Andorran residence permit in 2026: how to get one, which option to choose and what it costs

Since 13 February 2026, an Andorran residence permit without the right to work — the “residence by investment” — requires at least €1,000,000 invested in Andorran assets plus a non-refundable €50,000 contribution, and €12,000 more for each family member. You must live in the principality for at least 90 days a year, and the 2026 quota is 163 such permits. Applicants from outside the EU face two extra hurdles: the right to enter Schengen and a lower place in the quota queue. Below: every type of Andorran residence permit with its money and timelines, the application procedure, taxes, the path to citizenship and a comparison with Spain. What daily life is like — housing, prices, schools and healthcare — is covered in our guide to living in Andorra.

Types of residence permit in Andorra in 2026

Andorra divides permits into two groups: without the right to work (passive, professional, scientific and cultural, digital nomad) and with work (your own company or employment). The conditions below follow the Immigration Act (Llei 9/2012) as amended by Act 2/2026 and the 2025–2026 regulations.

For all permits without the right to work, the minimum income is more than 300% of Andorra’s annual minimum wage for the main applicant plus 100% for each dependant. From 1 July 2026 the minimum wage is €1,568.67 a month, so the threshold is about €56,472 a year for the applicant and €18,824 per dependant (our calculation: €1,568.67 × 12 × 3 and × 12). Before July the rate was lower, which is why other overviews quote “55 thousand”.

Andorran residence by investment: €1,000,000 or €400,000

In Andorra, “residence by investment” and the passive residence permit (residència sense activitat lucrativa) are the same permit: investment is its main condition, and you cannot work on it. The new wording of Article 96 of the Immigration Act was introduced by Act 2/2026, published on 12 February 2026.

Where you can invest

You must permanently and actually hold at least €1,000,000 in one or more types of Andorran assets:

• property in Andorra — each property worth more than €800,000;
• shares in the capital of Andorran companies;
• debt and financial instruments of Andorran issuers and Andorran investment funds — for no longer than 36 months, after which the money must be moved into another type of asset;
• debt securities of Andorran public bodies;
• life insurance with Andorran insurers;
• an interest-free deposit with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA).

The reduced option is €400,000 in the Fons d’Habitatge, Andorra’s housing fund.

The €50,000 contribution and investment deadlines

• Contribution to the AFA — €50,000 for the main applicant and €12,000 for each dependant. This used to be a refundable deposit of €47,500 and €9,500; now the money goes to the state and is returned only if the first permit is refused. As of September 2026 the government page on govern.ad still shows the old amounts — rely on the law.
• Deadline to invest — 6 months after the decision, plus another 6 months in case of force majeure. Then one month to prove the investment; if you do not, the permit is annulled.
• Transitional rule: applications filed before 22 January 2026 are decided under the previous rules.
• Tax on foreign investment in property — 6% on the purchase of one home and 10% on the rest. It is paid by non-residents and by residents who have lived in Andorra for less than 3 of the last 10 years, which includes a new passive resident. A foreign investment authorisation is also required.

How much a family needs

Our calculation, excluding the cost of housing to live in, insurance, fees and support. The family’s income must also meet the threshold: 300% of the annual minimum wage for the applicant and 100% for each dependant.

Can you work on a passive residence permit?

No. A passive resident may manage their own assets and be an unpaid director of a company in which they hold at least 50%. Remote work for foreign clients requires a different permit — professional with international reach or digital nomad.

Can a non-EU citizen get an Andorran residence permit?

Yes: neither the law nor the regulations exclude any nationality. But non-EU citizens face hurdles that EU citizens do not:

• Schengen. A non-EU applicant must have the lawful right to enter Schengen countries, travel through them and return to Schengen from Andorra (Article 13 of the regulation, Decret 407/2025). Andorra is surrounded by Spain and France and has no airport of its own, so if your nationality needs a Schengen visa, without one or an EU residence permit this route does not work.
• The quota queue. Permits are allocated by priority: first citizens of countries with a ratified agreement with Andorra, then EU and EEA citizens, then everyone else (Decret 74/2026). Other non-EU citizens are in the last group, and the 2026 quota has been cut to 200 permits without the right to work, against 600 in 2023.

The source of funds is checked by banks and other obliged entities under the anti-money-laundering act (Llei 14/2017), as for all applicants. In practice, a non-EU applicant with a residence permit in Spain or another EU country finds Schengen easier. If you have not decided yet, compare with Spain: it has its own non-lucrative residence permit with an income threshold of 2 400 € a month and no mandatory investment, and all the grounds are collected in our overview of Spanish residence permits.

Other Andorran residence permits

Professional with international reach

For those who work for foreign clients. The base of activity is in Andorra, with no more than one employee, and at least 85% of services are consumed outside Andorra. You must prove economic viability — accounts for the last year or a three-year business plan — and qualifications. The AFA deposit is €47,500 plus €9,500 per dependant, with no interest. Act 2/2026 did not change it: unlike the passive resident’s contribution, the deposit is returned when the permit ends, minus AFA fees (Article 99 of the Immigration Act). The 2026 quota is 10 permits.

Digital nomad

A permit for remote work for foreign employers and clients, introduced by Act 42/2022. You need a Ministry of Economy decision recognising you as a digital nomad, sufficient funds, insurance, housing and a criminal record certificate, and you must live in Andorra for at least 90 days a year. The official page sets no nationality restrictions, but the Schengen condition applies here too.

Your own company

An active residence permit for the owner of an Andorran company: a stake above 34%, a foreign investment authorisation and genuine management. The permit is first reserved, with 6 months to prove the conditions. The €50,000 AFA contribution is also non-refundable, except for projects selected by recognised organisations and digital economy and innovation projects. The first permit is for one year, followed by three two-year renewals; to renew you must live and work in Andorra for at least 183 days a year.

Since 13 February 2026 the rules are stricter (Article 38 ter as amended by Act 2/2026). Within 6 months of the reservation you must set up the company, join its management and pay the €50,000, and within 3 months of filing the application you must show that the company has a registered business that is already trading: a lease alone is not enough. After two consecutive renewal refusals for lack of activity or residence, after withdrawing an application or after leaving voluntarily, you can apply again only after 12 months. The 2026 quota is 200 permits: 150 for any activity, 30 for liberal professions other than doctors and 20 for doctors, and places do not move between the three parts (Decret 75/2026). Liberal professions also need a government authorisation to practise, and the 183-day rule does not apply to them: permanent residence is enough. Applications filed before the Act was passed on 22 January 2026 are decided under the old rules. How to set up the company, obtain the foreign investment authorisation and prove genuine activity is covered in our guide to setting up a company in Andorra.

Employment

A permit within the general quota: the first for one year, then three two-year renewals, and after 7 years for 10 years each. The quota approved on 7 October 2026 is 900 places: 702 residence and work permits and 198 for cross-border workers; applications are accepted until 30 April 2027, and the 250 places already granted under the previous quota are deducted from it. In the first year you cannot change economic sector or work for yourself — doing so cancels the permit; an exception is possible with the immigration service’s approval for staff shortages in health and education. You must live in Andorra permanently and effectively. Since 26 April 2026 renewal requires Catalan: A1 for the first renewal and A2 for the second, otherwise renewal is refused (Act 6/2024). For passive residence, the self-employed and digital nomads, the law requires the government to introduce the same levels within five years.

Family reunification

The family of an employee or a company owner is not part of their application: it comes on a separate family reunification permit. There is no quota and no AFA payment. You can apply once the holder of a residence and work permit has lived in Andorra lawfully and permanently for the last 3 months. The spouse or registered partner, children under 18, adult children who are dependent and under guardianship, and dependent parents over 65 or retired can join. Household income must be at least 100% of the minimum wage for each adult and 70% for each child: at €1,568.67 a month that is about €3,137 a month for a couple plus €1,098 for each child (our calculation). You need housing and health insurance covering 100% of costs for each person. The application is filed in person by appointment, and the fee is €22.61.

For the passive, professional and scientific, cultural or sporting permits the family are dependants in the same application: each one costs a €12,000 contribution or a €9,500 deposit. This also covers children aged 18 to 25 in full-time education.

How to get an Andorran residence permit: documents and steps

Documents

• a valid passport;
• criminal record certificates from your country of origin, country of citizenship and all countries of previous residence — with an apostille;
• proof of income and funds; for the passive permit, an investment plan;
• health insurance: 100% of medical costs in Andorra, plus incapacity and old age for the whole term of the permit (for children and people over 60, illness only);
• a rental or ownership with minimum habitability standards; if a purchase is in progress, you get a year to complete it;
• a signed undertaking to make Andorra your main residence;
• marriage and birth certificates for a family application.

All foreign documents need an apostille or consular legalisation and a translation.

Steps

1. Check your right to enter Schengen and choose the permit type.
2. Gather and legalise the documents, arrange insurance and housing.
3. Apply to the Departament d’Immigració within the quota.
4. Pass the medical examination at the immigration medical service.
5. After the decision, pay the contribution or deposit to the AFA.
6. Register with the comú (municipality) where you live: the government page allows a month, the regulation three months; a month is the safer target.
7. For the passive permit, invest within 6 months and prove the investment within a month.

The law sets no processing time for applications, and we found no official guidance on it.

Government fees

• passive permit — €3,000 for the first permit and €1,000 per dependant, renewal €500;
• employment and own company — €190.96 for the first permit, renewal €22.61;
• family reunification — €22.61;
• filing receipt — €5.73, or €6.79 for permits without the right to work.

The amounts follow Article 154 of the Immigration Act and can be changed by the budget act. The AFA contribution or deposit, translations, legalisation, insurance and professional fees come on top.

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Permanent residence in Andorra

Andorra has no separate permanent residence status. A passive permit is issued for 2 years, renewed for 2, then for 3 years, and after 7 years of residence for 10 years. For Spanish, French and Portuguese citizens the passive permit is renewed for 3 years after the first 2, and for 10 years after 5 years of residence. After 20 years of continuous lawful residence a person cannot be expelled administratively, except on security grounds.

Days in the country matter for renewal. Holidays, medical treatment abroad and studies count as residence; a business trip ordered by the employer counts for up to 12 months, extendable, and only with the immigration service’s approval (Article 53 of the Immigration Act). Other absences reduce your days.

Andorran citizenship

Citizenship is governed by Act 8/2026 of 7 May 2026:

• naturalisation after 20 years of main and permanent residence; breaks are now allowed, but the last 5 years must be continuous;
• 10 years of residence if the person studied at Andorran schools for at least 10 years;
• 5 years of continuous residence when married to an Andorran citizen;
• Catalan at B1 for those under 70 and a test of knowledge of Andorran history, geography and institutions;
• you must renounce your previous citizenship: you get 5 years to prove its loss, plus 2 more if the procedure is already under way.

For comparison: Spain also requires most foreigners to renounce their previous citizenship, but naturalises after 10 years, and citizens of a number of countries after 2 years.

Taxes for Andorran residents

• Income tax is 10%. The tax-free allowance is €24,000 a year, or €40,000 if a spouse is a dependant (Act 5/2014).
• Tax credit — 50% of the tax on the general base, capped at €800; so income from work, business and rentals between €24,000 and €40,000 is effectively taxed at 5%. The credit does not apply to dividends and interest.
• You become a tax resident by living in Andorra for more than 183 days a year or by moving your centre of business or economic interests there. The 90 days enough for a residence permit do not make you a tax resident: a passive resident may remain resident elsewhere.
• Double taxation: Andorra has treaties with Spain, France, Portugal and a number of other countries.

Company taxes, dividends and CASS contributions are covered in our guide to company taxes in Andorra. How this compares with the neighbours is shown in our summary of tax rates across European countries and in the breakdown of taxes in Spain.

What changed in 2026

• The investment for a passive permit rose from €600,000 to €1,000,000, with a new €400,000 option in the Fons d’Habitatge and a threshold of over €800,000 per home.
• The €47,500 deposit became a non-refundable €50,000 contribution; the dependant contribution is €12,000 instead of €9,500.
• The quota for permits without the right to work is 200 for 2026 against 600 in 2023, of which 163 passive permits against 490.
• A 6% and 10% tax on foreign investment in property applies.
• Since 26 April 2026 work-based permits are renewed only with Catalan at A1, then A2.
• Residence through your own company: 3 months after filing for the business to be trading, and a 12-month bar on reapplying after two renewal refusals.
• Since May 2026 citizenship can be obtained with breaks in residence, but renouncing your previous citizenship is still mandatory.

Frequently asked questions about Andorran residence permits

How much does Andorran residence by investment cost?

At least €1,000,000 in Andorran assets or €400,000 in the Fons d’Habitatge, plus a non-refundable €50,000 contribution for the applicant and €12,000 for each dependant. On top of that come the 6% tax on buying a home, insurance and living costs.

Is the €50,000 refunded?

No. Since 13 February 2026 it is a non-refundable contribution to the state. It is returned only if the first permit is refused.

Can you work on an Andorran passive residence permit?

No. You can manage your own assets and be an unpaid director of your own company. To work for foreign clients you need a professional with international reach or digital nomad permit.

Do you need a Schengen visa for an Andorran residence permit?

The regulation requires a lawful right to enter Schengen and to return to it from Andorra. If your nationality needs a visa for Schengen, that means a Schengen visa or an EU residence permit.

How many days do you have to live in Andorra?

For the passive, professional and digital nomad permits, at least 90 days a year. To renew a company owner’s permit, at least 183 days. An employee must live in Andorra permanently.

When can you get Andorran citizenship?

After 20 years of residence, the last 5 of them without breaks. You will have to renounce your previous citizenship.

Can you become a digital nomad in Andorra with a non-EU passport?

The official page sets no nationality restrictions, but the general Schengen entry condition applies, and non-EU citizens without an agreement with Andorra are last in the quota queue.

Do you need a visa for Andorra?

Andorra issues no visas of its own and is not in Schengen, but it can only be reached through Spain or France. So if your nationality needs a Schengen visa, you need one to travel to Andorra too, ideally multiple-entry, because you re-enter Schengen when you leave Andorra.

How do you bring your family to Andorra?

With a passive permit your family is part of your application, with a €12,000 contribution per dependant. An employee or company owner applies for family reunification after 3 months in Andorra: no quota and no contribution, with income of 100% of the minimum wage per adult and 70% per child.

What are the government fees for an Andorran residence permit?

Passive permit: €3,000 plus €1,000 per dependant, renewal €500. Employment and own company: €190.96, renewal €22.61. Family reunification: €22.61.

Sources

• Llei 2/2026 de continuïtat i consolidació de les mesures per al creixement sostenible — BOPA No. 15 of 12.02.2026;
• Llei 9/2012 qualificada d’immigració (consolidated text);
• Decret 407/2025, regulation on permits without the right to work;
• Decret 74/2026 on the quota of permits without the right to work — BOPA No. 26 of 13.03.2026;
• Decret 75/2026 on the self-employment quota — BOPA No. 26 of 13.03.2026;
• Quota of 900 residence and work permits — government decision of 07.10.2026;
• Family reunification procedure — govern.ad;
• Llei 5/2014 on personal income tax;
• Llei 8/2026 on nationality;
• Andorra’s minimum wage in 2026.