Andorra Approves 250 Extra Immigration Permits to Tackle Staffing Shortages

The Andorran government approved an additional 250 immigration permits on Monday, published in the Official Bulletin of the Principality (BOPA), to address immediate staffing shortages after the prior 890 permits under Decrees 73/2026 and 159/2026 were fully requested and exhausted, including any exceptional expansions.

The new permits fall into two distinct categories that cannot be interchanged. The first covers 150 authorizations for occupations in groups 1 and 2 of the national occupations classification, as well as healthcare and education roles, caregivers in care facilities, home care assistants, and bus drivers outside those groups: 135 for residence and work, and 15 for cross-border work. Officials may grant a requested subtype even if it is depleted, as long as the category total remains available. The second category offers 100 authorizations for other professional occupations under Decree 159/2026: 90 for residence and work, and 10 for cross-border work, with the same flexibility.

In a statement released Monday morning, the executive highlighted the move as a response to business needs, especially in hospitality, basic services, essential sectors, and strategic roles lacking local professionals, while prioritizing sustainable growth. The permits will deduct from the main annual quota, due for approval this autumn, following a similar spring adjustment.

Business groups reacted positively but with caveats. Iago Andreu, director of the Andorran Business Confederation (CEA), described it as a step that "will prevent many companies from facing a sudden halt." He noted businesses must adapt to persistent shortages, given the government's stance against indefinite quota increases, and stressed that "business owners are aware the country cannot grow unlimitedly," calling for additional measures.

On Tuesday, government spokesperson Guillem Casal defended the expansion during a post-Cabinet press conference as a transitional step to balance labor demands with demographic pressures. He emphasized finding "the right fit" between economic needs and challenges like housing shortages, traffic congestion, infrastructure strain, and public service demands from recent growth. Casal acknowledged public perceptions of unsustainable expansion while stressing the reality of worker shortages in key areas.

The Andorran Family Business Association (EFA) voiced concerns over recruitment difficulties and quota limits. At its XXVII Family Business Cycle presentation, president Daniel Aristot said members were "very worried," particularly in traditional sectors, marking it as a major issue for the business community.