Andorra Approves Law Creating Official College for Administrative Managers

The Andorran Council of Ministers approved a draft law on Tuesday regulating administrative managers and establishing the Official College of Administrative Managers of Andorra (COGAA), with the bill set for parliamentary debate on Friday.

Developed alongside the Association of Administrative Managers, the 39-article measure—spanning four chapters, two transitional provisions, and one final disposition—requires college membership to practise the profession. It defines duties including diligence, confidentiality, and compliance with the law, while specifying access criteria and disciplinary processes to curb unauthorised practice and ensure consistent standards.

New entrants need a level 6A or higher qualification on the Andorran Qualifications Framework (MAQ) in fields such as Law, Economics, Business, or Business Administration and Management (ADE), as issued or recognised by the government. Interior, Economy, Employment and Housing Minister Conxita Marsol, speaking after the cabinet meeting, emphasised the law's role in strengthening legal certainty, professionalising the sector, safeguarding clients, and filling a previous regulatory gap.

Around 800 businesses list administrative management services, though Marsol noted many lack active operations due to lax prior registration rules. She added that most practising professionals already meet the qualification bar.

Existing operators can gain government approval and join the college. A six-month transitional period lets those without the required title adapt by proving more than one year of approved practice, suitable premises, and professional fitness—covering full civil and political rights, no relevant intentional criminal convictions, no major administrative sanctions tied to suitability in the past five years, and no incapacities, incompatibilities, or disqualifications—followed by registration.

Marsol said missing the deadline implies the activity is not core, mandating standard qualifications going forward. The bill allows for amendments during parliamentary committee review.

During the same session, ministers greenlit six more guarantees under the first-home purchase programme, bringing approved cases to 28 out of 37 applications received since launch. Five remain under review, three were withdrawn by applicants, and Marsol said only "two or three" were rejected. Most beneficiaries are couples, families, or single individuals with middle incomes buying properties mainly valued between €300,000 and €500,000, at an average above €400,000—often resale flats. Two months ago, she confirmed the average stood over €400,000.

The programme covers full mortgage interest for the first seven years at Euribor + 0%, then Euribor + 0.5% up to a 50-year term. Marsol described it as functioning well and yielding results, with potential tweaks like including off-plan purchases under consideration after further market analysis.