The Principality of Andorra is a wise choice for those wishing to start a new life or simply take up temporary residence. This choice may be motivated by the living environment, the geographical location or the advantageous tax system.
To become Andorran, you need to be a legal and effective resident in all scenarios. Read this article to find out how to become Andorran.
To work in Andorra, you must first obtain a resident's card. If you are an employee, then it is the company that applies to the government. An employment contract is required to start the procedure.
If you want to set up a company, you need to apply for active residency. You will then be required to hold at least 21% of your company's shares. If your aim is to buy out a company, then you'll need to purchase at least 20% of shares. In both cases, you must have spent at least 183 days in the country to obtain this permit. You must, of course, pay social security contributions. Finally, a deposit of €15,000 is required from the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA). This deposit will be returned to you if you leave Andorra and have fulfilled all your obligations.
RLG And Capital can help you with all the formalities, which are carried out in Catalan, and advise you on how to make your expatriation a success, thanks to our Franco-Andorran experts. Contact us!
If you want to become a resident without working there, then passive residency is for you. To apply, you must live there for more than 90 days.
A minimum investment of 600,000€ in real estate or shares in an Andorran company is required. It is also possible to pay a deposit to the government.
Active residency is recommended for people wishing to make an investment, but also for people who are unable to reside in the principality for 183 days, such as those with an international career. This includes artists, celebrities, athletes and certain scientists.
Passive residences require a certain amount of investment, and are recommended for people with no business or a certain amount of capital, such as retirees, athletes and celebrities.
Note that it is perfectly possible to set up a company and become an active resident, even if you are retired or in one of the above situations.
To obtain Andorran citizenship, you must have spent more than 20 years in Andorra. You will be required to have a good command of Catalan and a good grounding in the country's history and geography. This will be assessed during the application process.
Double nationality is not permitted. In other words, once you have obtained Andorran nationality, you must renounce your original nationality.
Foreign students studying in Andorra between the ages of 6 and 16 are automatically granted citizenship. They must spend 10 years in Andorra to obtain it.
If you are a tax resident of Andorra, have been there for at least 15 years and receive an inheritance in the country, then you can also apply.
Finally, a resident who marries an Andorran resident will obtain citizenship if he or she has resided in Andorra for at least 3 years.
