Portuguese Population in Andorra Drops 10% Since 2019 Amid Housing Woes

The Portuguese population in Andorra has dropped by about 10% since 2019, falling from 9,212 residents to 8,428 as of 2025, according to the latest government statistics.

José Manuel da Silva, former honorary consul of Portugal in the Principat, attributes the decline primarily to Andorra's ongoing housing challenges. Many early Portuguese settlers, now approaching retirement amid rising living costs, find it more affordable to return home. Portugal's government has also introduced return policies to encourage its nationals to come back, da Silva noted.

Geographer Maria Jesús Lluelles, who holds a doctorate in the field, echoed this view. "The situation in Andorra has become more difficult, while Portugal has moved past the worst of its crisis," she said.

The Portuguese community has deep roots in Andorra, dating back to the 1970s amid Portugal's loss of its African colonies. Official figures show just 27 Portuguese residents in 1968, rising to 87 by 1975 before the first major influx. By 1980, their numbers reached 1,092, peaking at 13,519 in 2007.

Initially drawn to construction and cleaning jobs, the community has since diversified. Da Silva highlighted around 300 Portuguese entrepreneurs now active in the restaurant sector, moving beyond outdated stereotypes of manual labour.

Despite the population shift, strong ties between Andorrans and Portuguese remain. Da Silva described the relationship as one of brotherhood, with residents quickly integrating and bonds enduring for over 40 years. He has always regarded Andorra as a second home.