Digital nomads are identified as professionals who can work from anywhere, with access to technology and the Internet. One of the premises is that they do not need to be in a fixed place to carry out their work, and that is why their lifestyle is characterised by moving around the world.
Since 2023, it has been possible to obtain a special residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra. With this type of residence, professionals who meet the requirements set out in Law 42/2022 will be able to apply for this residence permit, which will allow them to live in Andorra and work from here.
“The applicant for digital nomad residency is characterised by not requiring a specific geographical location to carry out their work and by using technology and telecommunications to carry it out.”
Within Law 42/2022 on the digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, we find the section on “Immigration authorisations for digital nomads, entrepreneur visas and other immigration measures to promote the digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation”. This section explains the new types of residence in Andorra for foreigners who contribute to the development of the digital economy, entrepreneurship or innovation in the country. The profile of applicants for this type of visa must cover the following:
- Foreigners who do not require a specific geographical location to develop their work, and use telecommunications and technology.
- Foreigners selected to participate in the programme for entrepreneurs promoted by the ministry in charge of the economy.
- For applications for paid employment, if hired by an Andorran company, the fixed salary of the foreigner applicant does not necessarily have to be 3 times the current minimum wage.
- Applications for residence permits for self-employed foreigners do not have to be accompanied by a deposit of 50,000 euros with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA).
How long is the residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra valid for?
Initially, the residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra is granted for a period of 2 years. The first renewal is for 2 years, the second renewal is for 3 years and the following renewals are for periods of 10 years, except for citizens of countries that have a signed and ratified agreement with the Principality of Andorra.
What do I need to apply for a digital nomad residence permit in Andorra?
To apply for the residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra, the interested foreigner must meet the following requirements, among others:
- Have sufficient financial means to allow the applicant and his/her dependants to reside in the Principality for the duration of the residence permit.
- Both the applicant and his/her dependants must have comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- The commitment of the applicant and his/her dependants to establish their main and effective residence in the Principality of Andorra for at least 90 days per calendar year.
- To comply with the regulatory quota established. The total number of residence permits for digital nomads is 50, and the number of residence permits for participants in the entrepreneurship programme promoted by the ministry in charge of the economy is also 50. However, if the quota of permits for digital nomads is exhausted, the applicant may still be granted a permit, as long as the total number of 100 permits is not exceeded.
- The Ministry in charge of the economy must issue a favourable decision on your application, taking into account that you do not need a specific geographic location to carry out your work, and that you use technology and telecommunications.
Who is the residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra aimed at?
One of the conditions for obtaining the residence permit for digital nomads in Andorra is the commitment to move your principal and effective residence to the Principality of Andorra for at least 90 days per calendar year. If your intention is to stay in Andorra for a few weeks, you should consult the requirements for obtaining a tourist visa. Please note that during your stay in Andorra, whether long or short, you can rent a Hot Desk or a Dedicated Desk within a coworking space in Andorra for days or weeks. In this space you will have an optimal place to work, with high-speed Internet access, a pleasant atmosphere and the possibility of networking with other professionals. In addition to getting to know the country, you will be able to exchange experiences with other professionals and entrepreneurs already established in the Principality.
How does a remote worker differ from a digital nomad?
The remote worker can be full-time or part-time, with working days at the company’s own premises. Working from home has been a trend for some years now, demonstrating that it is possible to be just as efficient, if not more so, working in an external environment. It is also possible to relocate for a period of time to another city in the same country. Advances in technological resources have made it possible for people to work remotely in the same way as they would from their office.
Generally speaking, a remote worker can be considered a worker who works from an address other than that of the company, for example, his or her home. On the other hand, EU citizens have the right to move freely within the EU without the need to apply for a visa, although in order to settle down for a period of time they need to register and obtain a residence permit.
The digital nomad has a different profile. It can be an employee of a company, a freelancer working for several companies or an entrepreneur who offers his goods or services without the need to be in the same country where his company is located. It is true that he also works remotely, but he can be in one country today and in another country tomorrow. The fundamental condition for setting up is that the destination country offers quality internet access, without which it would be unthinkable to guarantee your work.
Why be a digital nomad in Andorra?
The Principality of Andorra offers many advantages for digital nomads. There is total fibre optic Internet coverage throughout the country. This guarantees connectivity and quality of service.
The Travel Risk Map website has registered Andorra as a low medical risk, and the security risk is negligible. The peace of mind of being in a country with access to quality medical care will allow you to concentrate more easily on your work. The almost non-existent crime will give you free rein to explore this beautiful country without worrying about your personal safety.
If you love winter sports, Andorra has more than 4 months of snow for skiing and winter sports. You can also go hiking on mountain routes, which will help you get to know the nature and culture of the principality better.
Its geographical location, with the possibility of being in France or Spain in a few hours, gives you the chance to interact with other cultures. One day you can enjoy a Coq au vin, and the next an excellent paella.
Links of interest on the type of residence in Andorra for digital nomads
Below we group together some official links in Catalan from the Government of Andorra on residency for digital nomads.
Law 42/2022, of 1 December 2022, on the digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
D.3. Residence for digital nomads in Andorra, description and documentation to provide.