Duration and Renewal of Residence Permits in Andorra
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The short answer
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.
The duration table
| Status | Initial duration | Renewals |
|---|---|---|
| Residence and work (employee or self-employed) | 12 monthsverified on 12/10/2026 | 3verified on 12/10/2026 of 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026, then 10 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 after 7 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 |
| Residence without gainful activity | 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 | 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 then 3 yearsverified on 12/10/2026; 10 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 after 7 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 |
| Same, French, Spanish and Portuguese nationals | 2 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 | 3 yearsverified on 12/10/2026; 10 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 after 5 yearsverified on 12/10/2026 |
| Professional with international reach, scientific, cultural or sporting interest, remote worker | According to the rules for residencies without work | Same durations as residence without gainful activity |
| Programme for foreign entrepreneurs | One year | Successive one-year periods |
Renewal conditions
- Permanent and effective residency. The holder must have resided permanently and effectively in Andorra since the start of the authorisation or the last renewal. Absences for holidays, medical treatment, training or authorised business travel count as residency.
- Permanent and effective work for an authorisation that allows work, with some flexibility for holidays, illness or regulated periods of job-seeking.
- Integration. A good level of knowledge of the language, institutions, culture and history of the country allows the next longer renewal period to be obtained.
- Catalan. For residence and work, the quota regulation makes renewals conditional on: level A1 at the first renewal, level A2 at the secondverified on 12/10/2026.
- Public order. The holder must not pose a risk to security or public order.
Refusal and planning ahead
Renewal is refused if the initial authorisation was obtained by fraud, if the conditions of its grant were not met, or if the required Catalan levels are not proven. File the renewal application in good time and keep proof of presence: see effective presence.
Key takeaway
The ten-year regime after seven years (five years for French, Spanish and Portuguese nationals in residence without gainful activity) is a notable advantage for anyone settling long term. It nevertheless presupposes real residency throughout the period.
Work out your own case
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a first passive residency last?
Two years, with renewals of two then three years in the general case.
Do French nationals have a more favourable regime?
Yes for residence without gainful activity: renewals of 3 years and access to renewals of 10 years after 5 years.
Do you need to speak Catalan to renew?
For residence and work, the quota regulation requires 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.