Which type of residency best suits your profile?
For investors, knowing the options is key. Active and passive residencies are the main ones, each with specific subtypes; however, we will review all types of residencies available in the Principality. Choose the best option for your new life in Andorra!
Active Residency
If your goal is to live and work in Andorra, active residency is the perfect choice. This permit not only allows you to reside in the country but also to carry out work activities, either as a self-employed individual or an employee.
KEY REQUIREMENT
Ensure you establish your residency in the Principality for at least 183 days a year.
Self-Employed or Freelancer
This type of residency is designed for those who wish to establish an economic activity in Andorra, such as opening a business or working independently. Here are the requirements you must meet:
- Previously apply for an administrative authorization reservation with the Immigration Service.
- Obtain the corresponding foreign investment authorization.
- Incorporate an Andorran commercial company or acquire at least 34% participation in an existing Andorran company.
- Exercise management and effective control functions in this company.
- Remain a minimum of 183 days in the country.
- Effectively contribute to Andorran Social Security.
- Contribution of €50,000 to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of authorization.
- In the case of qualified professionals, obtain governmental authorization for the exercise of the profession, register with the corresponding professional association, and accredit the required level of Catalan language, when applicable.
Employed or Work Permit
Active residency for work in Andorra is usually processed through the contracting company, which manages the corresponding authorization with the competent bodies.
Do you want to obtain residency in Andorra by working for a local company?
To obtain an employed residency and work authorization, the following requirements, among others, must be met:
- Employment contract with an Andorran company.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
- Medical examination according to current immigration regulations.
- Submission of required personal and professional documentation.
- Compliance with the requirements established by the Immigration Service according to the type of authorization requested.
Passive Residency
If you are looking to settle in Andorra without carrying out local economic activities, this option is perfect. It is especially suitable for retirees, investors, or those capable of generating income outside the country.
Passive Residency Without Lucrative Activity
Non-lucrative passive residency is the perfect choice for those seeking to live in Andorra without engaging in lucrative activities, being especially suitable for individuals with international assets. The requirements are detailed below:
- Contribution of €50,000 to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of authorization.
- Contribution of €12,000 per dependent to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of the residency authorization.
- Invest a minimum of €1,000,000 in Andorran assets, such as real estate, shares in Andorran companies, financial or debt instruments issued by Andorran entities or administrations, life insurance products, collective investment funds under Andorran law, or unremunerated deposits with the AFA. In the case of real estate investment, more than €800,000 must be allocated per acquired real estate unit. If the investment is made in the Housing Fund, the minimum required amount is reduced to €400,000.
- It is necessary to have economic means equivalent to three times the annual minimum wage for the holder and their dependents in Andorra.
- It is necessary to acquire or rent a dwelling in the Principality.
- A private medical insurance with coverage for disability and old age in Andorra is required.
- The minimum required stay is 90 days a year in the Principality.
Professionals with International Projection
For entrepreneurs and professionals with international projection due to their outstanding value in their field of knowledge, there is the option to choose passive residency. The requirements are detailed below:
- It is a type of passive residency designed for professionals who offer their services internationally.
- It is also applicable to entrepreneurs who wish to establish a service company, such as computer programmers or artificial intelligence consultants, for example.
- The validity of this residency permit is 2 years, with a first renewal of 2 years and subsequent renewals in extensions of 3 years; from the seventh year, renewals will be for 10 years.
- Professionals seeking to adhere to this type of residency must provide proof of sufficient income.
- Deposit of €50,000 with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of the residency authorization.
- It is necessary to have a rental contract or deed of purchase for a property.
- A minimum stay of 90 days in Andorra each year is established.
- Entrepreneurs and professionals with international projection must generate at least 85% of their income in foreign countries, with a maximum of 15% in Andorra.
- The main headquarters of the economic activity must be located in Andorra.
Scientific, Sports, or Cultural Interest
Passive residency in Andorra for professionals in culture, art, science, or sport must meet the requirements according to Andorran legislation:
- Possess honorary titles, awards, or international recognition in their scientific, cultural, artistic, or sports field.
- Transfer effective residency to Andorra.
- Have a minimum stay of 90 days per year in Andorra.
- The initial residency permit is for 2 years, the second renewal for 3 years, and subsequent renewals every 10 years.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Rental contract or purchase deed for a property in Andorra.
- Proof of having sufficient financial resources.
- Contribution of €50,000 to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of authorization.
- Contribution of €12,000 per dependent to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), non-refundable except in case of denial of the residency authorization.
Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
Andorra’s new Digital Economy Law promotes economic activities in the digital space. Are you a digital nomad or an entrepreneur looking to work online? This is your path.
Key aspects:
Establish your main and effective residency in the Principality of Andorra for at least 90 days a year.
Residency for Digital Nomads
These types of authorizations allow for the development of professional activities remotely and digitally, providing added value to users in a delocalized manner.
Highlighting the focus on digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation, the requirements for obtaining this permit are detailed below:
- Obtain a favorable resolution from the ministry in charge of the economy to be considered a “digital nomad.”
- Accredit sufficient economic means.
- Justify and maintain valid coverage and insurance for illness and disability in Andorra.
- Be the owner or tenant of a dwelling.
- Establish main and effective residency for at least 90 days a year.
From this residency permit, new types of workers emerge:
- As an employee contracted by an employer established in another country.
- As a self-employed individual providing services to individuals or entities not residing in the Principality of Andorra.
- As a self-employed individual carrying out a professional activity for the benefit of a commercial company established in another country, in which they have a shareholding or are part of its administrative body.
Residency for Entrepreneurs
A new residency modality is established for foreign individuals who contribute to the development of the digital economy. It is aimed at innovative professionals who do not need a specific physical geographical location and rely on telecommunications and technology.
This allows foreign entrepreneurs to participate in programs promoted by the ministry in charge of the economy. To obtain this, the following is required:
- Obtain a favorable resolution from the ministry in charge of the economy to enter the said program.
- Accredit sufficient economic means.
- Justify and maintain valid coverage and insurance for illness and disability in Andorra.
- Be the owner or tenant of a dwelling.
- Establish main and effective residency for at least 90 days a year.
Other Modalities
Work Authorization Without Residency
Apply for authorization to work abroad for a company legally constituted in Andorra.
Residency for Family Reunification
For family members of Andorran residents who wish to join them in Andorra. Common requirements: Demonstrated family ties, sufficient economic means, and health insurance.
Residency for Studies
Residency for studies, training internships, sports training, or research, valid for the entire duration of the authorized activity.
