Andorra – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Andorra?

Every foreign national who intends to take up employment in Andorra must hold a work permit. This applies to those hired by local businesses, self-employed individuals, and seasonal workers alike. Since Andorra sits outside the European Union’s free movement framework, EU passport holders enjoy no automatic right to work there — though they do face lighter documentation requirements than applicants from non-EU countries.

For those seeking paid employment within the principality, the standard route is through an active residency permit, which incorporates the right to work for an Andorran employer. This process typically begins with the prospective employer rather than the individual. Unlike older systems in various European countries where the bulk of the administrative effort fell on the applicant, Andorra places a substantial portion of that burden squarely on the sponsoring company.

Before any permit application can be lodged, a foreign national must already have secured an employment contract with an Andorran-registered business. Crucially, the employer is required to advertise the vacancy within the local labour pool before they can justify bringing in a foreign hire. Only once that step has been completed and the need for an overseas candidate established can the employer proceed to sponsor the worker.

As of September 2025, non-EU nationals applying for a permanent work permit must demonstrate six years of relevant professional experience, while those seeking a seasonal permit must show two years. EU nationals are held to a lower experience threshold, making nationality a material factor in determining eligibility. These requirements are subject to revision, so it is advisable to confirm the current figures directly with the Andorran Immigration Service before relying on them.

What types of work permit are available in Andorra?

Andorra’s work authorisation framework is built around permits that are linked to residency rather than issued as standalone work visas. The main categories are described below. All are subject to annual quota restrictions, so satisfying the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that a permit will be available in any given year.

Active Residency Permit (employee)

This is the most widely used route for foreign workers in Andorra. An active residency permit covers individuals who both live and work in the principality, whether employed by a local company or operating on a self-employed basis. Initial permits are valid for one year, renewable every two years up to three times, after which a long-term permit may be sought following seven years of legal residence.

Seasonal Work Permit

Given Andorra’s reliance on seasonal industries, a dedicated permit exists for workers who plan to stay temporarily. Seasonal permit holders may enter the country in the same way as tourists, but must leave once their contract concludes. These permits are most prevalent in skiing and hospitality, with the ski season window running from around 15 November through to early May.

Active Residency Permit (self-employed)

Anyone wishing to run their own business or undertake an independent economic activity in Andorra must hold a self-employed work permit. Applicants are required to demonstrate to the Andorran Government that their business is formally registered, financially sustainable, and operating from appropriate premises, among other conditions. As of 2025, the government allocates 50 permits per year for self-employed individuals.

Residency Permit for Professionals with International Projection

Designed for entrepreneurs whose operations and client base are primarily international rather than domestic, this category sits within the broader active or passive residency framework depending on its specific configuration. Applicants must submit detailed business plans and evidence of investment to qualify.

Residency Permit for Scientific, Cultural, and Sporting Reasons

This is a specialist permit reserved for individuals who have achieved notable recognition in scientific research, cultural endeavours, or professional sport. Quota availability is limited, and applicants must provide evidence of substantive achievements in their field alongside a demonstrable benefit to Andorra from their presence.

Quota limits

For 2025, Andorra has set a general quota of 125 authorisations: 25 intended for liberal professionals operating on a self-employed basis, and 100 covering general residence and work authorisation. A separate quota of 100 permits has been established for foreign nationals seeking work authorisation without concurrent residency. Quota figures are published in the Official Gazette of Andorra (BOPA) and take effect from the moment of publication, so monitoring official announcements on an ongoing basis is essential for anyone planning an application.

How do you apply for a work permit in Andorra, and how long does it take?

The Andorran Ministry of the Interior, Immigration Service, and Department of Labour are jointly responsible for overseeing the immigration process and ensuring applications satisfy all government-issued requirements. Applications must be submitted in person within the principality — Andorra has no airport, and immigration matters are handled either on Andorran soil or through French and Spanish embassies for those requiring an initial entry visa.

The steps below outline the typical sequence for an employed worker’s permit application. Self-employed applicants follow a broadly comparable process but must additionally demonstrate that their proposed business is viable and properly registered in Andorra.

1. Secure a job offer. A signed employment contract from a registered Andorran business is a prerequisite for any permit application. Unlike points-based systems that allow applicants to proceed without a named employer, Andorra demands a firm offer before the process can commence.
2. Employer checks quota availability. The employer defines the position and establishes whether quota places remain available for the applicable permit category. This stage also involves confirming that the role addresses a genuine need in the Andorran labour market and that bringing in a foreign national can be justified.
3. Employer gathers corporate documentation. The employer assembles the necessary company records to support the application. These typically include business registration certificates, evidence of tax and social security compliance, and any sector-specific licences confirming that the firm is authorised and in good standing.
4. Candidate assembles personal documentation. The applicant collects all personal documents required for the residency and work permit. Common requirements include a valid passport, curriculum vitae, proof of professional qualifications, a police clearance certificate, evidence of health insurance or satisfactory medical examination results, and documentation showing adequate accommodation or financial resources.
5. Employer submits the application. The employer compiles and lodges the full permit application with the Andorran immigration authorities. This submission normally encompasses the signed employment contract, a description of the role, salary details, and the supporting documentation for both parties.
6. Authorities review the application. The immigration authorities examine the application, seek clarification where necessary, and consider quota availability alongside labour market factors. Additional documents or refreshed certificates may be requested during this phase; delays in supplying these can extend the overall processing time.
7. Permit is issued and employee registers locally. Upon approval, the employee completes any outstanding formalities — including travel arrangements, local registration, and enrolment with the CASS social security system. The residence and work permit card is then issued, conferring the right to live and work in Andorra for the stated period.

Applicants are expected to remain in their home country while awaiting the outcome of their application. Once a permit is approved, foreign nationals holding an employment visa must register with the Andorran immigration authorities within 30 days of arriving in the principality.

One important practical consideration: because Andorra is landlocked between France and Spain — both members of the Schengen Area — travellers whose nationality requires a Schengen visa must obtain one to transit through either country en route to Andorra. An approved Andorran residence and work permit does not substitute for Schengen entry clearance, and both requirements must be satisfied simultaneously.

Processing times

How long a permit application takes depends on the permit type, the volume of applications being processed at the immigration office, and whether the submission is complete at the outset. Seasonal demand and the remaining quota allocation for that year can also influence decision timescales.

Standard temporary residence or work permits are typically decided within approximately four to eight weeks once all documents have been received and quota places are confirmed, provided no significant issues or requests for further information arise. Seasonal permits, where paperwork is entirely in order, can move considerably faster — the process involves completing forms in Catalan, undergoing a basic medical, and if everything is correctly prepared, approval may come in under a week. Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparations well ahead of their intended start date, particularly those targeting the ski season, when demand for quota places is at its highest.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Andorra?

The precise list of required documents differs according to permit type and is updated periodically. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the Andorran Immigration Service or the Department of Labour before submitting anything. The documents listed below are commonly requested across the main permit categories.

Personal documents (employee)

• A valid passport (original and copy), birth certificate, and evidence of marital status where relevant.
• A criminal record certificate from the applicant’s home country. Police certificates are accepted for work permit purposes provided they were issued no more than three months before submission.
• A medical clearance certificate from an Andorran-registered doctor.
• A tenancy agreement and habitability certificate, together with one passport-sized photograph measuring 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.
• Proof of CASS social security registration, an employment contract bearing the signatures of both employer and employee, and documentation evidencing relevant educational and professional qualifications.

All documents originating abroad must generally be apostilled or legalised and then rendered into Catalan by a sworn translator. Where official documents come from another jurisdiction, they must carry the Hague Convention apostille or be formally authenticated so that immigration authorities can be satisfied as to their legitimacy.

Employer documents

The sponsoring employer must provide company incorporation documents, evidence of financial solvency and the capacity to pay the agreed salary, and materials demonstrating that the candidate’s qualifications and experience are appropriate for the role in question. Employers are also required to show that the position was advertised locally and that no suitably qualified Andorran candidate came forward — the absence of this labour market test evidence is one of the most common reasons for application delays.

Language note

All official application forms are issued in Catalan, Andorra’s sole official language. Applicants should also be aware that a certificate demonstrating completion of a basic Catalan language course is required at the first and second permit renewals. Sufficient time should be allowed both to obtain certified translations of foreign documents and to complete any mandatory language training before the relevant renewal deadline.

What does a work permit cost in Andorra?

Permit fees are set by the Andorran government and differ according to the category applied for. The amounts are published officially and may be revised, so the figures below should be treated as indicative. Always confirm the most current fees with the Andorran Ministry of the Interior or Immigration Service before submitting an application.

The government fee for a seasonal work permit stands at approximately €46.34, while fees for active residency permits vary according to the immigration authority’s published schedule. In addition to the official application fee, applicants should plan for the following ancillary costs:

• As of early 2025, applicants should anticipate fees covering an application processing fee, medical examination fee, social security registration fee, and potential fees for document legalisation and translation.
• Apostille or legalisation fees for documents issued in other jurisdictions
• Sworn translation fees for any materials not already in Catalan
• Passport photographs and any notarisation costs

There is no publicly confirmed provision in Andorra that prevents employers from recovering permit-related costs from employees, but this is something worth addressing explicitly in your employment contract. The practice is expressly prohibited in some countries and left to negotiation in others. Raise the question directly with your prospective employer and, if you remain uncertain, consult a local gestor or legal adviser with knowledge of Andorran labour law. Definitive fee amounts are published by the Andorran government and must be verified prior to making any application.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Andorra?

Permit holders are not permitted to carry out work for any employer other than the one named on their permit unless specific authorisation has been granted. Andorra’s active residency and work permit is in practice anchored to the sponsoring employer — a feature shared with many employer-led systems internationally, such as the way Gulf region work visas tie an employee to a named sponsor, or how the old UK Tier 2 sponsor licence regime operated.

Moving to a different employer while resident in Andorra will generally necessitate a fresh permit application. Since eligibility is assessed against both the employer’s standing and the applicant’s individual profile, a new sponsor must repeat the labour market test — advertising the vacancy domestically before seeking overseas talent — and the application will be subject to whatever quota capacity remains at the time.

Permit holders are obliged to inform the Immigration Department of material changes in their circumstances, such as a new address or a change in marital status. Switching employers is unquestionably a material change and must be reported without delay; continuing to work for a new employer before updated authorisation has been obtained amounts to a permit breach and carries serious consequences, as outlined in the section on penalties below.

After residing lawfully in Andorra on an active residency permit for the prescribed period, foreign nationals may become eligible to apply for long-term or permanent residency, which confers broader rights including considerably greater flexibility around employment. Following seven years of legal residence, permits become renewable every ten years, except for nationals of countries that have specific bilateral agreements with Andorra.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Andorra?

Working in Andorra without a valid permit, or in a manner that contravenes permit conditions, carries significant legal and immigration consequences for the individual worker and the employing business alike. Compliance is taken seriously, and any violation may have lasting implications for a person’s ability to remain in or re-enter the country.

For employees

Breaching permit obligations can result in fines, cancellation of the residency permit, and potentially deportation. Working for an employer not named on the permit, exceeding authorised working hours, or operating in a sector different from the one specified on the permit all constitute violations. Any such breach is likely to appear on an individual’s immigration record and could seriously undermine future applications for residency or citizenship, both of which require a clean and continuous history of lawful presence in Andorra.

For employers

Businesses that hire foreign workers without the requisite permits, or that fail to meet their reporting obligations, face fines ranging from €3,005 to €15,025 per affected employee, along with the possibility of having their operations suspended. These are substantial penalties within a small-economy jurisdiction and reflect the principality’s resolute approach to labour market integrity. Compliance is a shared obligation — both employers and employees must ensure that all documentation remains current and valid throughout the employment relationship.

Employers found to have knowingly engaged undocumented workers may also sustain lasting reputational damage and face greater difficulty sponsoring foreign hires in the future. Given Andorra’s restrictive annual quotas, losing the ability to bring in overseas talent can have a disproportionate impact on a company’s capacity to recruit internationally for years to come.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Andorra?

The authoritative sources for work permit and immigration matters in Andorra are listed below. For fees, quotas, and document requirements — all of which can change — always go directly to official channels rather than relying on secondary sources, which may not reflect recent updates.

• Government of Andorra (Govern d’Andorra): The official government portal at govern.ad covers residency and work permit categories, application procedures, and downloadable forms. The site is primarily in Catalan, though key sections may also be available in French or Spanish.
• Andorran Immigration Service (Servei d’Immigració d’Andorra): The Immigration Service is responsible for issuing residence and work permits upon approval. Questions relating to individual applications, document requirements, or the status of a pending case should be directed to this body.
• Department of Labour (Departament de Treball d’Andorra): Work permit requests are submitted to the Department of Labour by the Andorran employer or an Employer of Record acting on the company’s behalf. This department also oversees employment-related compliance and the labour market test process.
• Official Gazette of Andorra (BOPA — Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra): Annual quota announcements, fee revisions, and new regulatory measures are published in the BOPA and come into force immediately upon publication. Regular monitoring of the Gazette is strongly recommended for anyone with an active or pending application.
• Spanish and French embassies and consulates: Andorra does not operate its own visa-issuing infrastructure. Applicants who require a Schengen visa to travel through France or Spain in order to reach Andorra must apply through the relevant French or Spanish embassy or consulate for that element of the process.

Exercise caution when consulting third-party immigration websites, HR platforms, or informal online communities for specific figures such as fees, quotas, or processing timelines. While these sources can offer useful background context, they are not always refreshed promptly when Andorran regulations are updated. Treat them as a starting point for understanding the system, but verify every important detail against an official source before submitting an application or making any consequential decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Andorra as a tourist while looking for a job?

Working in Andorra on a tourist visa is not permitted. A work permit must be obtained before any employment — paid or unpaid — can begin. You may enter as a visitor for the purpose of attending interviews or meeting potential employers, but actual work must not commence until a permit has been formally granted. It is worthwhile beginning to gather your documents — particularly your apostilled criminal record certificate — before you make the trip.

Does my EU passport exempt me from needing a work permit in Andorra?

No. Andorra is not an EU member state and does not apply EU free movement rules. Holding an EU passport does not exempt you from the work permit requirement. That said, EU nationals are subject to lower experience thresholds than their non-EU counterparts. The applicable rules have been revised in recent years — for example, the position of UK nationals changed in April 2025 — so always confirm the current requirements directly with the Andorran Immigration Service.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Andorra?

Standard temporary residence or work permits are generally processed within roughly four to eight weeks of a complete application being received, provided quota places are available and no significant complications or requests for additional documentation arise. Seasonal permit applications, where all paperwork is fully in order, can be resolved in under a week. More involved cases or incomplete submissions will take longer. Starting preparations as early as possible is particularly important for the ski season, when the immigration office handles its heaviest workload.

What happens to my work permit if I lose my job in Andorra?

Because your active residency and work permit is bound to the employer who sponsored it, losing that job will directly affect the permit’s ongoing validity. The Immigration Department should be informed promptly. If a new employer is found, that employer will need to initiate a fresh permit application on your behalf, which will once again be subject to available quota places and the required labour market test. Remaining in Andorra after employment ends without taking steps to regularise your status risks jeopardising your right to stay.

Can my family join me in Andorra on a dependent permit?

Family members of active residents are able to apply for residency in Andorra as dependants. The primary permit holder must be able to show sufficient income and appropriate accommodation to provide for those who are dependent on them. The specific requirements vary according to the nature of the relationship and the type of permit held by the main applicant. Family reunification rules may be updated independently of work permit regulations, so the current position should always be confirmed with the Andorran Immigration Service.

Do I need to speak Catalan to get a work permit in Andorra?

Fluency in Catalan is not a condition for obtaining an initial work permit, but a certificate demonstrating completion of a basic Catalan language course is required at the first and second permit renewals. All application forms are issued in Catalan, so engaging a local gestor or immigration adviser who can assist with completing the paperwork is strongly advisable — especially for first-time applicants who are unfamiliar with the language or the system.

Are there work permit options for self-employed people or freelancers?

A self-employed work permit is available to those wishing to conduct an independent economic activity in Andorra. Applicants must satisfy the Andorran Government that their business is registered, that they can finance its operations, and that they have suitable premises in place, among other conditions. As of 2025, the annual allocation stands at 25 permits for liberal professionals. Competition for these places is keen; preparing a thorough business plan and obtaining local legal advice before applying is strongly recommended.

Will working illegally in Andorra affect future immigration applications?

Yes, significantly. Breaching permit conditions — whether by working without authorisation, working for an employer not named on the permit, or exceeding the hours permitted — can result in fines, permit cancellation, and deportation. Any such violation will be recorded in your immigration history and is very likely to count against you in any subsequent application for residency, long-term status, or citizenship in Andorra, all of which require a sustained and unbroken record of lawful residence in the principality.