The “digital nomad visa” in Andorra is a newly created residence permit that will come into force in mid-2023. It will allow professional people who work “remotely” to stay legally in the country for a certain period. Thanks to technology, digital nomads can work from anywhere in the world.
The main purpose of this visa is to attract international talent to contribute to the economic development of Andorra, taking advantage of the flexibility offered by digital technologies which obviates the need for these workers to be tied to a fixed physical location.
Table of contents:
- How does the digital nomad visa work in Andorra?
How to obtain a digital nomad visa in Andorra
Characteristics of the digital nomad visa
Who can benefit from a digital nomad visa?
Advantages of being a digital nomad
Benefits of the digital nomad visa in Andorra
We help you to apply for residence in Andorra
How does the digital nomad visa work in Andorra?
The Digital Economy Law defines a digital nomad as “a foreign natural person who is not obliged to have a specific geographical location and who uses telecommunications and technology to work“.
At the end of 2022, the Government of Andorra approved Law 42/2022 on the Digital Economy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with the aim of promoting new business opportunities in the digital and technological field. At the same time, it allowed the creation of a secure and reliable legal framework to attract local and foreign investors. This law is the one that introduces and regulates the digital nomad visa. Although it came into force at the beginning of 2023, the regulation on digital residence was not finalized until mid-2023.
Read more about the Digital Economy Law here.
How to obtain a digital nomad visa in Andorra
The candidate must first complete and submit an application to the Ministry of Economy, declaring that:
- He/she does not need a specific location to carry out his/her work.
- He/she uses technology and communications for his/her professional activity, and describing in detail the tools that he/she uses to carry out his/her professional activity.
Once the application has been submitted, it is assessed by the Ministry of Economy. This normally takes a maximum of 15 working days. If the application is accepted, it must be added to the application file for a digital nomad residence permit and submitted with the rest of the documentation to the Immigration Department. Thereafter, applicants must provide:
- Application for a residence permit without work, approved by the government.
- Valid passport.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Proof of home ownership or tenancy, within a maximum period of one year.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources, in accordance with the regulations.
- Evidence of private medical insurance.
- A signature of an undertaking to reside for at least 90 days per year.
- An application for registration at the Town Hall (Comú) where the applicant will be living and, within three months, the housing certificate issued by the Town Hall. It is essential to prove that you will reside at a physical address, as this is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the digital nomad visa.
Characteristics of the digital nomad visa
Andorra joins countries such as Spain, Portugal, Germany, Malta, Mexico and Australia in offering a digital nomad visa. These permits allow people to temporarily settle in different countries around the world in order to work remotely. They are usually valid for between one and a maximum of five years, although each country sets its own rules.
In Andorra, the digital nomad visa has the following characteristics:
- Duration 2 years. After this period, a new application must be submitted.
- The holder must spend at least 90 days per year in Andorra.
- There is no obligation to contribute to the Andorran social security system, but it is compulsory to provide proof of private health insurance.
- There is no obligation to incorporate a company in order to be fiscally resident.
- There is no requirement to deposit 50,000 euros with the Andorran Financial Authority (AFA).
Who can benefit from a digital nomad visa?
Digital nomads are generally associated with specific activities, and are usually:
- Freelancers: independent workers who serve clients worldwide through digital media.
- Remote workers: employees of companies that allow teleworking, telecommuting and residence in any country.
- Digital entrepreneurs: people who have online businesses and can run them from anywhere. They may be founders of e-commerce and other online businesses.
- Technology, digital marketing, website design or consultancy: these are the most common areas for those who want to take advantage of the opportunity to work from foreign bases.
Advantages of being a digital nomad
Digital nomads have a lifestyle that allows them to travel, experience new cultures and work at their own pace. The main advantages are as follows:
- Geographical flexibility: you do not need a specific geographical location in which to work.
- Freedom to choose hours of work: you have more control over your working hours and your personal life.
- Quality of life: you can choose to live in locations with good climates, security and fiscal advantages.
- Opportunity to explore new cultures and get to know other countries: you can enjoy new experiences while working.
- Reduced costs: you do not need to pay office rent or other fixed monthly expenses.
The Andorran Digital Economy Law also establishes the legal framework for “co-living” and “co-working”.
Benefits of the digital nomad visa in Andorra
The digital nomad visa provides an excellent opportunity for people who want to combine their “remote working” lifestyle with the benefits of living in a country like Andorra. Andorra offers them important advantages, such as:
Competitive taxation
Andorra has one of the lowest tax burdens in Europe. Income tax is lower than in other countries, and this attracts many professional people and entrepreneurs.
Unbeatable location
Andorra is located between France and Spain, close to major cities such as Barcelona and Toulouse. It has good road connections and flights from Madrid Barajas or Palma to Andorra-La Seu airport.
Connectivity throughout the country
Andorra has an excellent telecommunications infrastructure, with a high-speed optic fibre network that covers the entire country, providing fast and stable connectivity. It was also one of the first countries to adopt 5G technology.
Security
This feature of Andorra has always been emphasised, and some portals have mentioned it. In July, the business magazine CEO World rated Andorra as the safest country in the world, with a safety index of 91.86 out of 100. The low percentage of crimes reported during the year makes the Principality an ideal place in which to live and travel in peace and security.
Natural environment
Andorra is attractive if you are looking for a work/life balance. The mountains are ideal for outdoor activities. Hiking in summer, skiing and snow sports in winter and cycling in all its forms.
Discover all that the Principality has to offer our article.
We help you to apply for residence in Andorra
According to the national broadcaster Andorradifusió, six residence permits have already been granted to digital nomads.
If the freedom to live untethered, to move from country to country and enjoy all the benefits of working remotely appeals to you, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you are interested in obtaining residence as a digital nomad or whether you would prefer to explore other options for active or fiscal residence in Andorra, please contact usand we will guide you through the entire process.