Active residency for an employee in Andorra: conditions and procedure
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The short answer
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.
The principle
Active residency as an employee rests on a job offer or employment contract with a company established in Andorra. The company must generally justify its need to recruit and file the work authorisation application. Only then is the residency application processed.
Typical steps
- Find an employer. See working, salaries and Catalan.
- The employer files the work authorisation application.
- The employee gathers their personal file and housing. See renting.
- Filing of the residency application. See documents, timelines and costs.
- Enrolment in social security (CASS). See health and insurance.
- Opening the bank account. See personal account.
The pitfalls
- Housing: the rental market is tight. An employee who has not found housing delays their application.
- French taxation: an employee who works in Andorra but keeps their home in France remains taxable in France. See tax domicile.
- Cross-border workers: working in Andorra while living in France or Spain falls under a different framework, which is not covered here.
Net salary, tax and cost of living
An Andorran net salary has to be compared with local expenses (above all housing). See cost of living and IRPF.
The legal rules for the employee
| Point | Rule |
|---|---|
| Initial duration | 12 monthsverified on 12/10/2026 |
| Renewals | 3verified on 12/10/2026 renewals of 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026, then 10 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 after 7 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 of authorisation |
| First year | No change of economic sector or self-employed work without authorisation |
| Stake in the hiring company | No more than 5 %verified on 12/10/2026 of the capital |
| Catalan at renewals | level A1 at the first renewal, level A2 at the secondverified on 12/10/2026 (quota regulation) |
What the company must prove
Before filing the application, the company must show that its need cannot be met by the domestic labour market and complete the formalities with the body responsible for employment. Applications are processed in chronological order of arrival and fall within a general quota: a complete file does not guarantee an immediate authorisation.
The salary
The salary must meet the legal minimum (1,568.66 €verified on 09/10/2026 gross per month since July 2026) and the contract must comply with the labour regulations. See minimum wage and the net salary calculator.
Family and renewal
The holder may apply for family reunification after 3 monthsverified on 12/10/2026 of legal and effective residence: see family reunification. Renewal requires having resided and worked permanently and effectively: see durations and renewals.
Work out your own case
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Frequently asked questions
Who handles the formalities, the employee or the employer?
The employer triggers the work authorisation application. The employee provides the personal documents and, depending on the case, files or co-signs the residency application. Ask the employer to specify who does what.
Can I change employer?
Yes, but the authorisation is tied to the work situation. A change of employer triggers formalities. Do not resign before you know the consequences.
Do I need to speak Catalan?
Catalan is the official language. Depending on the position, French, Spanish and English are widely used, but some jobs, notably public ones, require Catalan. See the dedicated page.
What social security contributions should I plan for?
Employee: the dated value shown on this page. Employer: the dated value shown on this page.
Can I hold shares in the company that employs me?
Yes, but no more than 5 % of the capital for an employee residence and work authorisation.
What level of Catalan is required?
According to the quota regulation: level A1 at the first renewal, level A2 at the second.
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.