Whether you’ve seen photos of beautiful landscapes or read about Andorra’s taxes, healthcare and school system, it’s easy to fall in love with our tiny country.
But it is clear that you are careful. What is it like to live in Andorra? Is there more than meets the eye? Surely there is something you are not telling me about?
In this guide, we will answer these and many other questions and give you a more detailed insight into the lifestyle in Andorra.
From the environment and society to the advantages and disadvantages of a country and much more. Let’s take a look.
Where is Andorra?
This European microstate is hidden in the Pyrenees Mountains, landlocked between Spain and France.
The country is only 468 km 2 (180.5 mi 2 ) accessible only by land, either from Barcelona or Toulouse, where the nearest major airports are located. It’s about 2.5 hours from Barcelona by car or about 3 hours by bus for 15 euros one way.
Even though Andorra is located in Western Europe, it is not part of the EU but uses the euro as its currency. The official language is Catalan, but most locals speak at least two, if not three or more languages, including Spanish, French, English and Portuguese.
Why should I consider Andorra as a place to live?
If you’ve never been to Andorra, it’s understandable that you’re unsure about your move.
We always encourage people to take the time to visit, ideally during the quieter months of the year, to see if this is truly a place they can call home.
But beyond visiting, we think the best way to show you the benefits of living in Andorra is to showcase what we think are the main reasons to live here:
Lifestyle
Andorra is a mix of lifestyles: the tourist country has something for everyone, including:
- outstanding natural views that some tourists pay thousands to see in just a few days of their lives,
- bars, cafes and restaurants from elite to rustic,
- modern ski and cycling resorts,
- luxury retail and
- world-class events such as the free Cirque du Soleil.
You can go hiking one day, go cycling the next, then spend a day of relaxation at the many restaurants and cafes located throughout the country on the third day, before spending the fourth day shopping for a new wardrobe.
The luxury, of course, is that you can simply stay at home and enjoy the spectacular views from your living room – it is almost impossible to find a property in Andorra without at least one great view.
If you’re into cars, you’ll find everything from historical classics to modified sports cars, as well as plenty of supercars.
There’s a little bit of everything for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a party animal, or if you want to live in a city atmosphere rather than in the countryside.
Safety
One of the main concerns of tourists and people who want to finally settle in a new country is safety. There is nothing safer than in Andorra.
Locals claim that Andorra is the safest country in the world, and in fact it is quite close; In the latest report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Andorra ranks 178 out of 219 countries (lower is better) for homicide rates.
However, this number is likely skewed due to Andorra’s small population. This chart tells a more telling story:
Most years there are no murders. In a bad year – 1.
It is safe to walk along the streets of a city (or village) at night. Cyclists do not lock their bikes while in a cafe. It’s not uncommon to see a car idling with the keys in the ignition outside a bakery or bank!
This is mainly due to Andorra’s low unemployment rate, which is said to be 3.7% , but again is likely skewed by its small population.
Perhaps more importantly, there are only two entry points into the country, both of which are land borders that are patrolled and policed. With strict controls in Andorra, it is almost impossible to commit a crime and go unpunished.
the cost of living
Compared to major cities in the USA, France, Canada, Australia and Singapore, the cost of living in Andorra is approximately 30% cheaper. This is roughly the same as what you will see in Spanish cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.
You can usually expect lower costs for accommodation, food, utilities and transportation.
Keep in mind that you are often entitled to a tax refund on items purchased overseas. Buying furniture in Barcelona is a popular way to furnish your home in Andorra, as VAT is refunded when goods are exported from Spain.
Taxes
Commonly referred to as a “tax haven”, Andorra’s tax system is simple and fair: both income and corporate taxes top out at 10%, but many residents legally pay much less than this amount.
Compared to most other developed countries, these tax rates are meager, resulting in a more prosperous population, which in turn supports the local economy.
GST is capped at 4.5%, which is a significant discount for visitors from the UK (20%), France (20%) and Spain (21%). Of course, this tariff is much more affordable than in most countries in the world.
Perhaps more importantly, tariffs on fuel, alcohol, tobacco and other goods are not excessive.
Health care system
Andorra is fortunate to have one of the most generous healthcare systems in Europe.
Patients are reimbursed for a portion of the fees for medical consultations, examinations, and drug costs. Hospital visits are typically covered up to 90%, and services such as dental, GP, physiotherapy, etc. are covered up to 75%. Childbirth in Andorra is covered 100%, as are accidents at work.
Chances are that the healthcare system in your country of origin is not as generous as in Andorra, despite your lower contributions.
Community
In a small country with a population of less than 80,000 people, those who want to settle in Andorra are often hesitant about the local community. Will a foreigner be accepted? Will I be able to find friends and a welcoming community?
Short answer: yes! Andorrans are a friendly community of people from different backgrounds. Obviously there are local Andorrans, but there are a large number of families who have emigrated from Europe, America and around the world.
With such a multicultural society and so many activities and events to meet people at, you’ll probably find it easier to make friends in Andorra than in your country of origin.
You can also try meeting other people online; read our article about life in Andorra on forums and social groups.
Sports activities
Hiking, cycling and skiing are the main “mountain” sports in Andorra and are practiced throughout the country. There are great ski resorts, mountain bike parks and all the splendor of the Pyrenees to explore and hike.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, love nature and explore everything, you will feel right at home in Andorra.
Of course, team sports such as football (or soccer) are still hugely popular here, as is rugby.
Climate
Andorra’s climate is generally very livable given its high altitude.
Compare Andorra to other popular mountain destinations and you’ll realize that winters are usually much shorter, winter days are longer, and there are far more blue skies than gray ones.
What do I need to live in Andorra?
It’s best to be prepared and have an idea of how to make living in Andorra a reality. For some, it’s a matter of investment. Others do this by starting a business and finding employment. For those who are determined, find a job here.
You might do well to read about active and passive residency; because you will eventually join the community here through one of these two programs.
Your choice will largely depend on whether you want to work in the country or not.
Disadvantages of living in Andorra
As much as we think Andorra may be one of the best places to live in the world, there is always something you don’t like about any country.
We present to you several counter-arguments about life in Andorra:
- Despite our efforts to document life and government in Andorra, you won’t find much reliable information about the country in English – most government policies and official data are written in Catalan and are difficult to find.
- If you don’t speak Catalan, Spanish or French, you’ll have a harder time – although most tourism services make an effort to learn and speak English, most locals prefer Spanish or French as a second language.
- You really need to “get down” and explore Andorra to see all it has to offer – some of the country’s best bars and restaurants aren’t available online.
- There are no airports in Andorra – if you like to travel, you’ll have to take a 3-hour bus ride to Barcelona or Toulouse to leave the country, or pay through the nose to fly Air Andorra from Seu d’Urgell.
- There is a quota on residency applications, and if you accidentally missed the quota, you may have to wait another year to apply for residency, although know that this is very rare.
- It can be difficult to find e-commerce stores to deliver to you in Andorra.
- Sometimes it is not possible to enter a short six-digit Andorran phone number on the website. That is, you cannot place an order/request and you need to do it over the phone.
- Although this is not usually the case, winters can be cold. Prepare for the worst!
Life in Andorra
Living here is a wonderful experience filled with endless things to do and sights to see.
The information in this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Andorra is truly one of those countries that you have to visit to really have a great experience.