Key Takeaways

  • The Andorran government operates a quota-based immigration system, where a specific quota is allotted per year to immigrants based on market needs. 
  • Citizens of third-world countries or those outside the European Union (EU) zone must apply for a Schengen visa to enter the country. 
  • Foreigners must obtain a job offer from a registered employer in the country before applying for a work permit. 
  • The type of work permit you choose depends on your job contract and the duration of your stay. 

Are you looking to migrate to a country that offers an attractive tax system, a high quality of life, and myriad job opportunities for foreigners? The Principality of Andorra ticks all boxes! This country is nestled between France and Spain, and is popular for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant natural scenery, and tourist attractions.

What’s more intriguing is that, despite its small size (housing over 85,000 people), the principality has a strong, diversified economy that supports business owners and employees alike. As a popular destination for skiing and other outdoor activities, there’s always a high demand for ski instructors, hotel staff, and even tech-related professionals. 

However, to enter Andorra and begin working, you must obtain a work and residence permit. In this article, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. You’ll learn about the major types of work permits available in Andorra, how to apply for one, the associated costs, and the process for becoming a permanent resident. 

Let’s get started! 

Andorra's Work Visa System Explained

Before starting the application process, there are specific requirements that must be met to enter the country for work purposes. For example, Canada allows you to apply for a work visa without a job offer in hand. 

However, in Andorra, you must first secure a job and have a signed employment contract from a registered business in the country.  

Andorra Work Immigration Authorization

The Andorran Ministry of the Interior, Immigration Service, and Department of Labor handle the immigration process, ensuring that all applications comply with the regulations issued by the Andorran Government. After signing an employment contract, the employer must apply for a residence and work authorization permit (APT). This is required to approve the employee to live and work in the country. 

Additionally, as juicy as this may sound, Andorra does not automatically permit unlimited foreign workers to enter the country. Instead, they operate a quota-based immigration system. This means that the government sets a limit on the number of foreign workers who can enter the country each year. These limits are typically based on the national workforce’s needs. 

For example, in 2025, the Government approved 100 permits for work authorization without residence and 25 for self-employed individuals. Priority is often given to sectors in need, including tourism, hospitality, and technology. 

Want a deeper look at the country’s economic strengths? Find out more in our full Andorra economy overview.

Andorra Work Permit

The government of Andorra prioritizes Andorrans and citizens of Spain, France, and Portugal before issuing work permits for international citizens. If your employer can prove the need for an international hire, they can proceed to apply for a work permit. 

After collecting the APT, the employer submits it, along with an employment contract, proof of qualifications, and other company-related documents, to the Andorran Department of Labour and Immigration. Once this is granted, you can proceed to submit your residency application.

Andorra Work Visa

Andorra doesn’t impose visa requirements on foreigners. Instead, the principality issues residence and work permits to allow foreigners to live and work in the country. 

Also, since you can only enter the country through the Schengen area (Spain or France), you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa and comply with its rules. The principality itself is not part of the Schengen area, and you’ll need a multiple-entry visa to enter and exit the principality. 

Types of Andorra Work Visas and Permits

There are three main types of work permits you can apply for to work in Andorra. This depends on the kind of job, how long you plan to stay in the principality, and if you plan to live full-time or not:

Seasonal Work Permits

The seasonal work permit is issued to foreigners who wish to enter the principality to work for up to 30 days per year. This work permit is often issued during peak seasons (such as winter for a ski resort) and requires you to leave the principality once the job ends. If you’re a freelancer or own a freelance company and need to work temporarily in the principality, this visa is for you. 

To apply for a seasonal work visa in Andorra, you need to submit a notification of short-term work signed by your employer. 

Other required documents 

You also need to submit a Declaration of Provision of Services by Foreign Companies, proof of health insurance coverage, and proof of address if the assignment exceeds a day.  

Active Residency Permit

Foreigners who need to work and stay in the principality will need an active residency permit. If this permit is granted, you’d be allowed to live and work for 183 days/year. After this, you’re allowed to renew the permit three times for a full year period, making a total of seven years. 

Other required documents 

To obtain this permit, you need to submit an immigration authorization application form for active residents, accommodation documents, an employment contract, and salary conditions. 

Passive Work Permit

The passive residency permit is ideal for individuals who wish to reside in Andorra without actively working for a local employer. This includes investors and digital nomads who work with other foreign companies outside of Andorra. 

However, you can only be issued this visa if you meet the minimum investment or income requirements. 

For instance, to qualify for the digital nomad residency permit, you need to spend at least 90 days in Andorra and make a financial deposit of 50,000 to the Andorran government. 

Note: If you’re submitting official documents from another country, they must be verified with the Hague Convention apostille or legally authenticated to ensure that immigration authorities recognize their authenticity. 

Also, after your work/residency permit is approved, you have only 3 months to officially register your residential address in the municipality of the parish where you reside. 

Requirements for an Algerian Work Permit

To obtain an Andorran work permit, you need to verify that you’re eligible before you begin the application process. As explained above, you need to be employed by a registered business in Andorra or be a large shareholder of a registered company within the principality. 

Required Documents

There are several documents to submit, and each is unique to the type of work or residency permit you choose. But here are some of the documents common to all:  

  • A valid passport: You must submit both the original and a photocopy of your valid passport. If you’re a citizen of a country within the EU or the European Economic Area, you can submit original and photocopies of your valid national identity document. 
  • Proof of civil status: You need to submit a document that proves your marital status. If you’re married, widowed, or divorced, you’re required to submit the original and a photocopy of supporting documents. For single people, you have to sign a sworn declaration of singleness.   
  • Proof of accommodation: If you plan to live on someone else’s property, you need a sworn statement from the owner to prove your stay, including a certificate of address. 
  • Curriculum Vitae: A current and signed CV listing your education, work experience, and skills. You can also include original and copies of relevant diplomas or professional certificates. 
  • Criminal record: As required, you must provide criminal record certificates from the country of origin and other countries you’ve resided in. 
  • Photocopies of original passport: Photocopies of your valid passport pages, especially those showing personal information and previous visas. 
  • Employment contract: You’ll need a signed job offer from your registered Andorran employer, clearly stating your job title, duration, salary, and terms and conditions of employment. 
  • Passport photographs: At least one color passport photograph (35 x 45 mm) taken within the last six months. 
  • Work Permit: Filled and signed official immigration application for active residency. 
  • CASS point extract: If you’ve worked in Andorra previously, include an extract of your CASS contribution points from the Andorran Social Security System.  
  • Notification of Exit Order: This document is required for seasonal workers or professionals who have applied for a temporary immigration permit. 
  • Visa endorsement: For temporary workers, include a signed official visa endorsement. If you’re from Spain, France, or Portugal, the visa should be validated by the CASS. This document confirms that your employee is responsible for covering any expenses incurred during your return to your home country.  

Want to know what professionals earn in Andorra? Find out more in our complete guide to average salaries across the country.

Checklist For an Andorra Work Permit Application

Getting information online about the Andorra work permit can be (really) overwhelming. Here are the steps to follow to work and reside in Andorra. 

1

Get a Job Offer

Before processing your application or applying for a work permit, the Government of Andorra requires that the employee get a signed contract from a registered company within the principality.

The employer also needs to meet the established quota and must have advertised the position within the local employment pool before hiring a foreign worker. 

2

The Employer Applies for a Work Permit

Once the job contract is signed, your employer or Employer of Record (EOR) submits a work permit application to the Andorran Department of Labour.  The application consists of the company documents, employment contract, and justification for hiring a foreign national. 

3

The Employee Applies for a Residence Permit

Once the work permit is approved, the applicant can proceed to apply for a residence permit. The employee must also register with CASS (Caixa Andorrana de Seguertat Social) to comply with the social security requirement in Andorra and undergo a medical examination. Please note that proof of accommodation is required at this step.  

4

Enter Andorra and Start Work

Once the work/residency is approved, the employee can travel to Andorra to begin work.

However, keep in mind that Andorra has no airport and can only come through Spain and France. These countries are within the Schengen Zone, and you’ll need a Schengen Visa to transit through Spain and France to reach Andorra. 

This means even if you have an approved Andorran residence and work permit, you still need to comply with the Schengen entry requirements: 

  • Obtain a short-term or transit Schengen visa (if your nationality requires a visa to enter the Schengen area). 
  • Ensure that your visa allows multiple entries if you plan to travel in and out of the principality more frequently. 

5

Finalize Your Local Registration

Once you arrive in Andorra, you have to register with the Municipality of the Parish where you reside to finalize the immigration authorization. 

Work Permit Processing Time in Andorra

The processing time for residency applications takes between four and six weeks, but can be extended if: 

  • Additional documents or verifications are required.
  • There are delays in the background checks.  
  • Quotas for the category are already filled or almost filled. 

During this time, the Andorran Immigration Department will conduct background checks to ensure that the employee’s skill set is in demand in the country and can contribute to economic growth.

Andorra Work Permit Costs and Fees

The cost of applying for a work visa in Andorra includes several components. While fees may vary slightly based on the nature of employment and country of origin, the following are typical:

Fee Type
Cost
Work and residence permit application fee
€190.96
Residence card issuance
€1,000
Temporary permits for short-term work
€190.96
Schengen visa
€90 for adults, €45 for children (ages 6–11)

What Are The Paths to Becoming a Permanent Resident of Andorra?

Andorra offers several pathways to permanent residency, depending on your background, financial standing, and personal ties to the country. 

While permanent residency typically follows after years of temporary residency, some routes can accelerate or support long-term settlement. 

Invest in The Andorra Economy

One of the most common routes to permanent residency is through passive residency, which requires a significant financial investment in Andorra. In this case, you need to invest at least €600,000 in Andorran assets, such as:

  • Real estate.
  • Government bonds.
  • Shares in Andorran companies.
  • Deposits with an Andorran bank.

Out of this amount, €47,500 – €50,000 must be deposited with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA), which is refundable if you relinquish residency. You’re required to pay €9,500 per dependent, as well.

Additionally, you must reside in Andorra for a minimum of 90 days per year and are not permitted to work locally (although you can work remotely) during this period. 

After seven years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency, and eventually citizenship (after 20 years, or 10 years if you attended a university in Andorra).

Establish a Business

Another route is through active residency, which is typically obtained by:

  • Starting a company or business in Andorra. 
  • Holding a majority stake and playing an active managerial role.
  • Residing in Andorra for at least 183 days per year. 

In this case, you must:

  • Provide proof of business incorporation and economic activity
  • Register with CASS (Social Security)
  • Pass health and background checks

After seven years of uninterrupted residence and tax contributions, you become eligible for permanent residency for ten years.

Marriage

If you marry an Andorran national, you may qualify for residency under family reunification laws, which are: 

  • After 3 years of marriage and cohabitation, you may apply for permanent residency.
  • You must still fulfill the basic residency requirements, such as being present in Andorra and having a clean criminal record.
  • If you divorce your spouse within the 3-year threshold, you may lose your right to remain in the country.  

Marriage alone does not guarantee permanent residency, but it can expedite the path if conditions are met.

Secure Your Algerian Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

Andorra is undoubtedly one of the most attractive locations in the world for immigrants from all walks of life. Their serene environment, beautiful landscapes, and healthy-growing economy make it a good spot to live, work, and raise your family. However, to work in the country, you need a job offer from a registered company and a work permit from the government. 

To expedite the process, we recommend seeking professional advice and initiating the entire process ahead of time, so that your job contract isn’t revoked. 

Relocate to Andorra

Nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees mountains, Andorra offers one of Europe’s most attractive tax regimes with a maximum personal income tax rate of just 10%. This microstate combines an exceptional quality of life, stunning natural surroundings, and excellent connectivity to major European cities, making it a compelling choice for high-value professionals and teams seeking a premium European lifestyle with significant fiscal advantages.

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