Andorra Approves 5,100 Winter Work Permits for 2026-2027 Season

Andorra's government has approved 5,100 immigration authorisations for the 2026-2027 winter season, a quota that can be raised by 30% to a maximum of 6,630 permits if needed, the executive announced at a press conference and in an official statement.

The figure is close to the 5,069 permits used last season. Applications may be submitted from 22 October until 31 March 2027.

The hotel and restaurant sector accounts for the largest share, with 3,363 authorisations, including accommodation establishments at the ski resorts. Ski slopes receive 1,064 permits, shops 480, the cleaning sector 111 and travel agencies 82.

Permits for the hotel sector and for cleaning and laundry companies may run until 15 June 2027, while those in the remaining sectors expire on 2 May.

The quota was approved on a proposal from the Minister of Justice and the Interior, Ester Molné, and has the favourable opinion of the Economic and Social Council (CES). The government justified opening the contingent on the need to keep businesses running during the winter season, one of the country's busiest economic periods.

Officials also said that hiring in the country of origin is processed separately from the winter quota, with the aim of improving relations between employers and workers. Businesses eligible for the seasonal quota that take on staff during the period will have those authorisations counted within the winter contingent rather than the general quota.

The press conference also addressed entry requirements under the Association Agreement with the European Union. Requirements for EU citizens are unchanged, while nationals of third countries are subject to the European Entry/Exit System (EES), a distinction that affects entry conditions depending on workers' nationality.

The commerce allocation covers activities including sports equipment rental and real estate services.