Andorra Residency

Residency in Andorra - the 2026 update

• Passive residency: structured around either EUR 1,000,000 in eligible Andorran assets or EUR 400,000 paid into the Housing Fund (Fons de l’Habitatge).
• State contribution: the EUR 50,000 amount is treated as a non-refundable state contribution for key routes (notably passive residency for the principal applicant).
• Property route: where property is used as part of the passive investment route, the home is referenced as needing to be at least EUR 800,000, with the balance invested to reach EUR 1,000,000 total.
• Self-employed route: tighter controls including majority participation in the Andorran company, evidence of real economic activity and effective management, and a EUR 50,000 non-refundable contribution for many applicants (with defined exceptions in specific cases).

These requirements reflect the latest approved amendments and apply to current applications. Many published guides still reference the old EUR 50,000 bond model, which has been replaced. We work with the current rules.

For tax residency in Andorra, see Income tax in Andorra for rates and filing basics.

Residency in Andorra at a glance

This Andorra residency guide explains the main permit routes, requirements and realistic timelines.

• Main routes: passive (investment), active (company-based or employment), and specific categories for international profiles.
• Core requirements: clean criminal record, sufficient means, health cover and an Andorra address.
• Stay rules: vary by permit. Some routes are built around 90 days, others around 183 days.
• Practical setup: banking, insurance and address details must match your file. See move-in setup.
• Passive residency in Andorra: investment route summary below.
• Active residency in Andorra: self-employed or employed routes below.

Andorra residency permits - main routes

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 residence permits in plain English, with the requirements, contributions (where applicable), 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 relocation planning 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 route is structured around two main options:

• EUR 1,000,000 invested in eligible Andorran assets, or
• EUR 400,000 contributed to the Housing Fund (Fons de l’Habitatge).

A non-refundable state contribution applies to passive residency (including EUR 50,000 for the principal applicant).

If your plan is to use property as part of the investment route, the home is referenced as needing to be at least EUR 800,000, with the balance invested in permitted instruments to reach the EUR 1,000,000 total. Align the investment structure early with local banks and compliance checks.

If you plan to buy, start with Buy property in Andorra and check property buying costs and taxes before you commit to dates.

International business residency in Andorra (international activity)

This route is often used by people running an international business where most activity is outside Andorra. Typical requirements include demonstrating a high share of external activity, meeting solvency requirements, holding private health insurance, and meeting the minimum stay expectation for this type of permit. We confirm the practical criteria and evidence pack based on your profile and the rules in force.

Talent route - scientific, cultural or sporting interest

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 any route-specific financial requirement. If you are unsure which route you qualify for, we can map the best path.

Active residency in Andorra (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 demonstrating real activity. The self-employed route includes tighter controls such as a majority participation requirement in the Andorran company, stronger evidence of effective management and real economic activity, and a EUR 50,000 non-refundable contribution for many applicants (with defined exceptions in specific cases). Active routes also typically involve CASS registration and a 183-day stay expectation.

Employed work routes

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

Family reunification

Spouses or partners and dependent children can usually be included in the main application or added later via family reunification, once the principal resident meets the housing and income conditions. Where dependents are included in a passive residency application, the current framework refers to a state contribution of EUR 12,000 per dependent (route-dependent). If you are relocating as a family, also review schools in Andorra early as school timing often drives the move.

Andorra residency cost comparison

Headline figures by route. We confirm exact mechanics for your file based on the rules in force.

Passive residency - assets route

• Investment: EUR 1,000,000 in eligible Andorran assets
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (principal applicant)
• Stay: around 90 days

Passive residency - Housing Fund route

• Contribution: EUR 400,000 to Fons de l'Habitatge
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (principal applicant)
• Stay: around 90 days

Passive residency - property variant

• Property: minimum EUR 800,000 home, with the balance invested to reach EUR 1,000,000 total
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (principal applicant)
• Stay: around 90 days

Active residency - self-employed

• Structure: majority stake in the Andorran company, real economic activity, effective management
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (many applicants, with defined exceptions)
• Stay: around 183 days

Dependents (passive routes)

• State contribution: EUR 12,000 per dependent (route-dependent)

Residency permit vs tax residency in Andorra

The two are related but not identical. A residency permit gives you the legal right to live in Andorra under a specific category. Tax residency is determined by where you spend most of the year (typically 183+ days) and where your centre of economic interests sits. You can hold an Andorran residency permit without automatically being tax-resident, and vice versa.

For the tax side, see income tax in Andorra.

Residency in Andorra - core requirements

Whatever route you choose, Immigration usually looks for the same foundations for a 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 or 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 step by step

1. Choose the right route - passive, international activity, talent, active/self-employed, or employed.
2. Secure your address - buy or rent, but ensure the contract or deeds match the file.
3. Prepare documents - police certificates, medical, solvency, and translations or 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 moving 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.

Andorra residence permit vs Andorra residency - is there a difference?

In everyday English the two terms are used interchangeably. Officially, you apply for a residence permit (a document) which makes you a resident of Andorra (a status). Both "Andorra residency" and "Andorra residence permit" point to the same thing: the legal authorisation to live in the country under one of the routes covered above.

Is there permanent residency in Andorra?

No. Every Andorran residence permit has a renewal date. There is no EU-style indefinite residency. After 20 years of continuous residence you become eligible to apply for Andorran nationality, but Andorra does not allow dual citizenship - you would need to renounce your current one. For most clients, the practical reality is rolling renewals on the same residency category.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get residency in Andorra as a UK citizen?

You choose a permit route that fits your profile and meet the standard requirements (background check, means, health cover and address). We keep the process organised and consistent from first decision to residence card.

What are the main Andorra residency options?

The main routes are passive (investment-based), active (company-based or employment) and specific categories for certain international profiles. The best route depends on work intent, stay plan and financial structure.

What are Andorra residency requirements?

Immigration typically expects police certificates, proof of means, appropriate health cover and an address in Andorra. The exact document pack depends on your permit type.

How many days do I need to stay in Andorra to keep my permit?

Stay requirements depend on the permit category. Some routes are built around a 90-day minimum, while others require 183 days. We confirm the rule for your route before you commit to dates.

Do I need to buy property to get residency in Andorra?

Not always. Some applicants buy, others rent. If you plan to buy, align your residency steps with buying property in Andorra so the address and timing stay coherent.

Can I work on passive residency in Andorra?

Passive permits are designed for living in Andorra without local employment. If you need an active work route, choose the correct permit type from the start so you remain compliant.

How much are the deposits and are they refundable?

The current framework uses a non-refundable state contribution model for key routes (including EUR 50,000 for the principal applicant in passive residency). For self-employed residency, a EUR 50,000 non-refundable contribution applies to many applicants, with defined exceptions in specific cases. We confirm the exact mechanics for your route based on the rules in force and your file.

Do I need private health insurance or CASS?

It depends on the permit type. Some routes use private cover, while active routes often involve CASS contributions. We confirm what applies to your permit.

How long does the Andorra residency process take?

Timing depends on route, document readiness and appointment availability. The fastest applications are the ones with clean documents, a confirmed address and practical setup aligned from day one.

Next step

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