Guide to Residency in Andorra

Obtaining a residency visa in Andorra is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Andorra gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research Andorra's residency requirements
  • Visit the official Andorran immigration website for the most current information: Andorran Immigration.
  • Understand the different types of residency permits: passive (non-lucrative), active (work permit), and self-employment.
• Choose the type of residency
  • Passive residency is for those who do not intend to work in Andorra.
  • Active residency requires a local employment contract or owning a business in Andorra.
  • Self-employment residency is for freelancers or business owners.
• Gather necessary documentation
  • Valid passport or national identity document.
  • Criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any country you've lived in for the past five years.
  • Proof of economic means and accommodation in Andorra.
  • Medical insurance that covers you in Andorra.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Andorran Tax Office (Departament de Tributs i Fronteres) website: Andorran Tax Office.
  • Download and fill out the application form for a tax number (NRT).
  • Submit the form along with your identification documents to the tax office.
• Open a bank account in Andorra
  • Choose a bank in Andorra and inquire about the requirements for opening an account as a non-resident.
  • Provide necessary documentation, which typically includes your passport, proof of address, and the tax number you obtained.
• Make the required investment (for passive residency)
  • Invest a minimum of €400,000 in Andorra, which can include real estate, government bonds, or a deposit in an Andorran bank.
  • Provide proof of this investment to the immigration authorities.
• Apply for residency
  • Fill out the residency application form, which can be obtained from the immigration office or downloaded from their website.
  • Submit the application form along with all the required documents to the immigration office.
  • Pay the application fee and any other associated costs.
• Attend the required appointments
  • Go to the immigration office for an interview and to submit biometric data if required.
  • Undergo a medical examination at an Andorran medical facility.
• Wait for approval
  • Residency applications can take several months to process.
  • Stay informed about the status of your application by checking in with the immigration office.
• Register with the Comú (local council)
  • Once your residency is approved, register with the local council of the area where you live.
  • Provide your residency permit, passport, and proof of address.
• Renew your residency permit as required
  • Be aware of the expiration date of your residency permit and the requirements for renewal.
  • Passive residency permits typically need to be renewed every one to two years, while active permits may have different conditions.

Please note that the process for obtaining residency in Andorra can be complex and may change over time. It is advisable to consult with a legal professional or an immigration consultant who specializes in Andorran law for the most accurate and personalized advice.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Andorra?

"Visiting and residing in Andorra requires certain entry requirements for foreigners. When applying for a visa for short-term stays, applicants must submit a valid passport, as well as proof of income, health insurance, and return flight tickets. Tourist visas for short-term stays up to 90 days are usually granted fairly straightforward. For longer stays, applicants would need to provide further documentation that is specific to the intended purpose of their stay. For foreign citizens who wish to reside permanently in Andorra, they must possess both a valid passport and one or multiple of the following: a valid work contract, proof that they are enrolled in a school or university, proof of pension/retirement, proof of financial means, or an invitation from an Andorran resident. In addition to these documents, foreign citizens will also need to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of both Catalan and Spanish. The residency process then requires that applicants be successfully registered with the local authorities in order to obtain the necessary entitlements and permits," commented one member living in Andorra.