Andorra's CES Approves 800 New Residence and Work Permits, Down 11% from Last Year

The Economic and Social Council (CES), chaired by Minister of the Presidency, Economy, Labour and Housing Conxita Marsol, issued a favourable opinion on a general quota of 800 new residence and work authorisations during an extraordinary session this morning.

This represents an 11.1% reduction from last year's initial quota, validated in October, equating to 100 fewer spots. From the total, deductions will apply for the 150 additional authorisations approved in February, as well as permits issued from a separate 150-authorisation pool for professional athletes under specific conditions. The athlete permits allocate 10 spots to each of the 10 teams in Andorra's top football division, 20 to FC Andorra SAOE, 20 to BC Andorra SAOE, and 10 to other professional athletes. All such permits will count against the overall 800.

The breakdown includes 624 authorisations for residents and 176 for cross-border workers. Designed to match current economic and social needs within the legal framework, the quota supports sustainable growth in key sectors. It can expand by up to 30% if demand requires and will replace the current quota upon final approval by the Council of Ministers, expected shortly.

Business leaders from the confederation expressed concern over the reduction amid ongoing labour shortages, calling for prompt expansions if the quota proves insufficient.