Andorra's Bureaucratic Delays Cripple Business Startups

Andorra faces a growing structural issue with systematic delays in commercial opening authorisations, which can no longer be dismissed as isolated incidents. Entrepreneurs routinely wait more than four months for basic approvals, leading to mounting costs from idle rentals, stalled contracts, and frozen business projects.

In a globalised economy where administrative speed is essential, the Principat's practices reveal a stark gap between official rhetoric and bureaucratic reality. These prolonged waits extend beyond timelines to include inadequate support for startups, a lack of transparency, and unpredictable processes. Without clear requirements or reliable deadlines, business owners navigate constant uncertainty—a deterrent to investment, as capital naturally shies away from risk.

The delays undermine Andorra's credibility and legal security. A competitive tax system alone cannot sustain a modern economy; it also demands agile, predictable institutions. Extended processing without clear justification signals institutional fragility to international observers.

The country stands at a crossroads. It must adapt its administrative mechanisms to market demands or risk falling behind in the global race for investment and enterprise. Legal certainty and trust are built daily through efficient, transparent procedures—not proclaimed in statements.

In economic terms, time is capital, and Andorra is currently squandering it through slow processes.