Residency in Andorra: the types of status compared
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The short answer
Andorra offers several residency statuses depending on whether you work on site, live on income without a local activity, have an international profile or are joining a relative. The right status depends on your project, not on a universal choice.
The statuses at a glance
| Status | For whom | Point of attention |
|---|---|---|
| Active residency – self-employed | Self-employed workers, business creators | Prior authorisation and activity project |
| Active residency – employee | Employee of an Andorran company | Procedure tied to the employer |
| Passive residency | Resident without a gainful activity in Andorra | Financial conditions and effective presence |
| Liberal profession / international projection | Professional working for an international clientele | Assessed case by case |
| Cultural, scientific or sporting interest | Artists, researchers, sportspeople | Interest to be demonstrated in the file |
| Family reunification | Spouse, children of a resident | Depends on the resident's status |
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions in this order:
- Where is my activity? In Andorra: the active route. Outside Andorra or no activity: the passive route or international profile.
- What is my financial capacity? Some statuses require an investment or deposit whose amount is published by the Govern. See the value in force: 1,000,000 €verified on 09/10/2026.
- Who is coming with me? Family, children, partners: these links change the file.
Points common to all statuses
- A file is submitted to the authority responsible for immigration.
- Housing in Andorra (lease or ownership) is generally required. See renting and buying.
- Health cover is required. See health and insurance.
- File fees apply: their amount is set by the administration and confirmed at submission.
- The details of documents, timeframes and costs are in the file guide.
Two statuses that many guides forget
- Residency for remote workers, reserved for people whose work does not require a specific location.
- The programme for foreign entrepreneurs, lasting one year and renewable.
And the duration of permits?
See durations and renewals: initial duration, ten-year regime, Catalan levels, more favourable regime for French nationals.
Active residency in Andorra for the self-employed: conditions and procedure
Active residency for a self-employed person requires a genuine business project in Andorra, an authorisation to practise and a complete residency file. The Govern assesses the project's viability; the choice between sole trading and setting up a company is prepared with a professional.
ReadActive residency for an employee in Andorra: conditions and procedure
An employee obtains active residency on the basis of a contract with an Andorran employer, who initiates the work authorisation. The employee then completes the residency application: housing, insurance, identity documents and criminal record certificate.
ReadApplying for residency in Andorra: documents, timeframes and costs
An Andorran residency application brings together identity documents, a criminal record certificate, proof of housing, health insurance, proof of resources and the documents specific to the status. Timeframes and fees vary: the values currently in force are shown with their date.
ReadDuration and Renewal of Residence Permits in Andorra
A residence and work permit lasts 12 months and is then renewed for periods of 2 years, before renewals of 10 years after 7 years. Residence without gainful activity starts at 2 years, with a more favourable regime for French nationals.
ReadResidency in Andorra for cultural, scientific or sporting profiles
Special statuses exist for people whose presence is of cultural, scientific or sporting interest to Andorra. You must demonstrate that interest through a documented file; the decision is discretionary and taken case by case.
ReadPassive residency in Andorra: requirements, costs and pitfalls
Residency without gainful activity (known as passive) requires an investment of at least 1,000,000 € in Andorran assets, or 400,000 € if placed in the Fons d'Habitatge, and a non-refundable payment of 50,000 € to the AFA. These amounts come from Llei 2/2026.
ReadActual presence in Andorra: 90 days, 183 days and tax residence
Three different notions get mixed up: the actual presence commitment required to keep an Andorran residency, the threshold of days that makes you an Andorran tax resident, and the French criteria for tax domicile. Meeting one does not exempt you from the others.
ReadResidency for liberal professions and professionals with international projection
This status is aimed at professionals whose activity is directed mainly at an international clientele and who wish to reside in Andorra. It is assessed case by case: the administration examines the profile, the interest of the project and its viability.
ReadProgramme for foreign entrepreneurs in Andorra: one-year renewable residency
The immigration law provides for residency for people admitted to the Ministry of Economy's programme for foreign entrepreneurs: one year, renewable for one-year periods, with sufficient means, insurance, housing and 90 days of presence per year.
ReadFamily reunification in Andorra: spouse, children and ascendants
An Andorran resident can apply for certain family members to join them, subject to conditions on family ties, housing and resources. The precise conditions depend on the status of the resident applying for reunification.
ReadResidency for remote workers in Andorra: legal conditions and procedure
The immigration law provides for a residency for people whose work does not require a specific location and who use telecommunications. It requires a favourable resolution from the Ministry of Economy, sufficient means, insurance, housing and 90 days of presence per year.
Read
Frequently asked questions
Which residency status is the easiest to obtain?
There is no universally easy status. An employee whose employer handles the formalities, a self-employed person with a solid project and a resident without an activity meet very different conditions. The right status is the one that matches your real situation.
Can you change status once you are resident?
In some cases, yes, but it means meeting the conditions of the new status. Seek advice before changing your situation.
Does residency give access to the European Union?
No. Andorran residency confers neither citizenship nor freedom of establishment in the European Union.
Is a child born in Andorra Andorran?
No, not automatically. Access to Andorran nationality is subject to strict residence-duration conditions.
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.