Residency in Andorra - Permits, Requirements and Costs

Residency in Andorra - main permits and options

Thinking about how to get residency in Andorra? Many people search for "Andorra residency requirements" and find conflicting numbers and unclear routes. This guide explains the main Andorra residence permits in plain English, with the typical requirements, deposits, costs, and stay rules so you can plan properly.

Residency is only one part of the move. Once your permit is approved, you still need practical setup (banking, utilities and telecoms). For that, see our Move to Andorra - practical setup page and our guide to banks in Andorra.

Passive residency in Andorra (investment route)

Passive residency is for people who want to live in Andorra without working locally. The core points people care about are investment, deposit, and minimum stay. As commonly described in professional and banking guidance, the minimum investment is typically presented as €600,000 in eligible Andorran assets, the refundable deposit is €47,500 plus €9,500 per dependent, and the minimum stay requirement is 90 days per year. Some sources still quote older or simplified figures online, so always plan from current requirements and your own file specifics.

If you plan to meet the investment requirement by buying a home, start with Buy property in Andorra and check property buying costs and taxes before you commit to timelines.

International business residency in Andorra (international activity)

This route is often used by people running an international business where most activity is outside Andorra. The common criteria discussed publicly include proving that a large share of turnover is generated outside Andorra (often referenced as 85% external activity), meeting solvency requirements, holding private health insurance, and meeting the 90-day minimum stay expectation for this type of permit.

Residency in Andorra for scientific, cultural, or sporting interest (talent route)

This route is aimed at high-achieving professionals (for example, award-winning artists, elite athletes, or recognised researchers). You typically need evidence of credentials (awards, press, published work), solvency, health cover, and the required deposit for the permit type. If you are unsure which route you qualify for, start with the checklist below and we can map the best path.

Active residency in Andorra (company-based / self-employed)

Active residency is for people who will live and work in Andorra. The practical questions are ownership, days in-country, social security, and deposit. This route usually involves creating or acquiring a local company, acting as a director/administrator, registering with CASS in Andorra, and spending 183 days per year in Andorra. A refundable deposit is also typically required for this category.

Employed work routes (employee-based)

If you will be employed in Andorra, your route is normally tied to an employment contract and work authorisation. If you are comparing active vs employee routes, start with this guide for the framework, then use Move to Andorra to plan banking and practical setup around the dates you are given.

Family reunification

If one family member holds a valid Andorra residency, spouses/partners and dependent children can usually join under family reunification once the principal resident meets the housing and income conditions. If you are relocating as a family, also review schools in Andorra early as school timing often drives the move.

Residency in Andorra - core requirements

Whatever route you choose, Immigration usually looks for the same foundations for an Andorra residence permit:

• Clean criminal record - police certificates from each country where you have recently lived.
• Sufficient income and assets - enough to support your chosen residency category.
• Health cover - private health insurance or CASS, depending on permit type.
• A valid address in Andorra - a rental contract or property deeds that match your application.

If part of your plan is tax-driven, read income tax in Andorra alongside this page. Residency permits and tax residency are related concepts, but they are not automatically identical in every case.

Document checklist (what applicants typically need)

• Passports for all applicants and adult dependents.
• Police certificates (apostilled/legalised where required).
• Medical certificate as required for the application process.
• Proof of address in Andorra - deed or signed tenancy.
• Proof of solvency - bank statements, source of funds, and evidence of income.
• Health insurance documents or CASS registration evidence (route-dependent).

Application process - a practical step-by-step overview

1. Choose the right route - passive, international activity, talent, active/self-employed, or employed.
2. Secure your address - either buy property in Andorra or plan a compliant tenancy (see renting in Andorra).
3. Prepare documents - police certificates, medical, solvency, and translations/legalisation where needed.
4. Plan banking and setup - many routes are smoother if you can open an account early (see banks in Andorra) and then follow Move to Andorra for utilities and telecoms.
5. In-country appointments - submit and complete the required steps and biometrics as applicable.

How to maintain your Andorra residency

• Meet the minimum stay requirement for your permit type (often 90 days for passive-style routes and 183 days for active-style routes).
• Keep your address, insurance, and supporting documents consistent with your file.
• Renew on time and keep evidence that supports your residency status.

Next step

If you want to sanity-check which route fits your situation, we can map the requirements, timeline, and practical setup in one plan. For the on-the-ground setup once you have your dates, use Move to Andorra.