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

The Portuguese Consulate General in Andorra will host information sessions in September for residents interested in returning to Portugal, with one event scheduled for 11 September at the Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal association.

The sessions, organised with Portugal's Directorate General for Portuguese Communities, will address administrative procedures, available support, and resources to facilitate relocation. Representatives from Lisbon will also offer individual consultations to handle specific queries.

Consul General Duarte Pinto da Rocha told the Andorran News Agency that demand for such information has been steady since his arrival. Interest among the diaspora persists as the government finalises the 'Voltar' programme, set to replace and expand the current 'Regressar' initiative. Sessions will cover academic equivalences, transferring personal belongings, university applications, and planned tax incentives.

Events will occur at the consulate and Portuguese association venues to maximise reach. José Luis Carvalho, president of Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal, said his group learned of the plan in a prior meeting with the consul and agreed to host a session, calling the information "very useful". He noted that many Portuguese residents are approaching retirement age and choosing to return, making the talks a "good initiative".

Pinto da Rocha said inquiries span age groups, including families in their 30s and 40s, and descendants of early immigrants. Factors include Andorra's cost of living and the rising profile of Portuguese universities in European rankings, which may encourage families to relocate for higher education.

With 'Voltar' still under regulatory development, the focus will remain on existing processes. The consul stressed the consulate's role in supporting the community regardless of decisions. "Some choose to stay in Andorra and some to return. It's a strictly personal decision, but we are here to support those who want to take that step," he said.

Portuguese residents comprise about 9% of Andorra's population, per official data, with people of Portuguese origin potentially reaching 20% when including children and grandchildren of early immigrants.