How does immigration work in Andorra? If you are considering go to live in the Principality, permanently, we tell you that it is important tomeet a series of requirements. Andorra is a very attractive country thanks to its excellent educational and health services, but also because of its low taxation. And what do you need to be able to move to Andorra legally?
How to process a residence permit in Andorra?
For immigration to Andorra to be effective and legal, it is necessary to process an authorization or permit to be able to reside in the country. But you should know that there are different types of residence permits and each one follows a series of requirements, conditions and is also subject to rights and obligations.
Recently, the Principality approved, signed and ratified the law 42/2022 of December 1 of digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation. Among other things, this new regulation makes various modifications regarding immigration in Andorra. The most important change is related to the increase in the deposits required for passive or non-lucrative residence permits, as well as for active residence and self-employed work permits. own, which are obtained through the constitution of a company in the country.
These measures were taken in order to alleviate the significant increase in housing prices. In the case of passive residents, they have to invest 600,000 euros in Andorran assets, while new entrepreneurs will have to pay a deposit of 50,000 euros. After the approval of this regulation, Andorra becomes the best alternative for professionals, self-employed or freelancers, but to be able to reside in the country it is necessary to have a B2 of Catalan and a university academic qualification.
Types of residence permit in Andorra
In immigration in Andorra there are six different types of residence permits and they are grouped into two different categories: active and passive. The difference between both types of permit is the exercise of professional activity.
The active residence permits are:
- On your own account.
- On behalf of others.
- Temporary.
The passive residence permits are:
- No lucrative activity.
- Professionals who have international projection.
- Professionals of cultural, scientific or sporting interest.
Tax residence in Andorra
The permits described above grant administrative residence, but not tax residence, that is, the ability to pay taxes in the country. Administrative residency allows whoever holds it to request tax residency. In fact, it is possible to live in different countries, but you can only pay taxes in one.
In order to obtain tax residency in Andorra it is also necessary to meet certain criteria that follow the OECD models. These include residing in the country for more than 183 days per year, having a family nucleus in the Principality or an economic nucleus (companies, investments, businesses).
Immigration requirements in Andorra: active residence
Immigration in Andorra grants the right to effective residence in the Principality, but also to work in the country through the development of a work or professional activity. In order to apply for active residence in Andorra, it is necessary to meet a series of requirements:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Not have a criminal or judicial record.
- Pass, satisfactorily, a comprehensive medical examination.
- Commitment to reside for 183 days a year in the Principality.
- Have an immigration authorization in Andorra.
- Register with the Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social (CASS).
- Redeem your driving license (if you have one), within the year following the granting of the residence permit.
The residence and work permit confers certain rights to the holder. This authorization allows you to reside and work in the country permanently and effectively during the time it is in force, but it is also essential to comply with the obligations that it entails.
Among the obligations is to comply with the established regulatory quota, as well as having an indeterminate employment contract in a company legally established in the Principality. Permanent and effective residence in the country must also be established.
This permit is granted the first time for one year, but can then be renewed three times for two-year periods. Afterwards, the permit is renewedevery 10 years, with the exception of citizens of member countries with CDI with Andorra.
About active residence and self-employment
This type of authorization allows you to reside and carry out an activity as an employee in the country, permanently and for as long as the permit is in force. It is necessary to meet a series of requirements, such as fitting the established regulatory quota and carrying out an activity on your own.
The first authorization of this permit is for one year, then it can be renewed every two years, three times and, finally, renewed once every 10 years. The immigration process in Andorra requires various procedures that can be expedited if you have the services of a specialized Andorran consultancy, such as MCA Assessors. And depending on the type of residence you are going to apply for, you may need different procedures and requirements.
