Moving to Spain from Andorra: Complete 2026 Guide

Andorran citizens enjoy a privileged relationship with Spain, including freedom of movement and access to the Schengen Area. While Andorra is not in the EU, special agreements provide unique benefits for Andorrans relocating to Spain.

Key Facts for Andorran Citizens

Visa: Not required (special agreement with Spain)
Work Rights: Andorrans can work and live freely in Spain
Citizenship: Only 2 years residency required (preferential treatment)
Dual Nationality: Spain allows dual citizenship with Andorra; Andorra currently does NOT allow dual citizenship

Special Status: Andorra-Spain Relationship

Andorra has a unique relationship with Spain that provides Andorran citizens with significant advantages:

Free Movement: Andorrans can freely live, work, and travel between Spain, France, Portugal, and Andorra
No Visa Required: Andorran passport holders can enter and stay in Spain without restrictions
Work Rights: Full employment rights in Spain without needing a work permit
Schengen Access: Andorran passport provides visa-free access to 167 countries, including all Schengen states
Healthcare and Education: Andorrans can access free healthcare and education in Spain, France, and Portugal

This privileged status stems from historical ties and bilateral agreements between Andorra and its neighboring countries.

Why Andorrans Choose Spain

Larger Economy: Greater job opportunities and business markets compared to Andorras small economy
Cultural Proximity: Catalan is co-official in parts of Spain; Spanish is widely spoken in Andorra
Geographic Access: Easy access to beaches, major cities, and international airports
Education: Access to Spanish universities and educational institutions
Healthcare: Broader healthcare options and specialists
Lifestyle Variety: From coastal living to major urban centers
Proximity to Home: Barcelona is just 3 hours away; easy to maintain ties with Andorra

Registration Process

While Andorrans enjoy free movement to Spain, registration is still required for stays exceeding 90 days:

Empadronamiento. Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) to establish official residence. This is your first step and required for most other procedures.

NIE Certificate. Apply at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or police station. This foreigner identification number is essential for working, buying property, or opening a bank account.

Social Security Number. Required if you plan to work in Spain. Apply at the Social Security office (Tesoreria General de la Seguridad Social).

Tax Registration (NIF). Necessary if you become a Spanish tax resident or conduct economic activities in Spain.

The process is straightforward given the special agreements between Andorra and Spain.

Path to Spanish Citizenship

Andorran citizens enjoy a significantly faster path to Spanish citizenship:

Only 2 years of residency required. This is the same preferential treatment given to citizens of Latin American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal. Most other nationalities must wait 10 years.

Important dual citizenship consideration:

Spains Position: Spain explicitly allows dual citizenship with Andorra. Andorrans becoming Spanish citizens do NOT need to renounce their Andorran nationality from Spains perspective.
Andorras Position: However, Andorra currently does NOT recognize dual citizenship. Andorran law requires citizens who acquire another nationality to renounce their Andorran citizenship within a specified period or face legal consequences.
Potential Change: Andorra has been working on legislation that would allow dual nationality, which would remove this obstacle. Check current status when planning your citizenship application.

Requirements for Spanish citizenship:

2 years of legal, continuous residence
Clean criminal record in Spain and Andorra
Passing the DELE A2 Spanish language exam
Passing the CCSE (Constitutional and Sociocultural Knowledge of Spain) exam
Proof of integration into Spanish society

Spanish Consulate in Andorra

Spain maintains consular representation in Andorra:

Consulate General of Spain in Andorra la Vella. C/Prat de la Creu 34, AD500 Andorra la Vella. Tel: +376 800080. Civil Registry: +376 800083. Visa: +376 800084. Emergency: +376 361332. Email: [email protected].

The consulate is accessible by Bus 5201 to Ambaixada dEspanya (50m walk). This is Spains only representation in Andorra, established in 1993.

Tax Considerations

Andorra-Spain Tax Framework

Andorra is known for its favorable tax regime. Moving to Spain involves significant tax implications that require careful planning.

183-Day Rule: If you spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income to Spain.

Key Points:

Tax Rate Difference: Andorra has maximum income tax of 10%; Spain has progressive rates up to 47%. This is a significant change.
No Andorran Capital Gains Tax: Andorra has no capital gains tax; Spain does. Asset sales should be planned carefully.
Wealth Tax: Spain has a wealth tax; Andorra does not. High-net-worth individuals should plan carefully.
Tax Treaty: Spain and Andorra have a Double Taxation Agreement to prevent being taxed twice
Beckham Law: Special tax regime for new residents may offer flat 24% tax rate for 6 years on Spanish-source income
Exit Planning: Consider timing and structure of the move to optimize tax position

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to work in Spain?

No. Andorran citizens have special freedom of movement rights with Spain. You can live and work in Spain without a visa or work permit, similar to EU citizens.

Can I have both Andorran and Spanish citizenship?

Spain allows it, but Andorra currently does not. If you acquire Spanish citizenship, Andorra requires you to renounce your Andorran nationality. Andorra is working on legislation to change this, so check the current status. For now, this creates a difficult choice.

Why is the citizenship path only 2 years for Andorrans?

Spain grants preferential treatment (2-year path instead of 10 years) to citizens of countries with special historical and cultural ties. Andorra is included in this group along with Latin American countries, Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, and Portugal.

What about my Andorran pension?

Andorran pensions (CASS) can generally be received while living in Spain, though tax treatment depends on your residency status. Professional advice is recommended to understand the implications for your specific situation.

Will I pay much more tax in Spain?

Likely yes. Andorras maximum 10% income tax is significantly lower than Spains progressive rates. However, the Beckham Law may provide relief for the first 6 years, and careful tax planning can help minimize the impact. This is one of the most important aspects to plan before relocating.

We Handle Everything

Relocating from Andorra to Spain involves important legal and tax considerations. Our team specializes in helping Andorran citizens navigate both the administrative process and optimize their tax position.

We assist with:

NIE registration and residence documentation
Tax residency planning (critical given Andorras low-tax environment)
Beckham Law applications for tax optimization
Property purchase procedures
Business establishment in Spain
Citizenship applications (including dual nationality implications)
Coordination between Andorran and Spanish authorities

Schedule a Consultation

This guide provides general information about moving to Spain from Andorra as of 2026. Immigration and tax laws can change, and Andorras dual citizenship legislation is evolving. For advice specific to your situation, please consult with our legal team or book a consultation.