What this residency is
Law 42/2022 on the digital economy, entrepreneurship and innovation, in force since 22 December 2022, opened a residency route for people who work remotely from Andorra for clients or companies outside the Principality. It is widely called the «digital nomad visa», though technically it is not a visa but a residency authorisation.
The law created a quota of 100 places, split into 50 for digital nomads and 50 for the entrepreneur visa. They have not run out since it opened, so places are still available. Not for lack of demand: the government's prior authorisation is hard to obtain.
The government pre-authorisation: the step that decides everything
This is the part almost nobody explains, and the one that in our experience determines the outcome of a file.
Before anything else you need a favourable decision from the ministry responsible for the economy. It is applied for before the immigration application and it is essential: without it, the file cannot start.
You will normally submit a CV, a business plan and contracts, among other documents. What is assessed is the innovative character of the project.
- Readily approved: software development and innovative computer applications.
- Usually refused: marketing profiles and YouTubers, and generally anyone working in heavily saturated niches with little innovation.
The decision takes two to four months depending on the profile; a highly qualified profile tends to be resolved faster. If refused, you can appeal or reapply.
The advice we always give: the profile has to be framed squarely around innovation. That is where the authorisation is won or lost, and it is the work we do with you before anything is filed.
Requirements
- Income: 300% of the annual Andorran minimum wage, which is €56,472.12, plus 100% for each dependant, which is €18,824.04.
- Housing: a five-year rental contract or title deed.
- Medical insurance covering illness and incapacity.
- Presence: 90 days a year in the country.
- No investment and no AFA deposit, unlike passive residency.
What this residency does not allow
Two limits worth knowing before you start, because they rule out many cases:
- You cannot work for Andorran companies.
- You cannot set up a company in Andorra.
If your plan involves either of those, the right route is a different one: self-employed residency, which does allow you to run your own company in the Principality.
How we handle it
We take care of it from start to finish, and it can all be done from outside Andorra: you only need to come for the appointment at the Immigration Service. The full process usually takes four to six months, most of it waiting for the government's decision.
The idea that this is a quick, simple procedure is the most widespread misconception. It is not, and we would rather say so up front than later.
Frequently asked questions
The specific answers we are asked for most, with the figures currently in force.
What investment is required for digital nomad residency?
None. Unlike passive residency, this route requires no investment and no AFA deposit. What you must prove is sufficient income and housing in the country.
What income must be proven?
300% of the annual Andorran minimum wage for the main applicant, which is €56,472.12, and 100% for each dependant, which is €18,824.04.
Are places still available?
Yes. The law created a quota of 100 places, split into 50 for digital nomads and 50 for the entrepreneur visa, and they have not run out since it opened, so applications are still possible. Not for lack of demand: the government's prior authorisation is hard to obtain and filters out a good share of applications.
What is the government pre-authorisation and when is it applied for?
It is a favourable decision from the ministry responsible for the economy, which must be obtained before filing the immigration application. It is essential: without it the file cannot even begin. It assesses the innovative character of the project.
Which profiles get approved and which get refused?
Software development and innovative computer applications are readily approved. Marketing profiles and YouTubers are usually refused, as is anyone working in heavily saturated niches with little innovation.
How long does the whole process take?
Four to six months. The government authorisation accounts for two to four of those, depending on the profile; a highly qualified profile tends to be resolved sooner.
Can I work for Andorran companies on this residency?
No. Nor can you set up a company in Andorra. If your project requires either, the right route is self-employed residency.
How many days a year must be spent in Andorra?
Ninety days a year.
How long does the permit last and how is it renewed?
The first permit runs for two years. It is then renewed in periods of 2-3-10 years for Spanish, French and Portuguese nationals, and 2-2-3-10 for all other nationalities. In other words, the ten-year permit is reached after five years in the first case and after seven in the second.
Can it be arranged from outside Andorra?
Yes. We handle the entire process and you only need to come for the appointment at the Immigration Service.
What happens if the authorisation is refused?
You can appeal or file again. Before doing so, though, it is worth reviewing how the project's innovative character was presented, which is the usual reason for refusal.
Are CASS social security contributions required?
No, this route does not involve contributing to the CASS.