Andorra to Launch Project-Specific Immigration Permits for Construction and Services

Andorra's government will create a new type of immigration authorisation linked to the exact duration of specific construction projects or services, extending beyond the building sector to areas like professional services with temporary labour needs. Head of Government Xavier Espot announced the plan during the presentation of the Chamber of Commerce's 2025 economic report, where he acknowledged companies' struggles to fill certain roles.

The majority parliamentary group of Demòcrates plans to introduce the measure as an amendment to the immigration law currently under discussion in parliament. Espot explained that it would allow firms to request permits tailored to real project timelines, rather than relying on general or temporary quotas that may prove "too long or too short." He gave the example of a company needing four bricklayers for a 24-month project and two engineers for only 12 months, enabling precise hiring without mismatches.

Espot stressed that workforce availability has become critical for project continuity, business development, and sector competitiveness. The initiative aims to respond more agilely to productive needs while maintaining strict employer obligations, no more flexible than existing quotas. Details such as company and worker conditions remain under finalisation.

The head of government balanced the push for business competitiveness with social cohesion and Andorra's hosting capacity. He noted consensus against sustaining annual population growth of 4-5%, justifying prior quota limits to moderate expansion. Espot linked the quota to origin-country hiring, promoting greater predictability for arrivals, though integration and ongoing work could allow permit extensions.

On origin hiring's early rollout, Espot admitted challenges from associated business duties but expressed confidence after promotion and explanation. The executive will release specific figures later, requesting time to assess results post-summer and into winter. No approval date was set, pending parliamentary process, though Espot anticipates it soon.