Andorra

Professional Immigration Services: Precise Legal Guidance

If you're planning to explore Andorra's unique position between France and Spain in the Pyrenees, understanding entry requirements is essential for seamless travel. Whether you're pursuing business opportunities in Andorra la Vella, exploring the principality's renowned ski resorts, or investigating residency options, Andorra imposes no visa requirements on visitors and requires only a passport or European Union national identity card for entrance. However, since the country is accessible only via the Schengen countries of Spain or France, entrance is not possible without entering the Schengen area first, and Schengen visa rules apply de facto.

Navigating Complex Immigration Requirements

Andorra maintains distinctive entry protocols as a non-EU microstate that is not part of the Schengen Area, requiring strategic planning for various traveler categories:

• Tourism and Leisure Visitors
• Business and Investment Professionals
• Residency and Work Permit Applicants
• Transit and Schengen Area Considerations
• Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

From late 2026, travelers crossing through Spain or France will need ETIAS, a new travel authorization system for visa-exempt visitors entering the Schengen Area. ETIAS works alongside the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which became fully operational at all Schengen border crossing points on April 10, 2026, recording biometric data and travel records for non-EU short-stay visitors. Under a bilateral agreement with the EU, Andorran citizens and legal residents are exempt from EES registration.

Expert Legal Documentation Support

Our specialist team transforms complex immigration processes into clear, actionable strategies. From initial eligibility assessment to final documentation submission, we provide end-to-end guidance tailored to Andorra's unique regulatory framework, including residence for employees, self-employed residence, passive residence for investors, digital nomad visas, and family reunification pathways. Whether you need short-term entry clearance or long-term residency planning, our comprehensive approach ensures compliance with both Andorran regulations and Schengen transit requirements.

Andorra does not issue visas or have its own visa system. Entry to this microstate depends entirely on your ability to legally enter Spain or France, as these are the only routes into the country.

Do You Need a Visa for Andorra?

The answer depends on your nationality and visa status for the Schengen Area:

• EU/EEA citizens: No visa required - valid ID card or passport sufficient
• Schengen visa-exempt nationals: No visa needed for stays up to 90 days within 180-day period
• Other nationals: Must hold valid Schengen visa or residence permit

Visa-Free Access Countries

Citizens of these regions can enter Andorra without a visa:

• European Union and EEA countries (unlimited stay)
• United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand (90 days)
• Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Brazil (90 days)
• United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea (90 days)
• Ukraine, Serbia, Montenegro (90 days)

Passport and Entry Requirements

• Passport valid for the duration of your stay in Andorra
• Passport with expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
• Passport with date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive
• Entry must be through Spain or France
• Hotels and tourist accommodations must register overnight guests with police - you must provide passport details

ETIAS Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers

From late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries entering through Spain or France will need ETIAS authorization, though visitors do not need ETIAS to enter Andorra itself. ETIAS costs €20, is valid for three years or until passport expires, and allows stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The ETIAS application requires valid travel documents, personal details, and basic information about your trip, and is linked electronically to your passport.

Special Considerations

Because Andorra is not part of the Schengen area, a multiple-entry visa is required to re-enter the Schengen area when leaving Andorra. Holders of a single-entry visa will face delays and may be refused re-entry when trying to return to France or Spain. Foreign visitors, including EU citizens, looking to stay in Andorra more than 90 days require a residence permit.

Andorra's strategic location between France and Spain creates unique entry requirements that vary significantly based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and intended duration of stay. Understanding these requirements is essential for successful entry into the principality.

No Independent Visa System

Andorra does not issue visas or maintain independent visa requirements. Since the country is accessible only via Spain or France, Schengen visa rules apply de facto. You may enter Andorra through Spain or France under the Schengen Visa Waiver Agreement for a stay of up to 90 days. Non-EU citizens must determine if they need a Schengen visa from French or Spanish authorities, and when necessary, apply for a multiple-entry Schengen visa to re-enter the Schengen Area after visiting Andorra.

Short-Term Stays

Visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa for tourism, visiting friends or family, or short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, and negotiations. From late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries entering through France or Spain will need ETIAS authorization.

Residence Permits for Extended Stays

Foreign visitors, including EU citizens, looking to stay in Andorra more than 90 days require a residence permit. Several categories exist based on your circumstances and activities.

Work and Employment Authorization

Active residency permits are available to foreign nationals who live and work in Andorra, including self-employed foreigners and those with contracts with local companies. The government prioritizes Andorrans and citizens of Spain, France, and Portugal before issuing work permits for international citizens, requiring employers to prove the need for an international hire. As of September 2025, non-EU nationals must demonstrate at least six years of relevant professional experience for a permanent work permit, or two years of experience for a seasonal permit. Seasonal work permits are common for foreigners who plan to live and work temporarily, typically running from mid-November through early May for the ski season. Processing times for work permits generally take 4 to 8 weeks after all documents are submitted. The Andorra Omnibus Law 2026 (effective February 13, 2026) introduced collective employer processing of multiple foreign worker applications from applicants' home country.

Passive Residency

Under Law 2/2026 (enacted January 22, 2026), passive residency requires a minimum investment of €1,000,000 in permitted Andorran assets — reduced to €400,000 if invested through the Andorran Housing Fund — plus a separate non-refundable state fee of €50,000 payable to the Central Bank of Andorra, with an additional €12,000 per accompanying dependent. Under the previous rules, a refundable deposit of €47,500 was included within a €600,000 minimum. This permit does not grant the right to work or run a business in Andorra, and requires a minimum of 90 days of physical presence per year.

Student and Academic Authorization

Student residence permits require enrollment confirmation from recognized Andorran institutions, while research permits accommodate academic professionals and visiting scholars conducting approved studies. These are processed through the immigration department with proof of enrollment and financial means.

Special Bilateral Agreements

Andorra has established bilateral residence agreements with Spain, France, and Portugal, allowing nationals of these countries to enjoy equal treatment in residency, employment, and professional activities, with rights to work in both salaried and self-employed capacities.

Entry Requirements and Processing

Andorra maintains no visa requirements for tourist visits up to 90 days for EU citizens and most international visitors. Entry processing occurs at Spanish or French border controls, typically taking 5-15 minutes during standard periods. Since Andorra is only accessible via the Schengen countries of Spain or France, travelers must comply with Schengen entry requirements, and a multiple-entry Schengen visa is required to re-enter the Schengen area after visiting Andorra.

• Tourist stays: Up to 90 days visa-free
• Business visits: Included in tourist allowance
• Work permits: 2-4 months processing time
• Residency applications: 4-6 weeks average processing time

Costs and Fees

While tourism requires no visa fees, extended stays involve specific costs:

• Seasonal work permit: €46 (approximately $50 USD)
• Active residency permit application: €1,200 (approximately $1,300 USD)
• Passive residency permit application: €600 per person (approximately $650 USD)
• Passive residency deposit: €50,000 non-refundable to Andorran Financial Authority (approximately $54,000 USD), plus €12,000 per dependent (approximately $13,000 USD)
• Passive residency minimum investment: €1,000,000 in Andorran assets or €400,000 in Housing Fund (approximately $1,090,000 or $435,000 USD)
• Self-employed active residency deposit: €50,000 non-refundable (approximately $54,000 USD)
• Residence card issuance: €2,500 for principal applicant, €500 per dependent (approximately $2,700 and $540 USD)

Application Locations

Extended stay applications process through:

• Immigration Department: Carrer de la Vall 4, Andorra la Vella
• Phone: +376 875 700
• Applications must be submitted in person at the immigration office in Andorra la Vella
• Medical examinations conducted in Andorra through the Immigration Office Medical Department

Peak Processing Periods

Applications experience delays during June-August and December-January. Submit work permit applications during September-November for fastest processing. Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks for residency applications, with seasonal work permits processed within 7-8 weeks in straightforward cases.

Essential Documents

Standard requirements include valid passport with at least six months validity, police clearance certificates from country of origin and residence, proof of financial means, accommodation confirmation in Andorra, and health insurance valid in Andorra. All documents must be legalized with Hague Apostille and be no more than three months old at time of application.

1. Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose and duration. Most visitors do not need a visa to enter Andorra itself, as the Principality does not issue visas. However, since access to Andorra is only possible through France or Spain, you must meet the entry requirements for those Schengen countries. If you require a Schengen visa for your nationality, you must apply for a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa depending on your travel plans, as leaving Andorra means re-entering the Schengen Area. Long-term residence applications for stays exceeding 90 days follow separate procedures through Andorran immigration authorities.

2. Document Preparation and Assembly

For those applying through French or Spanish consulates for Schengen visas to transit to Andorra, compile required documentation systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 3-month validity beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the last 10 years
• Completed Schengen visa application forms with accurate information
• Recent passport photographs meeting biometric standards
• Financial proof demonstrating sufficient funds for your stay
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses of at least €30,000
• Proof of accommodation in Andorra
• Return travel itinerary showing your route through France or Spain

For residency applications in Andorra exceeding 90 days, all documents must be translated into Catalan, Spanish, or French by certified translators and legalized with a Hague Apostille. Documents must be dated no more than 3 months prior to submission.

3. Application Submission

Submit Schengen visa applications through French or Spanish consulates in your country of residence, depending on which country you will enter first or spend the most time in during your journey. Andorra has limited diplomatic representation worldwide, so visa matters are handled by neighboring countries. Schedule appointments well in advance during peak travel seasons to avoid delays. For residence permits in Andorra, applications are submitted in person to the Immigration Service office in Andorra. The government introduced an online appointment booking system in early 2025, streamlining the process for initial applications and renewals.

4. Fee Payment and Processing

Pay applicable visa fees using accepted payment methods at submission. Schengen visa processing typically takes 15-30 days on average, though complex cases may require additional time. For Andorran residence permits, processing times vary by permit type: temporary residence or work permits typically take 4-8 weeks after all documents are submitted, while more complex applications may require 3-8 weeks for initial review. Track your application status through official consular websites or reference numbers provided. Biometric data collection including fingerprints and photographs is required for most Schengen visa applications at the time of submission.

5. Decision and Collection

Collect approved visas personally or through authorized representatives from the consulate where you applied. If rejected, review grounds for refusal and consider reapplication with additional supporting evidence. Appeals must be filed within specified timeframes according to processing country regulations. For Andorran residence permits, approved permits can be issued remotely in some cases, though you may need to complete a medical examination at the Immigration Office Medical Department as part of the approval process.

Note: Starting in late 2026, travelers from visa-exempt countries transiting through France or Spain to reach Andorra will need to obtain ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before travel. This electronic travel authorization will be applied for online and is separate from traditional visa requirements.

Is Andorra in the Schengen Area?

No. Andorra is neither a member of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Area. The principality applies its own immigration rules and does not use the Schengen Border Code. Checks at the Andorran border with Spain and France are focused primarily on customs, not immigration formalities.

However, because Andorra has no international airport and is accessible only by road through Spain or France — both Schengen member states — Schengen entry rules apply de facto to all international visitors. Anyone arriving from outside Europe must clear Spanish or French border controls before reaching Andorra.

Practical Schengen Implications for Visitors

• Non-EU, non-EEA nationals who require a Schengen visa must obtain one before travel; there are no visa issuance facilities at the Andorran border
• Holders of a single-entry Schengen visa cannot return to Spain or France after visiting Andorra; a double-entry or multiple-entry Schengen visa is required
• The Schengen 90/180-day allowance applies to time spent in Schengen member states; Andorra is not Schengen territory, but each visit to Andorra requires crossing a Schengen external border
• Andorra is part of the EU customs territory: goods exceeding personal allowances when re-entering Spain or France may be subject to import duties

EU Entry/Exit System (EES): Fully Operational Since April 10, 2026

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at all Schengen border crossing points on April 10, 2026. EES records passport data, fingerprints, and facial images for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area on short stays of up to 90 days. Key implications for Andorra travel:

• Non-EU nationals crossing Spain or France en route to Andorra are registered in EES as with any standard Schengen entry or exit
• Andorran citizens and legal residents of Andorra are exempt from EES biometric registration under a bilateral agreement concluded with the EU
• Non-EU nationals holding Andorran residence permits who cross into Spain or France remain subject to EES processing at the relevant border checkpoint

ETIAS: Launching Late 2026

From late 2026, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will require visa-exempt non-EU nationals to obtain electronic pre-travel authorisation before entering Spain or France. Since those crossings are the only land routes into Andorra, ETIAS will effectively be required to reach the principality. Andorran citizens are explicitly exempt from ETIAS. EU nationals and holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits do not require ETIAS.

The Andorran passport is one of the world's stronger travel documents. As of 2026, Andorran citizens have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 169 countries and territories, placing the Andorran passport 14th globally on the Henley Passport Index.

Schengen and EU Travel Rights

Andorran nationals can travel freely across all EU member states and the Schengen Area without any additional authorisation. Spain, France, and Portugal extend special bilateral rights, allowing Andorran citizens to reside, work, and engage in self-employed activities in those countries on equal terms with their own nationals.

Destinations Requiring Electronic Authorizations (Not Traditional Visas)

Several major destinations do not require a traditional visa from Andorran passport holders but do require an electronic travel authorisation to be obtained before departure:

• United States: ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) — applied for online before travel
• United Kingdom: UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)
• Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• Australia: eVisa required before boarding
• New Zealand: NZeTA required
• South Korea, Israel, Sri Lanka, Seychelles: electronic authorization required

ETIAS and EES Exemptions for Andorran Nationals

Andorran citizens are exempt from ETIAS, the EU electronic pre-travel authorisation launching in late 2026 for most visa-exempt non-EU travelers entering the Schengen Area. Andorran nationals crossing into France or Spain require no additional authorisation beyond their passport.

Under a bilateral agreement with the EU, Andorran citizens and legal residents are also exempt from biometric registration in the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), which has been operational at all Schengen border crossing points since April 10, 2026.

Countries Requiring a Traditional Visa for Andorran Citizens

Despite broad global access, Andorran passport holders require a traditional visa for a number of countries, including China, Russia, India, and several states in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Entry requirements change periodically; travelers should verify current requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate before departure.