Portuguese Consulate in Andorra Hosts Return-to-Portugal Info Sessions

The Portuguese Consulate General in Andorra will hold several information sessions in September for residents considering a return to Portugal, working alongside Portugal's Directorate General for Portuguese Communities.

The events address ongoing inquiries about administrative procedures, available aid programmes, and resources to ease relocation. Representatives from Lisbon will offer group presentations as well as personalised consultations to address individual circumstances.

Sessions are set for the consulate premises and Portuguese community venues, including one on 11 September at the Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal association, to ensure broad access.

Consul General Duarte Pinto da Rocha, speaking to the Andorran News Agency, noted that interest in return programmes has long been evident among the diaspora and persists as Portugal finalises the 'Voltar' initiative, which will replace and expand the existing 'Regressar' scheme. He described steady demand since his arrival, with people visiting the consulate for details.

Inquiries span various groups, including families in their 30s and 40s, those nearing retirement, and descendants of early immigrants. Pinto da Rocha pointed to factors such as Andorra's living costs and the rising appeal of Portuguese universities, which now hold strong positions in European rankings and draw families for higher education opportunities.

Topics will include academic qualifications recognition, personal effects transport, university admissions, and planned tax benefits. With 'Voltar' still in regulatory stages, the sessions will emphasise current procedures and support options. Pinto da Rocha described the effort as an information mission to clarify practical issues for the resident Portuguese population.

José Luis Carvalho, president of Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal, said the group learned of the plan during a recent meeting with the consul and welcomed hosting a session, deeming the details highly useful. He highlighted that many Portuguese residents are reaching retirement and opting to return, viewing the events as a valuable step.

The consul reaffirmed the consulate's commitment to the community in all choices. Some residents decide to remain in Andorra while others return—a personal matter—but support stands ready for those pursuing relocation.

Official figures show Portuguese nationals make up around 9% of Andorra's residents, a share Pinto da Rocha believes could approach 20% including descendants of initial waves of immigrants.