to work locally: passive residency. See passive.
- You are unsure: take the quiz.
The intermediate statuses
Between "active" and "passive", the law provides for other statuses:
| Status | Principle | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Professional with international reach | Clients abroad, refundable deposit of 47,500 €verified on 12/10/2026 | Details |
| Remote worker | Decision of the Ministry of Economy, 90 daysverified on 12/10/2026 of presence | Details |
| Programme for foreign entrepreneurs | One-year renewable permit | Details |
| Scientific, cultural or sporting interest | Recognised talent, deposit of 47,500 €verified on 12/10/2026 | Details |
Durations
A residence and work permit lasts 12 monthsverified on 12/10/2026 and is then renewed; a residence without gainful activity starts at 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026. See durations and renewals.
How to choose
If you work in Andorra: residence and work (employee or self-employed, with a stake above 34 %verified on 12/10/2026 in a company). If you live on foreign income with no place of work locally: remote worker or international reach. If you are retired: residence without gainful activity. Take the quiz.
Work out your own case
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between active and passive residency?
Active residency rests on an activity authorised in Andorra; passive residency is for those who carry out none, with an investment of at least 1,000,000 €.
Can you work with passive residency?
No, not in Andorra.
Which residency is the cheapest?
Active residency does not require the investment of passive residency. Actual costs depend on the project.
Going further
Official sources
This information is general and is not personalised legal, tax or financial advice. It is verified as of the date shown and may change.