- March 19, 2026
- Posted by: andorrasolutions
- Category: News Andorra
The Government of Andorra has approved new regulations setting the overall quota for active residence and work permits for the year 2026. This measure forms part of the Principality of Andorra’s sustainable growth policies and responds to recent legislative changes relating to foreign investment and immigration.
According to the new Decree 75/2026 published in the Official Gazette, the total number of permits available will be 200 for professionals, entrepreneurs and investors wishing to settle in Andorra through their own business activity.
This type of permit is one of the most common ways for international entrepreneurs to establish their tax residence in Andorra and run their business from the country.
What is active residence in Andorra?
The active residence permit allows a foreign national to live and work in Andorra by setting up or investing in a local business.
In practice, most applicants obtain this authorisation by:
- setting up a business in Andorra
- acquiring shares in an Andorran company
- carrying out a regulated professional activity
- taking on a management or executive role within the company
For example, a foreign entrepreneur may set up a company in Andorra, participate in its management and apply for residence as a company director.
You can find more information about this type of permit on this services page. Click on the following link to find out more about Active Residence – Work and Residence Permit.
This permit is specifically aimed at entrepreneurs, consultants, digital professionals, traders, independent professionals and other international profiles wishing to relocate their business to the Principality of Andorra.
New authorisation quota for 2026
The regulations approved by the Government set a maximum quota of 200 active residence and work permits.
These permits are divided into three main categories:
- 30 permits for independent professionals (excluding doctors)
- 20 permits for doctors registered with the Andorran Medical Association
- 150 permits for other cases of active residence and work permits
An important feature of the system is that each category has a fixed number of permits, so if one category is exhausted, the quota for another category cannot be used.
How authorisations are granted
Applications are processed in chronological order, based on the date of submission.
However, the regulations establish a priority order among applicants based on their nationality:
- citizens of countries with agreements with Andorra
- citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area
- citizens of other countries
For this reason, in many cases, submitting the application correctly from the outset is key to avoiding delays or missing out on opportunities within the annual quota.
Previous reservation of the authorisation
One of the most significant changes in the new regulations is the requirement to reserve immigration authorisation in advance before commencing certain procedures.
This reservation allows the applicant to begin the process of:
- recognition of a qualified profession
- foreign investment
- setting up a business in Andorra
Once the reservation has been granted, the applicant has a set period to complete the procedures:
- 3 months for qualified professions
- 6 months for foreign investment or company formation processes
This system aims to ensure that authorisations are actually used for viable business projects.
Standard requirements for obtaining active residence
Although each case may vary depending on the applicant’s profile, certain basic requirements must normally be met.
Among the most common are:
- setting up or investing in an Andorran company
- holding a significant stake in the company
- holding a management or administrative position
- contributing to CASS, the Andorran social security scheme
- residing in Andorra for at least 183 days a year
Furthermore, from 2026, applicants must make a definitive, non-refundable payment of €50,000 to the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA).
Renewal of residence permits
Active residence permits must be renewed periodically.
To obtain renewal, the holder must demonstrate that they continue to meet the conditions that led to the initial grant of the permit.
This implies, for example:
- that the business is still operational
- that the resident continues to carry out the activity
- that tax and social security obligations are being met
In many cases, it is also necessary to demonstrate the business’s actual economic activity.
Assistance in obtaining residency in Andorra
If you are considering moving to Andorra, seeking specialist advice can make the process significantly easier.
Services typically include:
- international tax planning
- setting up companies in Andorra
- processing residence permits
- accounting and tax management
- support throughout the immigration process
Please contact us for further information