Andorra Residency 2026 - Permits, Requirements and the New Rules

Update 2026 - Changes to the residency law

• Passive residency: structured around either EUR 1,000,000 in eligible Andorran assets or EUR 400,000 invested in the Housing Fund (Fons de l’Habitatge).
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 for the main passive applicant, plus EUR 12,000 per qualifying dependant; non-refundable except on refusal of the initial application.
• Property investment: more than EUR 800,000 must be allocated to each property unit acquired, within the EUR 1,000,000 qualifying investment requirement. Confirm eligibility, valuation and any balance invested in other permitted assets before reserving.
• Self-employed route: tighter controls including a holding of more than 34% 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).

Llei 2/2026 entered into force on 13 February 2026. Applications for self-employed or non-lucrative residence submitted before the law’s approval on 22 January 2026 remain governed by the previous rules under its transitional provision. Keep the filing evidence: the relevant date is approval, not publication or entry into force.

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

Residency in Andorra - quick answers

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 requirements are minimum obligations, not approximate targets. Passive non-lucrative residence requires at least 90 days per year; active routes require effective residence, normally planned around at least 183 days. Check the precise permit conditions and keep evidence. These immigration requirements do not replace the separate tax-residence tests.
• Practical setup: banking, insurance and address details must match your file. See Relocation overview.
• Passive residency in Andorra: investment route summary below.
• Active residency in Andorra: self-employed or employed routes below.

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 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 overview 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 invested in the Housing Fund (Fons de l’Habitatge).

For the current passive route, the principal contribution is EUR 50,000 plus EUR 12,000 for each qualifying dependant. The payment is non-refundable except where the initial immigration authorisation is refused. Many company-based self-employed applicants also pay EUR 50,000, with defined exceptions. Older applications may fall under transitional rules, so check the route and filing date before transferring funds.

Property investment: more than EUR 800,000 must be allocated to each property unit acquired, within the EUR 1,000,000 qualifying investment requirement. Confirm eligibility, valuation and any balance invested in other permitted assets before reserving.

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.

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 any route-specific financial requirement. If you are unsure which route you qualify for, 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 demonstrating real activity. The self-employed route includes tighter controls such as a holding of more than 34% 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 (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 self-employed vs employee routes, start with this page for the framework, then use Relocation overview to plan banking and practical setup around the dates you are given.

Additional family members (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 dependants are included in a passive residency application, the current framework refers to a state contribution of EUR 12,000 per dependant (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: at least 90 days per year.

Passive residency - Housing Fund route

• Investment: EUR 400,000 in the Fons de l'Habitatge
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (principal applicant)
• Stay: at least 90 days per year.

Passive residency - property variant

• Property investment: more than EUR 800,000 must be allocated to each property unit acquired, within the EUR 1,000,000 qualifying investment requirement. Confirm eligibility, valuation and any balance invested in other permitted assets before reserving.
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (principal applicant)
• Stay: at least 90 days per year.

Active residency - self-employed

• Structure: holding of more than 34% in the Andorran company, real economic activity, effective management
• State contribution: EUR 50,000 non-refundable (many applicants, with defined exceptions)
• Stay: effective residence in Andorra; confirm the minimum for the precise active permit.

Dependants (passive routes)

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

Residence permits and tax residence

A permit gives permission to live in Andorra under its conditions. Tax residence is assessed separately, including days, economic connections and any applicable treaty. Plan both with your departure country in mind. See income tax in Andorra.

Andorra residency requirements - core documents and conditions

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 dependants.
• 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 use our moving to Andorra guide for utilities and telecoms.
5. In-country appointments - submit and complete the required steps and biometrics as applicable.

How to maintain your Andorra residency

• Stay requirements are minimum obligations, not approximate targets. Passive non-lucrative residence requires at least 90 days per year; active routes require effective residence, normally planned around at least 183 days. Check the precise permit conditions and keep evidence. These immigration requirements do not replace the separate tax-residence tests.
• Keep your address, insurance, and supporting documents consistent with your file.
• Renew on time and keep evidence that supports your residency status.

What is the difference between Andorra residency and an Andorra residence permit?

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 point to the same thing: the legal authorisation to live in the country.

Is there permanent residency in Andorra?

The residence routes described here have conditions and renewal dates; approval is not an unconditional lifelong right to remain. Nationality is a separate process with its own residence, integration and renunciation requirements. Do not treat a residence permit, long residence or a property purchase as automatic citizenship.

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: clean criminal record, sufficient means, health cover and an Andorran 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 employed) and specific categories for international profiles such as the talent route. 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 are minimum obligations, not approximate targets. Passive non-lucrative residence requires at least 90 days per year; active routes require effective residence, normally planned around at least 183 days. Check the precise permit conditions and keep evidence. These immigration requirements do not replace the separate tax-residence tests.

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 the property purchase 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?

For the current passive route, the principal contribution is EUR 50,000 plus EUR 12,000 for each qualifying dependant. The payment is non-refundable except where the initial immigration authorisation is refused. Many company-based self-employed applicants also pay EUR 50,000, with defined exceptions. Older applications may fall under transitional rules, so check the route and filing date before transferring funds.

Do I need private health insurance or CASS?

It depends on the permit type. Some routes use private cover, while active routes typically 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.