Andorra offers various residency options for foreign nationals, including those who wish to live and work in the principality. Navigating the immigration system requires understanding the different permit types and the specific requirements associated with each. For individuals seeking employment within Andorra, the primary pathway involves obtaining an active residency permit, which inherently includes authorization to work for an Andorran employer.
The process for securing an active residency and work permit involves several steps, typically initiated by the prospective employer. It requires demonstrating a valid job offer and meeting specific criteria related to qualifications and the local labor market situation. Understanding these procedures, along with the associated documentation and compliance obligations, is crucial for both employers and foreign workers planning to relocate to Andorra in 2025.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
For individuals intending to work for an Andorran company, the relevant permit is the Active Residency Permit. This permit allows the holder to reside in Andorra and be employed by an Andorran entity. It is distinct from other residency types such as:
- Passive Residency Permit: This permit is for individuals who wish to reside in Andorra without being employed by an Andorran company. It typically requires a significant investment or demonstration of sufficient financial means to support oneself. Passive residents are generally not permitted to work in Andorra.
- Residency Permit for Professionals with International Projection: This category is for individuals establishing a business in Andorra that serves an international market, requiring specific business plans and investment.
- Residency Permit for Scientific, Cultural, and Sporting Reasons: For individuals with recognized achievements in these fields.
The focus for foreign workers employed by Andorran companies is the Active Residency Permit.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
The application process for an Active Residency Permit, which includes the work authorization, is primarily driven by the employer in Andorra.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for an Active Residency Permit as an employee, the applicant must typically:
- Have a valid job offer from an Andorran company.
- Meet the specific qualifications required for the position.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Undergo a medical examination.
- Not have been refused entry or residency in Andorra previously.
- The employer must demonstrate that the position could not be filled by a local or resident worker, although specific quotas and labor market tests apply.
Required Documentation
The documentation required is extensive and includes submissions from both the employer and the employee. Common documents include:
- Passport and copies of all pages.
- Birth certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and any country of residence over the past 5 years.
- Medical certificate from an authorized Andorran medical center.
- Proof of accommodation in Andorra (rental contract or property ownership).
- Employment contract signed by both employer and employee.
- Employer's company registration documents.
- Proof of the employer's solvency and ability to pay the salary.
- Documentation proving the applicant's qualifications and experience relevant to the job offer.
- Social Security registration documents (CASS).
All foreign documents must typically be legalized or apostilled and translated into Catalan by a sworn translator.
Sponsorship Requirements
The Andorran employer acts as the sponsor for the Active Residency Permit application. The employer is responsible for:
- Initiating the application process with the Immigration Department.
- Providing the valid employment contract.
- Demonstrating the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.
- Ensuring the employee is registered with the Andorran Social Security system (CASS) upon arrival and commencement of work.
- Adhering to Andorran labor laws regarding salary, working conditions, and social security contributions.
Fees and Processing Times
Fees for the Active Residency Permit application and associated procedures are subject to change. As of early 2025, applicants should anticipate fees covering:
- Application processing fee.
- Medical examination fee.
- Social Security registration fee.
- Potential fees for document legalization/translation.
Specific fee amounts are published by the Andorran government and should be confirmed prior to application.
Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of the case. Generally, the process can take several weeks to a few months from the submission of a complete application to the issuance of the permit. It is advisable to begin the process well in advance of the intended start date.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
After residing legally in Andorra on an Active Residency Permit for a specified period, foreign nationals may become eligible to apply for long-term or permanent residency. The standard pathway typically requires 10 years of continuous legal residency in Andorra.
Upon reaching the 10-year mark, individuals can apply for a long-term residency permit, which is often renewable for longer periods or considered a step towards permanent status. The specific requirements and application process for long-term residency involve demonstrating continued legal residency, integration into Andorran society, and often, proficiency in the Catalan language.
Dependent Visa Options
Holders of an Active Residency Permit in Andorra are generally permitted to apply for residency permits for their immediate family members, including spouses or registered partners and dependent children. This process is known as family reunification.
Eligibility and Requirements for Dependents
To apply for dependent permits, the primary permit holder must:
- Hold a valid Active Residency Permit.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their dependents without relying on public funds.
- Have adequate accommodation in Andorra for the entire family.
- Provide documentation proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- Dependents must also provide documentation such as passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and criminal record certificates from their country of origin and previous residences.
The application for dependents can often be submitted concurrently with the primary applicant's permit or after the primary permit has been granted.
Visa Compliance Obligations for Employers and Employees
Maintaining legal status in Andorra requires ongoing compliance from both the employer and the employee.
Employer Obligations
Employers sponsoring foreign workers on Active Residency Permits must:
- Ensure the employee is properly registered with the Andorran Social Security system (CASS) and pay required contributions.
- Adhere to all Andorran labor laws, including minimum wage, working hours, and employment contract terms.
- Notify the Immigration Department of any changes to the employee's employment status (e.g., termination, change in role).
- Ensure the employee's residency permit remains valid and support renewal applications when necessary.
- Comply with tax obligations related to the employee's salary.
Employee Obligations
Employees holding an Active Residency Permit must:
- Maintain a valid residency permit and initiate the renewal process before expiry.
- Reside primarily in Andorra.
- Comply with Andorran tax laws and file tax returns as required.
- Adhere to the terms of their employment contract.
- Notify the Immigration Department of significant changes, such as changes in marital status or address.
- Not engage in work for any employer other than the one sponsoring their permit, unless specifically authorized.
- Comply with all Andorran laws and regulations.
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in penalties, including fines, revocation of the residency permit, and potential deportation. Both employers and employees share responsibility in ensuring continuous compliance.
