Getting Residency In Andorra - What You Need To Know Before You Start
Start with the right residency route
Most people start by searching for “how to get residency in Andorra” and quickly run into conflicting advice. The process is straightforward once you choose the right route and prepare your documents in the right order.
This article is a practical starting point. It explains the main residency routes at a high level and links you to the detailed guides you should read before you make decisions.
There are two broad ways to become a resident in Andorra:
- Active residency - for people who work in Andorra (employed or self-employed)
- Passive residency - for people who do not work locally and can show sufficient income and assets
The fastest way to get clarity is to read the full guide first, then map your situation to the correct category:
Active residency: working in Andorra
Active residency is usually the best fit if you plan to:
- Work for an Andorran employer
- Open a business and actively run it
- Register as self-employed (compte propi)
With active residency, you should expect social security registration and ongoing contributions, and you will need a structure that matches how you actually work (employment vs self-employed).
If this sounds like you, use the guide to confirm the right sub-category and the typical documentation:
Passive residency: living in Andorra without working locally
Passive residency is designed for people who will not work in Andorra and can demonstrate financial means from abroad (for example, investments, dividends, pensions, or other qualifying income). It comes with different obligations and is often misunderstood.
If you are considering passive residency, do not rely on forum summaries. Read the current thresholds, deposit requirements, and what counts as acceptable supporting evidence:
The steps most applicants go through
Exact steps vary by residency type, but most applications follow a similar sequence:
- Confirm the correct residency route for your profile
- Plan your accommodation (rental or purchase) and local registration
- Prepare documentation (identity, civil status, background checks, etc.)
- Prepare financial evidence and source of funds (where required)
- Organise banking and practical setup
- Submit application and complete local formalities
The biggest delays usually come from choosing the wrong route at the start or underestimating the documentation and banking preparation.
Banking matters more than people expect
For many applicants, banking becomes the critical path. Timelines and documentation expectations can vary depending on your profile, and you should plan this early rather than leaving it until the end.
If you are not familiar with how Andorran banking works, start here:
Where Property fits into residency planning
Some people decide to rent first, others prefer to purchase early. Either can work, but you should understand the practical and legal process before committing, especially if you are buying from abroad.
To understand the buying process:
To understand the typical costs and taxes involved in a purchase:
Property buying costs in Andorra
If you are relocating with family
If you are moving with children, school timing often drives everything else. It is worth planning early so you are not making decisions under pressure later in the process.
Moving to Andorra: the practical side
Residency is not just paperwork. Knowing how day-to-day life works, which parish suits your lifestyle, and how to handle practical setup makes the move faster and calmer.
If you are still deciding whether Andorra is right for you, start here:
Next step
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