Can you rent a home in Andorra before having residency?

What is possible

Renting does not require you to already have resident status. Many newcomers rent first, get to know the parishes, then submit their application.

What the landlord often asks for

• Proof of identity and proof of income.
• Evidence of the residency procedure under way or of the plan (employer, activity).
• Sometimes an additional guarantee.

The link with residency

The lease is generally used as proof of housing: make sure it is signed, dated and in your name. See documents, timelines and costs and the guide to renting in Andorra.

Why this is the right approach

Renting before submitting the residency application lets you try out the parishes, avoid a purchasing mistake and prove that you have housing. For most residency permits, the law requires suitable housing (owned or rented) or a purchase already under way, to be completed within 12 monthsverified on 12/10/2026 after the application is submitted. A lease therefore meets this condition directly.

The documents the landlord asks for

Proof of identity, proof of income, evidence of the residency procedure or of the plan, and possibly a guarantor. An Andorran employment contract makes an employee's file easier.

The pitfalls

• A lease that is too short to cover the processing of the file: plan for a consistent duration.
• Non-compliant housing that does not meet the minimum habitability conditions required for residency.
• An accommodation address (address of convenience): it proves nothing and exposes you to a refusal.

And for an employee?

The employer can help find housing; see active residency as an employee. For the details of a lease, see renting and mistakes to avoid.