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Living in Andorra: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Andorra | Expat Exchange
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Living in Andorra

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jan 08, 2024

Summary: The approximate population of Andorra is 77,000 people. The largest cities in Andorra are Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany, and Sant Julià de Lòria. Expats love living in Andorra for its stunning mountain scenery, its low taxes, and its relaxed lifestyle. People describe life in Andorra as peaceful, safe, and laid-back. Popular foods in Andorra include cured meats, cheeses, and hearty stews. The cons of living in Andorra include the lack of job opportunities, the limited public transportation, and the high cost of living. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, and other expenses.

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What do I need to know about living in Andorra?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Andorra, they said:

"Before retiring in Andorra, expats should be aware of the country's tax system. Andorra has a flat tax rate of 10% on all income, regardless of the source. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Andorra, which is higher than in many other countries. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Andorra, as it is not part of the European Union and does not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with other countries. Finally, expats should be aware of the language barrier, as Catalan is the official language of Andorra," remarked one expat living in Andorra.

How do I meet people in Andorra?

When we asked people living in Andorra about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Andorra often join local sports clubs, such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. There are also a variety of cultural clubs, such as language clubs, book clubs, and art clubs. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and markets. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Andorra," remarked one expat who made the move to Andorra.

What is life like in Andorra?

When we asked people living in Andorra what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Life for expats and digital nomads in Andorra is generally quite pleasant. The country is known for its stunning mountain scenery, excellent skiing, and low taxes, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. The cost of living is relatively low, and the country offers a high quality of life. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the country is very safe. There is a wide range of activities to enjoy, from skiing and hiking to shopping and dining. The country also offers excellent internet connectivity, making it an ideal place for digital nomads to work remotely," remarked one expat who made the move to Andorra.

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Is there a lot of crime in Andorra?

We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:

"Andorra is generally considered to be a very safe country with low levels of crime. Violent crime is rare and the most common crimes are related to theft and fraud. The police force is well-trained and effective in dealing with any criminal activity. The government has also implemented a number of measures to ensure the safety of its citizens, such as increased surveillance and improved security measures," remarked one expat living in Andorra.

Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Andorra accepting of differences?

"Andorra is a small, mountainous country located between France and Spain. It is home to a diverse population of people from many different backgrounds. The majority of the population is made up of Spanish and French citizens, but there are also people from other countries such as Portugal, Italy, and the United Kingdom. People in Andorra are generally accepting of differences and embrace diversity. The country has a long history of welcoming people from different cultures and backgrounds, and this is reflected in the vibrant and diverse culture of the country," explained one expat living in Andorra.

What are the schools in Andorra like?

"The International School of Andorra (ISAND) is one of the best international schools in Andorra. It is a bilingual school offering an international curriculum in both English and Spanish. The school provides a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to secondary school. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and drama. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a particular emphasis on developing the student's social and emotional skills. The Lycée Francais d'Andorre is another excellent bilingual school in Andorra. It is a French-language school offering a French curriculum for students from pre-school to secondary school. The school has a strong emphasis on developing the student's language skills, as well as their academic skills. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and drama. The Escola Andorrana d'Educació Primària is a bilingual school offering an Andorran curriculum in both Catalan and Spanish. The school provides a comprehensive education for students from pre-school to secondary school. It also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, art, and drama. The school has a strong focus on developing the whole child, with a particular emphasis on developing the student's social and emotional skills," wrote an expat with kids at in .

Is the cost of living in Andorra high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Andorra, they wrote:

"The cost of living in Andorra is generally considered to be quite high, with prices for basic goods and services being comparable to those in other European countries. Rent and utilities tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Europe, while food and transportation costs are generally lower. The cost of entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite high, as Andorra is a popular tourist destination," remarked one expat who made the move to Andorra.

"The cost of living in Andorra is generally considered to be high compared to other parts of Europe. Prices for items ranging from groceries and restaurants to accommodation and transportation are higher than average compared to the rest of Europe. The cost of living rises in urban and popular tourist areas such as Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, and is considerably lower in smaller mountain and rural towns. The average rent for a 1 bedroom apartment in Andorra is approximately 600-700 US Dollars per month, and the rent for a nice 2 bedroom apartment is approximately 900-1100 US Dollars per month. The cost of food in moderately-priced restaurants can range from 10-20 US Dollars per person, depending on the location selected," commented one expat living in Andorra.

What type of recreational facilities are in Andorra?

When we asked people living in Andorra about recreational activities, they mentioned:

"Andorra offers a wide variety of recreational facilities for its residents to enjoy. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer, there is something for everyone. The country also has a number of spas and wellness centers, as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, as well as a number of cultural attractions. Andorra also has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from," remarked one expat living in Andorra.

What is the weather like in Andorra?

"The weather in Andorra is generally mild and pleasant, with warm summers and cold winters. The temperatures in the summer months can reach up to 25°C, while in the winter months they can drop to -10°C. The country experiences a lot of snowfall in the winter months, making it a great destination for winter sports. Rainfall is fairly common throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the spring and autumn months," mentioned one expat inAndorra.

Are there good restaurants in Andorra?

"One of the most popular restaurants in Andorra is La Fonda, located in the heart of the capital city of Andorra la Vella. La Fonda offers a wide variety of traditional Catalan cuisine, as well as international dishes. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Another popular restaurant in Andorra is La Pleta, located in the mountain village of Soldeu. La Pleta specializes in traditional mountain cuisine, such as fondue and raclette, as well as a variety of other dishes. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere and a friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Finally, La Pleta de la Massana is a popular restaurant located in the mountain village of La Massana. La Pleta de la Massana specializes in traditional Catalan cuisine, as well as international dishes. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends and family," said one expat living in Andorra.

Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Andorra?

"People living in Andorra typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops. Many of these stores are located in the capital city of Andorra la Vella, as well as in the other towns and villages throughout the country. Additionally, there are a number of online retailers that offer delivery services to Andorra," commented one expat who moved to Andorra.

What are the visa & residency requirements 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," mentioned an expat living in Andorra.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Andorra?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Andorra are generally considered to be quite expensive. The cost of medical care is higher than in many other countries, and the cost of health insurance can be quite high. However, the quality of care is generally very good, and the government provides subsidies to help make healthcare more affordable for those who need it," said an expat in Andorra.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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