Andorra approved 1,284 new initial immigration authorizations between February and April 2026, 22.2% fewer than during the same period of the previous year. While initial authorizations decreased, the number of valid permits continued to grow.
The data published by the Statistics Department of the Government of Andorra They show different trends depending on the type of authorization. Residence and work permits declined sharply, while temporary work permits increased.
Key data
- 1,284 initial authorizations approved between February and April 2026.
- Year-on-year decrease of 22.2% in new authorizations.
- 59,997 immigration permits in force as of April 30, 2026.
- Drop of 43.1% in initial residence and work permits.
- Increase of 72.8% in initial temporary work permits.
What has happened with immigration permits in Andorra?
Between February and April 2026, 1,284 initial authorizations were granted, 22.21% fewer than in the same period of the previous year. This figure corresponds to the authorizations approved during those three months and not to the total number of valid permits.
The distinction is important for correctly interpreting immigration authorizations in Andorra. Initial authorizations refer to permits granted during the analyzed period, while current permits include authorizations that remain active, even when they have been extended.
The decline was concentrated primarily in residence and work permits, which fell by 43.11% to 515 permits. The different types of permits did not evolve in the same way: some temporary permits increased during the three months analyzed.
Which types of permits have decreased and which have increased
The evolution by categories shows clear differences between residence and work permits, residence permits, border permits and temporary modalities.
Residence and work
Initial residence and work permits fell by 43.11%, to 515 permits. This is the steepest decline among the main categories analyzed.
Residence without work
Residence permits alone fell by 12.41%, with 352 permits issued. This decline was more moderate than that recorded for residence and work permits.
Border workers
Permits for border workers totaled 65, a 11% decrease compared to a year earlier.
Temporary work
Initial temporary work permits increased by 72.81%, reaching 197 permits. This was the most significant proportional increase among the categories included in the data.
Foreign companies and temporary activities
Temporary permits for foreign companies increased by 9.41% to 116. In contrast, those related to research, studies, training programs, and sports training decreased by 9.41% to 29.
| Type of authorization | Initial permits | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Residence and work | 515 | -43,1% |
| Home | 352 | -12,4% |
| Border workers | 65 | -11% |
| Temporary work | 197 | +72,8% |
| Foreign companies | 116 | +9,4% |
| Research, studies, practices and sport | 29 | -9,4% |
How many immigration permits are still valid in Andorra?
As of April 30, 2026, there were 59,997 valid immigration permits, 2.41% more than a year earlier. Of that total, 55,566 were renewable permits, representing a year-on-year increase of 2.21%.
The breakdown shows 43,155 residence and work permits, 10,345 residence permits, 1,966 permits for border workers and 4,099 temporary work permits.
The main categories of permits also increased: residence and work permits rose by 2.1%, residence permits by 3.31%, and temporary work permits by 4.81%. The total volume of permits in force increased despite the lower number of initial authorizations.
How to interpret the drop in new authorizations compared to the increase in existing permits
The two indicators address different questions. Initial authorizations count permits granted between February and April. Valid permits reflect all active authorizations, including those extended.
The difference between the two figures suggests that the increase in valid permits is related, at least in part, to the continuation of existing authorizations, even though the rate of new authorizations has slowed. Seasonally adjusted monthly data showed a downward trend of 0.31% in initial authorizations during the last two months analyzed.
Valid authorizations maintained a positive trend, although the latest monthly figure registered a slight decrease of 0.31%. Therefore, the data reflects a reduction in certain initial authorizations, especially for residence and work permits, along with an increase in the number of active permits.
Which nationalities account for the most new authorizations
The group of other nationalities accounted for 565 new authorizations, 441% of the total. Spaniards obtained 544 permits, equivalent to 42.41%. The French represented 11.11% and the Portuguese, 2.51%.
Within the group of other nationalities, Colombians stood out with 108 authorizations; Argentinians with 101; and Peruvians with 58.
In the total number of valid permits, Spaniards accounted for 43.3%; other nationalities, 33.6%; Portuguese, 15.3%; and French, 7.9%.
Which nationalities have the most residence and work permits?
Argentinians are the most represented group among other nationalities in terms of current permits, with 5,163 authorizations. They hold 3,093 residence and work permits and 1,741 temporary authorizations.
How the professional profile of new immigrants is changing
The largest proportional increase among new authorizations was for operators of installations and machinery and assemblers, with an increase of 84.81%, equivalent to 28 additional permits. Authorizations for management personnel of companies and public administrations also grew by 39.21%.
Conversely, technicians and support professionals registered 108 fewer authorizations, a decrease of 43.21%.
What does this evolution mean for those who want to live, work or invest in Andorra?
For a worker, the 43.11% drop in initial residence and work permits indicates a lower volume of permits in this category during the observed period. Statistics alone do not allow for predicting future requirements, so a transfer requires reviewing the specific procedure and applicable documentation.
For a company, the increase in initial temporary work permits and temporary permits for foreign companies may be relevant if the project falls into either of those categories. The data does not allow us to determine which permit applies in each case.
Those applying for a residence permit only should also distinguish between recent registrations and the cumulative volume: new residence permits fell by 12.41% year-on-year, but current residence permits increased by 3.31%.
What information should someone looking to relocate check? The number of initial authorizations shows the recent trend in newly approved applications, while the number of authorizations currently in effect reflects the volume of active permits. To make an informed decision, it's essential to review the current regulations, required documentation, and the official procedures applicable to each type of relocation. These figures cover the period from February to April 2026 and are not a substitute for personalized advice.
Conclusion: Fewer new entries, but more active permissions
New permits fell by 22.21%, while permits in force increased by 2.41%. The decline was concentrated in residence and work permits, while temporary work permits grew by 72.81%.
To understand Andorra's migration patterns, it's essential to consider both initial authorizations and current permits, along with their categories, nationalities, and professional profiles. Anyone wishing to move, work, invest, or start a business should analyze the pathway best suited to their situation and consult the current official requirements.
Do you want to know which residence option might suit you?
At Andorra Insiders we can help you compare the available options and organize the steps of your move, investment or business project. Request a personalized consultation to review the options and requirements applicable to your case.
Frequent questions
How many new authorizations did Andorra approve between February and April 2026?
1,284 initial authorizations were approved, 22.21% less than in the same period of the previous year.
Which authorization fell the most?
Residence and work permits saw the largest decrease, with a year-on-year reduction of 43.11%, down to 515 permits.
How many permits were valid as of April 30, 2026?
There were 59,997 immigration authorizations in force, 2.41% more than a year earlier.
Did temporary work permits increase?
Yes. Initial temporary work authorizations grew by 72.81%, reaching 197 permits.
Does the drop in new authorizations mean there are fewer foreigners living in Andorra?
Not necessarily. Although new authorizations decreased, the total number of valid permits increased by 2.41% year-on-year. This figure alone does not allow us to determine the exact evolution of the number of foreign residents.
Sources
- Department of Statistics of the Government of AndorraImmigration authorization data published on August 17, 2026.
