Types of work visas to Andorra

 Andorra offers a wide range of visas and permits for foreign citizens. a tourist with a passport can stay in Andorra for up to 90 days. Foreigners who plan to stay longer will need to obtain a visa of one of the following categories:

• Seasonal work permits

Seasonal work is common in Andorra, so there is a policy for foreigners who plan to temporarily live and work in the country. A seasonal employee can work as a tourist, but only until the work contract ends. 

• Passive residence permit

Foreigners who plan to stay in Andorra for more than 90 days without working in the country can do so with passive residence status. Passive residents should contribute to Andorra's economy by investing. 

• Active residence permit 

Active residents are foreigners who live and work in Andorra. An active residence permit is available to both self-employed foreigners and those who have a contract to work in local companies. 

Work permit in Andorra: requirements

To work in Andorra as a foreign person, consider the following conditions that are necessary for hiring a company in Andorra.

 The most important ones are: 

• Limited quota of vacancies available for the industry in which you want to work. If there is no demand for work in a particular sector, your chances of working in Andorra will be much lower. Each year, the Government of Andorra issues a certain number of work permits for foreigners that companies can hire. In this quota, preference is given first to foreign residents of Andorra, then to citizens of neighboring countries of Spain and France, then to other citizens of the European Union, and finally to citizens of other non-EU countries.

• Signing a contract with a company legally based in Andorra. 

• If you want to obtain a permanent residence permit in Andorra, apply for a residence permit.

 For more information about the steps and legal procedures for working in Andorra, visit the website of the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection.

Requirements for obtaining a work visa

 Foreigners who plan to live and work in Andorra will need to provide various documents in support of their application. 

Requirements include: 

• Original valid passport together with a photocopy.

• One photo with the size of passport.

• Employment contract with a company in Andorra.

• A copy of the applicant's resume 

• Diploma.

• Any other proof of the applicant's qualifications for the position.

• Birth certificate.

• Marriage certificate, if available.

• A police check from the applicant's country of origin, as well as a check from the country of his current residence and any other countries in which he previously resided, if any.

• Proof of residence in Andorra.

• Original certificate of registration for the employer's company, as well as a photocopy.

Application process

Before starting the process of applying for active residence, foreign citizens will need to enter into an employment contract with an Andorran company. A company can’t hire a foreign employee until they announce a vacancy in the local employment Reserve. Once the need for foreign employment is established, the employer can start the employee sponsorship process. The employee must collect all the necessary documents for submission to the Ministry of the Interior of Andorra, the Immigration Service and the Ministry of Labor. The employee must also register with the Social Security System in Andorra — Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social, or CASS. After completing these steps, the employee must remain in their country of residence, awaiting a decision from the immigration authorities. Once approved, they will receive an active residence permit. Then they can go to Andorra and start working. 

After presenting all the documents, you will pass a medical examination prescribed by the medical Immigration Service. The Immigration Office of Andorra will provide an entry for the test the day after the application is submitted. The test result determines whether a work or residence permit will be granted. Please note that the initial cost of the procedure is approximately 190 euros.

To live or work in Andorra, the following procedures must be followed in each individual case:

• When you are going to live and work in Andorra for the first time, consider the A1 authorization procedure.

• To extend your work visa to Andorra, go to the А2 procedure.

• Get a G1 permit if you want to apply for a temporary work visa in Andorra.

• Are you going to work permanently in Andorra, but live in a border area? If you have never worked in Andorra, apply for a permission C1. To renew your permission, follow the C2 authorization instructions.

• To temporarily work in Andorra and reside in the border area, download the G2 permission.

These are the most common procedures to follow when looking for the best solution for living and working in Andorra. 

Keep in mind that the website of the Government of Andorra is in Catalan, as are all legal documents of the country. Ask your employer to take care of this process, but you must provide the necessary certificates.

Working conditions

In Andorra working conditions regarding working hours and vacations are as follows: 

Working hours - 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.

Holiday days – as for public holidays, there are mandatory public holidays in the calendar, which must be observed in all areas of activity, except for medical and tourist ones. 

Income tax in Andorra

Andorra's income tax (IPPF) usually varies depending on the annual gross salary, but never exceeds 10%. Foreign people who are working in the Principality must pay IRPF in the following cases: 

• When they live in the country for more than 183 days a year.

• If the salary is received as profit from one or more types of economic activity. 

• If the salary is less than 24,000 euros per year, a person is not required to submit information to the Tax Administration of Andorra (income tax 0%).

Starting a business in Andorra for a foreigner involves several steps:

1. Research and business plan: Start by conducting thorough market research in Andorra. Determine the viability of your business idea, evaluate the competition, and identify your target audience. Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational details.

2. Legal structure: Choose the legal form that best suits your business. In Andorra, the common options for foreigners are sole proprietorship (autònom), limited liability company (Societat Limitada, S.L.) or joint stock company (Societat Anònima, S.A.). Each legal structure has its own requirements and implications in terms of liability, taxation and governance.

3. Residence and work permit: To start a business in Andorra, you will usually need to obtain a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits, such as passive residence (residència passiva) for investors, active residence (residència activa) for employed persons and professional residence (residència professional) for self-employed persons;

4. Company registration: Register your business with the Andorran authorities. To do this, you will need to provide the necessary documentation, which usually includes a business plan, identity documents, proof of financial resources and any relevant permits or certificates. The registration process is usually carried out through the Andorran Commercial and Industrial Register (Registre de Comerç i Indústria d'Andorra).

5. Taxation and social security:Familiarize yourself with the Andorran tax system and tax obligations. Andorra offers a favorable tax environment, but you will still need to comply with applicable tax laws. Obtain tax identification numbers such as Tax Identification Number (Número d'Identificació Fiscal, NIF) and Social Security Number (Número de Seguretat Social, NSS);

6. Financing and banking: Identify your financing needs and explore your financing options. Although Andorra has a well-developed banking sector, a solid business plan, collateral, and proof of financial viability may be required to secure financing for your business. Research the banking services available and establish a relationship with a local bank to facilitate your business transactions.

7. Licensing and permits: Depending on the type of business you are in, you may need to obtain certain licenses or permits from the relevant government agencies. Determine the permits required for your industry and comply with the relevant regulations;

8. Recruitment and employment:If your business needs employees, familiarize yourself with Andorran labor laws. Ensure compliance with employment contracts, minimum wage requirements, social security contributions and other employment obligations;

9. Business support and networking: Take advantage of the business support ecosystem in Andorra. Join local business associations, attend networking events, and seek advice from chambers of commerce or trade organizations. These resources can provide valuable connections, ideas, and support to help your business thrive.

Starting a business in Andorra for a foreigner requires careful planning, compliance with regulatory requirements, and cooperation with local professionals. Seek the assistance of lawyers, accountants and consultants experienced in doing business in Andorra to ensure a smooth and successful company establishment.

Useful resources

The Andorran Commercial and Industrial Registry (Registre de Comerç i Indústria d'Andorra) is the official registry providing information and guidance on business registration procedures, legal requirements and regulations. 

Andorra Business is an online platform that offers comprehensive information on starting and running a business in Andorra. It contains guides, articles, and resources related to various aspects of starting a business, taxation, legal requirements, and industry information. 

The Red Emprenedora d'Andorra is a collaboration platform that brings together entrepreneurs, professionals and experts to support the development and growth of businesses in Andorra. It offers networking events, mentoring programs, workshops and resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. 

Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Andorra can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities and business support. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Andorra (Cambra de Comerç, Indústria i Serveis d'Andorra) and the French Chamber of Commerce in Andorra (Chambre de Commerce, d'Industrie et des Services de France en Andorre) are well-known organizations that can help foreign entrepreneurs. Check their websites for information and services relevant to your business.

What are the requirements for a business visa to Andorra?

There is no separate category of business visas in Andorra, as residence permits in the country cover both employment and entrepreneurial activities. Foreigners interested in doing business in Andorra usually apply for a residence permit, which allows them to set up and run their own business or work as self-employed persons;

Residence permit

To do business in Andorra, you need to obtain a residence permit. The specific type of permit you should apply for depends on your planned business activity. The most common options include passive residence (residència passiva) for investors, active residence (residència activa) for employees, or professional residence (residència professional) for self-employed persons.

Requirements

The requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Andorra may vary depending on the type of residence permit and your individual circumstances. Generally, you will need to provide the following documentation:

- Valid passport or travel document

- Confirmation of financial resources to support yourself and your business

- Business plan describing the proposed activities and goals

- Proof of relevant qualifications or experience in your business area

- Proof of health insurance

- Certificate of no criminal record

- Any other documents required by the Andorran authorities

Application process

The process of applying for a residence permit generally involves submitting an application and supporting documents to the Andorran Immigration Service (Servei d'Immigració d'Andorra). It is recommended that you consult a lawyer or immigration expert to ensure that you meet all the requirements and complete the application correctly.

Evaluation and approval

Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Andorran authorities. They will assess your eligibility based on the documentation provided, financial resources, business plan and other relevant factors. The assessment process may take some time and you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information if asked.

If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit (targeta de residència), which will serve as your official identity card and allow you to live and do business in Andorra. The card will usually need to be renewed periodically, usually every one to five years, depending on the type of residence permit you have been granted.