Andorra has its own immigration system, separate from the EU. Understanding the permit categories, timelines and requirements is key to a successful relocation or employment.
Andorra is not a member of the European Union. It has its own independent immigration framework managed by the Andorran government (Govern d'Andorra). All foreign nationals wishing to live and work in Andorra must obtain the appropriate permit, regardless of nationality.
Andorra operates a quota system — the number of new permits issued each year is limited. This makes early application important, especially for non-EU nationals.
Andorra is not in the EU or Schengen Area. EU citizenship does not grant automatic right to work or reside in Andorra.
Spanish, French and Portuguese nationals benefit from trilateral agreements with Andorra, simplifying documentation and reducing processing time.
Andorran immigration reviews each applicant individually. The number of permits is capped annually. We recommend starting the process as early as possible.
For foreign nationals employed by an Andorran company or EOR entity. This is the standard work and residence permit. Requires a medical visit and in-person attendance in Andorra. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks for EU nationals.
For individuals who wish to live in Andorra without carrying out any local professional activity. Requires proof of sufficient income from abroad and a minimum physical presence of 90 days per year in Andorra. Passive residents are not permitted to work in Andorra.
For entrepreneurs and freelancers who wish to establish and carry out a professional or commercial activity in Andorra. Requires registration of a business activity and enrolment with CASS social security.
Employer of Record (EOR) services in the Principality of Andorra are subject to specific legal restrictions under Andorran labour and immigration law, in particular the Llei 31/2018 del Codi de relacions laborals, the Llei 5/2025 of 6 March 2025 (which introduced important restrictions on immigration and worker placement practices), and the Decret 335/2025 of 24 September 2025 governing residence and work authorisation quotas. Our clients have also informed us of a government communication issued in October 2025 clarifying the application of these rules to EOR arrangements:
EOR is limited to employees who are already legally resident in Andorra. EOR arrangements may only be established for individuals who hold a valid Andorran residence and work permit at the time of onboarding. Foreign nationals not yet resident must complete the full immigration procedure and obtain residency before being engaged under an EOR scheme. The immigration quota system (Decret 335/2025) prioritises legal residents and Andorran nationals for new work authorisations.
Worker surrogation is reserved exclusively for licensed ETT agencies. Under the Codi de relacions laborals (Llei 31/2018, Article on Employer definition), only Empreses de Treball Temporal (ETT) — temporary staffing agencies holding a valid licence from the Andorran authorities — are legally authorised to place workers at the disposal of third-party client companies. Any arrangement in which a non-ETT entity places a worker under the effective direction of another company constitutes illegal worker surrogation (cessió il·legal de treballadors) and is subject to sanctions under Andorran law. EOR providers that do not hold an ETT licence may not offer this type of service.
Processing times vary depending on nationality, completeness of documents, and immigration department workload. The following are general estimates for a standard work and residence permit application.
Spanish, French and Portuguese nationals benefit from simplified documentation under bilateral agreements. EU nationals are generally processed more efficiently than non-EU applicants.
Proof of a rental contract in Andorra is required as part of the application. We can assist with housing search through our network.
Workers employed in Andorra under an EOR scheme must strictly comply with local permanency requirements. A minimum of 183 days per year of physical presence in Andorra is mandatory. Failure to meet this requirement may affect the validity of the work and residence permit.
Every situation is different. Contact us and we will assess your specific case and guide you through the right pathway.
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