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- Source: Andorran official bodies
- Last updated: 2026-05-27
To work legally in Andorra you need a permiso de trabajo emitido por el Servei d’Immigració del Govern d’Andorra. El proceso tarda entre 4 and 8 weeks And, in the most common case (self-employment), it requires an employer to sponsor you. Approximately [number missing] are granted each year. 1,500 new work permits, within a quota system that regulates the Andorran labor market.
Types of work permits in Andorra
| Guy | For whom | Initial duration | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work for others | salaried worker | 1 year renewable | Employment contract with an Andorran company |
| Self-employed | Self-employed or entrepreneur | 1 year renewable | Business plan, minimum capital (~€15,000) |
| Frontalier | Resident in Spain or France who works in Andorra | 1 year renewable | Employment contract, proof of residence in a neighboring country |
| Temporary/Seasonal | Seasonal workers (skiing, tourism) | 3-9 months | Temporary contract, does not grant the right to residency |
Leave for employment: step-by-step process
This is the most frequently requested type of permit. The Andorran employer initiates the process, not the employee. The process works as follows:
- Job offer confirmedYou need a signed employment contract or a formal offer from a company legally established in Andorra.
- The employer submits the application: la empresa solicita el permiso ante el Servei d’Immigració aportando justificación de la necesidad del puesto.
- Collection of documents by the worker: valid passport, criminal record certificate from the country of origin and all countries of residence in the last 5 years (must be less than 3 months old), medical certificate issued by a doctor authorized by the Government, 2 passport photos, proof of accommodation in Andorra.
- Joint presentation and waiting: el Servei d’Immigració tiene un plazo de resolución de 4-8 semanas.
- Collection of permit and registrationOnce granted, the worker can enter Andorra, collect the permit and register with the corresponding Comú.
Required documents: complete checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 1 year of validity remaining)
- Criminal record certificate (maximum 3 months of age — most frequent error)
- Certificado médico oficial (médico autorizado por el Govern d’Andorra)
- 2 recent passport photos
- Employment contract signed by both parties
- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement, temporary hotel reservation)
- Formulario de solicitud del Servei d’Immigració
- Administrative fee (~€150)
Process costs
| Concept | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Administrative fee for permit | ~150 € |
| Authorized medical certificate | ~80-100 € |
| Certified translation of documents (if applicable) | ~€50-150 per document |
| Apostille of foreign documents | ~10-30 € per document |
The quota system: what it means in practice
Andorra regulates labor immigration through annual quotas. In 2026, the number of new permits granted is expected to be around 1,500 annuallyThis means that it is not always possible to obtain a permit even if there is a job offer: if the quota is exhausted, applications are put on hold until the following year.
The fees are distributed by sector: tourism and hospitality, construction, commerce, and professional services. Border permits are not included in the main fee.
With 42,000 workers With a population of 80,000, Andorra has a very active labor market relative to its size.
Renovation and path to residency
The work permit for employed persons is renewed annually for the first 3 years. After this period:
- Year 1-3Annual renewal (must be renewed 1 month before expiry)
- Year 4-5: biennial renewal
- Year 6+: five-year renewal
- After 3 years of active work permit: possibility of requesting the active residencewhich allows for greater mobility and additional rights
The frontier permit: to work in Andorra while living in Spain or France
El permiso frontalier (trabajador transfronterizo) permite a ciudadanos que residen en España o Francia cruzar la frontera cada día para trabajar en Andorra. Es una opción muy popular entre residentes de la Seu d’Urgell, Pas de la Casa y otras localidades cercanas.
Advantages: It is not necessary to reside in Andorra, social security coverage from the country of residence is maintained (CASS does not apply), and travel expenses are tax-deductible. Limitation: It does not accrue time towards applying for Andorran residency.
Most common mistakes when applying for permission
- Expired criminal record certificateIt must be less than 3 months old. This is the most common mistake that delays the process.
- Apply without a confirmed employerThe worker cannot initiate the process alone; the company must do it.
- Do not apostille foreign documentsDocuments from countries outside the Hague Convention require consular legalization.
- Accommodation not confirmed: el Servei d’Immigració requiere prueba de dónde vivirás.
You may also be interested in: tax advantages and living in Andorra and how It's life in Andorra la Vella.
- Immigration.ad — official processing of work and residence permits
- Govern d’Andorra — Andorran labor regulations
- CASS — social security affiliation
Last updated: 2026-05-27
