Andorra Residence Permit: peculiarities of Obtaining a Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons

The Principality of Andorra is the optimal choice for applicants planning to relocate to a developed, safe, economically stable country with a high standard of living and a favorable tax policy. Experts believe that Andorra's tax regime is one of the most favorable among European countries. Additionally, the Principality stands out for its good data security, excellent ecology, and developed healthcare system. Although Andorra is not a member of the European Union, the jurisdiction has signed an agreement on the free movement of EU citizens. EU residents can enter the territory of the kingdom and stay here for 90 days without visas or permits. Citizens of third countries need to obtain a visa or a residence permit for Andorra to reside in the country for an extended and legal period.

The country's immigration legislation provides several options for residency:

Active residency - with the right to employment, business ownership, and company registration;

Passive residency - allowing citizens of third countries to be residents of the country but engage in employment outside of Andorra.

Today, we will take a closer look at the issue of obtaining residency in Andorra for economically self-sufficient individuals. In this case, the new status will play the role of "passive residency," without the right to official employment. Residents may earn stable income outside the country but concentrate most of their interests in Andorra.

Family members - spouses, dependent parents, and children under 18 - can be included in the application along with the main applicant. Children up to 25 years old may also be included in the application under certain circumstances (all cases are considered on an individual basis). Children over 25 years old must apply for residency separately.

Scientists, professional athletes, and prominent cultural figures with international recognition can obtain residency in Andorra. Relatives of citizens of this state can also apply for residency when completing the family reunification procedure.

Advantages of Andorran Residency:

• Obtaining residency allows visa-free travel to France, Portugal, and Spain.
• The opportunity to invest personal capital and optimize taxation for one's business.
• Andorran residency allows for simplified issuance of a Schengen visa.
  The personal income tax rate is 0%.
• Luxury items can be purchased at a 20% discount compared to neighboring countries (such as helicopters, yachts, and premium cars).
• Banking services are offered on favorable terms.
• High level of security, social stability, and protection.
• Excellent ecological environment.
• Opportunity to receive prestigious European education in Andorra, France, or Spain due to the countries' close geographical proximity.

Requirements for Applicants to Obtain Andorran Residency

Must be an adult over 18 years old.
Financial stability of the applicant. Documentary evidence of an annual total income of €33,000 is required. If other individuals are included in the application, an additional €11,000 per person must be added.
Deposit funds with the Andorran Financial Institute. It is necessary to place €30,000 in a deposit account. If other individuals are included in the application, an additional €7,000 per person must be added. If the applicant is denied residency, the money will be refunded in full, provided there are no other financial obligations to Andorra.
Clean background. Stable reputation, absence of criminal record - evidence of no criminal convictions from the applicant's home country and the country where the applicant has resided recently.
Long-term residency. It is necessary to purchase real estate in Andorra or enter into a long-term annual lease agreement with full payment for this period.
Obtain medical insurance in Andorra with European coverage.
Undergo a mandatory medical examination.
Be present in the Principality for a minimum of 90 days per year.

When submitting the document package for residency, it is important to apostille all official forms and documents in advance.
The Migration Service usually takes about 1-3 months to review documents. In complex and special cases, the review may take up to six months.

The initial residency is issued for 1 year. Then the status can be extended for 3 years and then another 3 years. After this, the applicant is allowed to apply for permanent residency.

Obtaining status in other countries through Andorra

Acquiring residency in Andorra allows the applicant to apply for residency in France. The procedure for obtaining residency is similar to that in the Principality. The initial residency is issued for 1 year. Then the status can be extended for 3 years and then another 3 years. After this, the applicant is allowed to apply for permanent residency.

In addition, Andorran residency allows for applying for residency in Spain, where the initial residency is granted for 1 year, and then it can be extended twice for 2 years each.
To qualify for the new status in Spain and France, the applicant must obtain Andorran residency for one year and make the first extension for three years. For European authorities, this is a guarantee of the candidate's reliability. In this case, applying for residency in France or Spain as a financially independent person is allowed. It is not obligatory to renounce Andorran residency when obtaining a new residency.

It can be quite challenging to understand the requirements and other important aspects on your own. In this case, the licensed agency GARANT.IN will be your reliable assistant in solving tasks of any complexity. We will help with collecting, processing, and submitting documents, assist in finding real estate, and solve other related tasks. Our lawyers will help you choose the optimal type of residency for each client and provide maximum assistance in obtaining a new status as soon as possible.