How do I get a residence permit in Andorra to work and live in the country? To move to this place, you must apply for a temporary/permanent residence permit. How do I get a residence permit in Andorra? What are the requirements and rules for living in Andorra? We'll explain below!

There are two types of accommodation in Andorra:

• Active living

• Passive living

Active residence permits are intended for people who intend to work and live in Andorra and participate in Andorra's Social Security and health care system.

Passive residence permits are more suitable for those who earn a living outside of Andorra, but want to live here for part of the year.

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Accommodation in Andorra: rules and types

How do I get a residence permit in Andorra? 

There are several types of residence permits. 

Here are the current types of visas to Andorra:

• Residency in Andorra for investment.

In other words, a passive residence permission without employment. You must confirm sufficient income or assets to exist without a job on Andorra land.

• Residency for scientific, cultural or sports interests. 

This permit is intended for researchers, artists or athletes who conduct non-profit activities in Andorra. A certificate confirming relevant knowledge, such as a university diploma, is mandatory.

• Passive residence for professionals with international business. 

If you do business outside of Andorra but want to live there, this is the permit for you. Your company must be headquartered in Andorra, and you will need to hire at least one person. You must perform 85% of your activities outside the Principality. In addition, you must provide a complete business plan and live in Andorra for at least 90 days a year.

• Residence permit for admission to geriatric centers, medical care or private therapists. 

This permit is intended for health-related areas for individuals who need a long recovery period.

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Planning a long trip or relocation can be a daunting task. Where to start? What is the first step to getting a visa or residence permit? It's easy to get lost in the beginning - especially if you've never done anything like this before.

That's why we recommend using Visit World's guides - detailed step-by-step travel guides that provide basic advice on how to get a visa, permanent or temporary residence permit, and much more. For more details, follow the link.

Active living by setting up a company in the Principality

An active work permit allows you to live and work in Andorra just like any other citizen who registers a company in Andorra or works as an employee in Andorra.

How do I get a visa to live in Andorra?

There are various ways to obtain a residence permit in Andorra. 

One is to work for an Andorean company, the other is to be self — employed and start your own company. The requirements are different for each option.

Accommodation in Andorra: working as an employee

To obtain a residence permit in Andorra, you can work for an Andorran company. In addition, you must establish your primary tax residence in Andorra, which must be valid for at least 183 days a year. 

You must also meet the following conditions:

• Certificate confirming the rental or purchase of real estate in Andorra.

• Provide a complete criminal record certificate from your country of origin and from other countries where you lived.

• Satisfactory medical examination at the Department of immigration of Andorra.

• Autobiography.

• Certificate of marital status.

Living in Andorra: start your own company

Another option that many people choose is to start your own company in Andorra. You can get a residence permit in Andorra in an easy way. 

Requirements that you must meet:

• Set your primary residence in Andorra for at least 183 days a year.

• Become a company director.

• Be the owner of at least 10% of the company created or acquired.

• Certificate confirming the rental or purchase of real estate in Andorra.

• Provide a complete criminal record certificate from your country of origin and from other countries where you lived.

• Engage in self-employed activities.

• Satisfactory medical examination at the Department of immigration of Andorra.

• Autobiography.

• Certificate of marital status.

This residence permit in Andorra is valid for one year, which can be renewed three times for two years. After these seven years, the residence permit is renewed every 10 years. These conditions also apply to permits obtained for employment.

Advantages of living in Andorra

The easiest way to get a residence permit in Andorra is to become self – employed. Active Living is chosen by many people who carry out professional activities at the international level. Obtaining a residence permit in Andorra in this way has many advantages.

Greater profit at the expense of fiscal advantages. Companies pay a maximum of 10% corporate tax, and VAT of 4.5% is the lowest in Europe.

Reduced labor costs and social contributions.

If you work as an employee, you will depend solely on this job to extend your residence permit.

Improve your quality of life, which directly affects the longevity of your life. Andorra has one of the highest life expectancy in the world.

A Quiet Place to live and start a family, the security is excellent.

Effective healthcare system.

Enjoy nature and fresh air, live away from pollution, but without losing the benefits of city life.

Many types of leisure and entertainment.

Live in Andorra, move around and stay free in the EU Schengen area.

Work financially without restrictions.

Active living in Andorra

Active living in Andorra: requirements

Possibility to settle in Andorra with a valid visa subject to the necessary documents:

Criminal record 1 - a clean police certificate from your country of residence.

Criminal record 2 - if you were born in a country other than your current country of residence, you will also need a clean criminal record certificate from your country of birth.

Copy of your passport-take your passport on your first visit to Andorra, or remember that you can make a legalized copy in your country of residence.

All documents must be legalized with a Hague Apostille dated within 3 months.

Active living in Andorra: the process

If we are talking exclusively about self-employed persons, to obtain a visa confirming an active place of residence in Andorra, you must meet the following conditions:

• Appoint yourself as a company administrator

• Have a minimum of 20% of the company's or business shares

• Permanent residence in Andorra for more than 183 days, which can be interrupted for business trips and vacations

• Be registered with the Andorra Social Security System (CASS) and contribute about 460 euros per month, being eligible for the Andorra health system (also French and Spanish)

• Deposit of the company's share capital in the amount of EUR 3,000 to the Bank of Andorra

• Have a clean criminal record certificate without financial misconduct or misdemeanor

• Deposit 15,000 euros as a bond with the AFA, Andorra's financial regulator

• Confirm your usual residence in Andorra (rented or purchased)

An active work/residence permit for the company's founders and shareholders (self-employment) is the best option for business owners in Andorra. This work permit is granted for setting up a company in Andorra, acquiring a company, or participating in a local business. An individual can start their own business or acquire more than 20 percent of an existing company, which will allow the shareholder to apply for a work permit. The candidate must retain the position of managing director or board member.

As a director of your own company, you will receive an active place of residence of a self-employed person immediately after registering and activating your company, which must have a corresponding activity (services, trade, etc.). Andorra Social Security payments with CASS are mandatory when you register as a company administrator. This provides valid insurance coverage in Andorra (health and pension insurance).

Self — employment is an option for those who plan to pay taxes in Andorra, are active and spend at least 183 days in the Principality (excluding vacations and business trips). You must also leave an amount of EUR 15,000 as collateral/security deposit to the state regulatory authority/financial authority AFA. Although you can only spend 90 days in the country if you have a passive residence permit, this is not possible for an active resident with tax residency in Andorra.

Applicants should be aware that dependent persons can’t become residents until the company's shareholder is a resident of Andorra for 12 months. Tourists are allowed to stay in Andorra for 90 days, but if your family wants to stay longer than that, you will need to apply for a residence permit in Andorra for each member or wait 1 year before family reunification.

Self-employed in Andorra: activities

For all active residence permits that you want to apply for, you must have a company registered in Andorra or an employment relationship with an Andorran company. 

Permanent work permit

The first permit issued by the Government of Andorra is granted for a period of one year with the possibility of renewal 3 times every two years. After these deadlines are completed, updates will be carried out for a 10-year period

Work for temporary residence. You must specify the authorization period in advance. This type of permit will be divided into two subgroups: temporary work and residence in Andorra and temporary work and residence in the border zone (outside of Andorra).

The first permit issued by the Government of Andorra is valid for one year with the possibility of renewal three times for two years. After seven years, a consecutive renewal is granted for a period of ten years.

Residence status in Andorra, active or passive, grants shareholders rights such as family reunification or car registration in Andorra. You can also apply for a driver's license to get an Andorra license, buy a property in Andorra, open an offshore bank account, and live with all the material rights that are similar to those of Andorra citizens.

Passive living in Andorra: the process

• Foreign investors in Andorra.

• Internationally accredited scientific, cultural or athletes.

• Professionals and businessmen with international business projects.

Passive residency in Andorra for investors

How do I get a residence permit in Andorra for an investment? 

This is the easiest way to get a residence permit in Andorra.

 Residency through foreign investment allows you to stay in the country without having to work or live legally while you earn a living from abroad. 

Here are the specific requirements that you need to meet if you are an investor:

• Buy a property in Andorra or get a rental agreement.

• Invest 350,000 euros in real estate or the required amount in a bank fund in Andorra.

• The minimum stay is 90 days.

• Certificate of non-criminal record.

• Private health insurance.

• Medical certificate issued in Andorra.

• Deposit of EUR 50,000 plus EUR 10,000 per family member to the financial authority of Andorra until passive residence is established.

• Proof of income of more than 300% of the minimum wage in Andorra, which currently stands at 1,121.47 euros. Add 100% extra for each family member.

Passive accommodation for famous scientists, athletes and artists

If you are a leading person in sports, arts, science, entertainment, culture or writing, this residence is for you. 

Live in Andorra legally for 2 years, plus renewal. 

The following documentation will be required:

• Passport.

• Certificate of family status.

• Lease agreement or documentation for the purchase of a house.

• Proof of scientific, cultural or athletic qualities.

• Matching income of more than 300% of Andorra's minimum wage. In this case, as in the other case, the surcharge is 100% per dependent person.

• Certificate of non-criminal record.

• Medical examination conducted in Andorra.

• Pension, disability or pension insurance, if available.

• A deposit of 50,000 euros to the AFA plus 10,000 euros per family member until the issue of passive accommodation is resolved.

• This permit must be renewed after the first year, and then renewed every three years.

Andorra residence permit for family reunification

A residence permit for family reunification in Andorra entitles a person to reunite and reside in the Principality of Andorra with a person of Andorra citizenship or with a residence and work permit holder if they are located in the country.

According to the current legislation, it can be requested by any novice who:

• A spouse or member of a stable couple's Union.

• Their minor children and their spouse's minor children who have legal custody.

• Their adult children and children of spouses from previous marriages who are under their protection.

• Dependent at least 65 years of age or retired.

• Persons other than those mentioned, when the applicant enjoys legal protection or is protected under another similar institution recognized by the legal system of Andorra and not contrary to national public order, provided that both parents have died or lost their parental authority.

Required documents for obtaining a residence permit in Andorra for family reunification

1. Application Form. 

2. Original and photocopy of a valid passport.

Citizens of member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area may, alternatively, present an original and photocopy of their current national identity document.

3. Certificate of criminal record.

From the country of origin, as well as from the countries of residence.

4. A certificate by the sworn about criminal record. 

5. Photo.

A color photo (with the size 35 x 45 mm) taken recently, less than 6 months before application, with a fully visible appearance and a bare head.

6. Certificate of residence.

A copy of the lease agreement.

A copy of the certificate of ownership.

Another certificate that accredits living in a public institution.

If the homeowner is not the person submitting the application, you must also attach  a certificate of residence. 

7. The confirmation of civil status

If single: an official Bachelor's certificate or affidavit signed by the person requesting the. Bachelor's declaration

If married: official marriage certificate.

If separately: the photocopy and the original separate residence.

In case of divorce: photocopy and original of the decision to terminate the marriage.

If a widow / widower: a photocopy and original of the husband/wife's death certificate.

8. In the case of a stable marriage:

An official certificate issued by the Civil Registration Authority of Andorra issued less than 3 months prior to the application.

9. Proof of health insurance.

This covers 100% of any medical or medical expenses of the person who needs to be regrouped, and the applicant must undertake to renew it with an affidavit.

10. If the applicant is an Andorran:

A copy of the passport and certificate of conformity is registered in the census of the parish in which they live.

11. If the applicant is a foreigner:

A copy of a valid passport or identity document and a copy of an immigration permit.

12. If the persons being reunited are minor children of the applicant or their spouses.

Birth certificate issued less than 3 months prior to the application, indicating ownership or, if necessary, a copy corresponding to the original adoption decision of the competent authority.

13. If the applicant has custody and guardianship of a minor child

A notarized document or, if necessary, a court order confirming this, which must be properly legalized in the event of a request from foreign authorities.

14. The documents that accredit the applicant's financial resources

These funds must be 100% of the minimum wage in Andorra and must be shown with a copy of the last three salary receipts and an extract from the Cass, if it is an employee, or a bank certificate of solvency and a certificate of income in the country. other cases.

You must also prove that the amount of your income is for each of the adults living in the same household an amount equal to or greater than 50% of the minimum wage in Andorra, and for each of the minors an amount equal to or greater than 30% of the minimum wage in Andorra.

15. Documents which are confirmed the income of the regrouping person, if any.

16. In addition, depending on the circumstances, applicants must attach the following documents to the official form:

• The birth certificate of the person to be regrouped and, if available, another document confirming family ties with the person requesting it.

• If this is an adult child between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five who is a student and continues to study continuously and without interruptions, a certificate confirming that he is studying in secondary, University, postgraduate or similar, and that these studies are his main activity.

• With regard to dependents, documents confirming that the dependent person does not have sufficient material resources for living.

17. The signed document. 

18. Information about the medical examination  and consent to the medical examination. 

19. Thorough registration with the municipality. 

Temporary immigration permission for Andorra

This is a work and temporary residence permit in the Principality of Andorra, as long as this permit is valid.

It can be requested in accordance with the current legislation by any novice who:

• Use the quota established by the regulations.

• Will have a specific employment contract with a legally registered company in the country.

• Place your temporary residence in the Principality of Andorra.

• The validity period of a temporary immigration permit is adjusted for a pre-determined time of year.

The required documents for obtaining a temporary immigration permission to Andorra

1. Application Form.

2. Original and photocopy of a valid passport.

Citizens of member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area may, alternatively, present an original and photocopy of their current national identity document.

3. Certificate of criminal record.

From the country of origin, as well as from the countries of residence.

4. A certificate be the sworn about criminal record.

5. Photo.

A color photo (with the size 35 x 45 mm) taken recently, less than 6 months before application, with a fully visible appearance and a bare head.

6. The certificate of residence.

A copy of the lease agreement, a copy of the certificate of ownership, or other certificate confirming the certification of housing in a state institution.

If the owner of the house is not an applicant, you must also attach a certificate of residence. 

7. The document on civil status.

In the case of a bachelor's degree: an official Bachelor's certificate or an affidavit signed by the person requesting the Bachelor's declaration. 

8. Resume (CV).

With the original and photocopy of diplomas or other documents confirming their professional qualifications.

9. Employment contract.

10. Notification of an order to leave the territory. 

11. The signed document.

12. Extract from the applicant's Cass Points if they previously worked in Andorra.

13. Information about conducting a medical examination  and consent to conduct a medical examination.