How can I move to Andorra?
- elizabethhelenpier
- Dec 29, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 19
The quality of life in Andorra can only be described as fantastic, the tax rates are some of the lowest in the world, and we have premium healthcare and education systems. It is no wonder that Andorra is becoming such a popular place to settle. Have you wondered how to move to Andorra yourself? How to get a visa into Andorra? or what is needed to get residency in Andorra?
Andorra does not offer visas. Instead, it hands out residency permits. These permits give you the right to reside in Andorra with or without working. Depending on the type of residency permit, the requirements to obtain one are vastly different. Buying property is a way to acquire residency, as is opening a business in Andorra. There are also more regular routes to get Andorran residency such as via employment sponsoring. We list below all the types of residency permits of interest to our viewing public:
Passive residencies
D.1.1 D.1.2 D.1.3 D.3.1 D.4.1
Passive residents must spend a minimum of 90 days a year here. You do not pay into the Andorran social security system, and you must pay a €2500 non-returnable immigration fee plus €47,500 bond to the Andorran Financial Institute. This bond is non-interest bearing and will be returned in the event of leaving the country, changing residency categories or death. There are digital nomad options that avoid the need for the bond payment. Lastly, you can opt in or out of tax residency but must always retain a psychical address, whether a rental property or purchased property. See below for more details on the D.1.1 category.
Active residencies
A.1 G.1 J.1
Active residents must work in Andorra to maintain their residency. You must spend 183 days a year in Andorra and you will be paying into the social security system monthly. Depending on the type of active residency, you may or not have to pay a bond to the Andorran Financial Institute of €50,000. This bond is a non-interest bearing one and will be returned in the event of leaving the country, changing residency categories, or death. With any type of active residency, you will become a fiscal resident of Andorra. You must also retain a property in your name, whether rental or purchase at all times. See below for more details on the A.1 and J.1 categories.
D.1 Classic passive residency
The D.1.1 residency category is part of the passive residency group. The Classic Passive residency permit is acquired by means of investment. On top of the immigration and bond payments, you will have to make a 550.000€ investment in one of the following:
- Your primary property that you will live in
- Government owned property for rent
- Investment funds in Andorran banks
- Gold held by Andorran banks
- Government or public company bonds
- Shares in Andorran companies
J.1 Work and residency through company formation
The J.1 residency category is part of the active residency group. To acquire a J.1 active residency permit, you will need to begin by setting up a business in Andorra. Once the business is created it is much like your own business will sponsor you to come and work in Andorra. You will have to pay a 50,000€ bond to the AFA (Andorran Financial Institute) in the case of J.1 residency acquisition as with the above passive residency option. To keep your residency there is no need for any further investment but you must pay 563.42€ monthly (current 2024 rate) into the CASS (Andorran social security system). You must also remain administrator of your business and retain a rental or purchased property permanently in your name.
A.1 Work and residency through job sponsorship
The A.1 permit is also part of the active residency group. You must find a job before obtaining residency for the A.1 permit. The company will then sponsor you to live in Andorra and work for them. You will not pay for any bonds to the AFA, and the CASS (social security payments) will be arranged and paid for by the employing company. You will need to show proof of living space, but this can equate to sharing a property in the case of active residency. You must be employed at all times to retain your residency. The maximum period for unemployment is 3 months. If you surpass the 3 months, you will lose your residency in Andorra upon renewal. As an EU citizen you can change job titles or categories after 1 year of employment. As a non-EU citizen, you must remain in your job category for a minimum of 3 years.
There are various other residency categories including passive residency with company formation, and family reunification permits that we do not discuss above. We have many years experience working on relocation services and can offer consultancy surrounding this subject also. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more detailed information on any category of interest to you, or if you want more information concerning moving to Andorra.
