Low taxation is far from the only reason why Andorra is an attractive country in which to live. The quality of everyday life in the Principality is exceptional. One is surrounded by mountains, one has access to high-quality services, and there is a vibrant international community. If you are thinking of moving to Andorra as a foreign resident, it is important that you know what your daily life would be like, and to have information about the leisure activities and facilities that the country has to offer. Here we describe what it is like to live in Andorra as a foreigner.
Table of contents:
- An international community
Global co-existence
Where to live in Andorra
Work and professional life
A varied and accessible education system
First-class healthcare
The cost of living and shopping
Outdoor life and nature
Leisure and social life
Settling in Andorra
An international community
Despite its small size, – an area of 468 km2 and a population of about 86,000 – Andorra is a multicultural mosaic. About 50% of the population is foreign, Spanish, French and Portuguese being the most represented nationalities. There is also an English-speaking community, as well as residents from South American countries. This makes integration relatively easy for expatriates, as many of the services and activities are suitable for an international population.
Global co-existence
Most expats have no difficulty communicating with each other, as Spanish, French and Portuguese are the most widely spoken languages, in addition to Catalan (the official language).
This mixture of cultures makes it easier to meet and socialise with other expats. In addition, many expat communities organise social events, activities and get-togethers to help you build a supportive network and settle in.
Where to live in Andorra
Finding accommodation in Andorra can be easy or not, depending on which area you prefer to live in. Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany are the cities at the heart of the country. They offer urban living with access to all amenities such as supermarkets, restaurants and luxury shops. However, many expats prefer to live in quieter towns such as La Massana, Canillo or Ordino, where detached houses, chalets and apartments with spectacular mountain views and close proximity to nature predominate.
Housing costs can be as high as in larger European cities, but utilities such as water and electricity tend to be cheaper.
Work and professional life
Most foreigners who acquire active residence tend to work in sectors such as banking, insurance, technology or tourism, which are the driving forces of the Andorran economy.
If you decide to work as a freelancer or set up a business, the low tax rates make Andorra an attractive place in which to invest. In addition, the process of setting up a business is relatively simple, and the use of an advisor can make it even easier to deal with the administration. If you would like to receive personalised advice, please contact us here.
It is possible to work for companies in other countries, taking advantage of the high-speed internet connection and the proximity to Spain and France to act and move quickly if necessary. The life of a self-employed professional or entrepreneur in Andorra can be quite flexible, allowing a comfortable balance between work and enjoying the environment.
A varied and accessible education system
For those who move here with their families, Andorra offers a high quality of education. There are three state education systems: Andorran, Spanish and French, allowing expatriates to choose the educational model that best suits their children’s needs. There are also international public schools, where teaching is in English, which can be an ideal option for families of other nationalities.
First-class healthcare
Andorra’s healthcare system is excellent and is recognised as one of the best in the world. The CASS (Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social) covers most employees and offers very comprehensive medical coverage. Although it is compulsory to have private medical insurance or to be affiliated to CASS, many expatriates are pleasantly surprised by the speed and quality of the medical care that they receive. Residents also have easy access to hospitals in Barcelona or Toulouse for more specialised treatment. In this article, we tell you about the Social Security Agreement between Andorra, Spain, France and Portugal.
The cost of living and shopping
Competitive prices of technological products, perfumes and branded clothing are a major attraction for many visitors to Andorra. This is due to the low rate of import tax (4.5%), which is one of the lowest in the European Union.
With regard to food purchases, Andorra has a wide range of supermarkets offering both local and foreign products.
Outdoor life and nature
One of the main advantages of living in Andorra is its natural environment. The climate varies according to the seasons, with cold and snowy winters, especially at high altitudes, and mild summers. Some spring and autumn months can be rainy, allowing you to enjoy nature in all its splendour.
• Andorra in winter
If you love snow and winter sports, Andorra is your paradise. The country boasts some of the best ski resorts in southern Europe, with the Grandvalira resorts attracting tourists and residents alike. During the winter months, many expatriates enjoy days of skiing, snowboarding and other activities in the snow, followed by après-ski evenings in the many mountain bars and restaurants. It is also common to attend top-level sports events such as alpine skiing, ski mountaineering and freeride events.
• Summer in Andorra
In summer, Andorra becomes the perfect place for lovers of hiking, road and mountain biking and other outdoor activities. The country’s mountains and valleys are full of hiking routes for all levels. Nature is accessible from almost every corner of the country, allowing residents to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.
In addition, many expatriates have the opportunity to take part in mountain races, either on foot or on a road or mountain bike.
Leisure and social life
Although Andorra is a small country, it has a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes, offering both local and international cuisine. Andorran cuisine combines French and Spanish influences with traditional dishes such as escudella, a hearty meat and vegetable stew, or trinxat de montaña, a type of mashed potato with cabbage and bacon.
Andorra also has museums, art galleries and festivals throughout the year, so you can enjoy cultural activities at any time of the year. There are also excellent spas, such as Caldea, one of the largest thermal centres in southern Europe, popular with locals and tourists alike.
There is also a newly built casino.
Settling in Andorra
The daily life of a foreigner in Andorra combines an active and healthy lifestyle with the tranquillity and security of living in a small but modern country. With stunning natural beauty, a favourable taxation system and a welcoming international community, Andorra offers the perfect environment for those seeking a balanced life with opportunities to enjoy both professional and personal life. Ultimately, living in Andorra is a rewarding experience that allows expatriates to benefit from an environment that is unique in Europe.
Advantia Assessors offers you our experience and expertise in immigration and residence services, to help you manage all the legal aspects and to speed up the process.