Immigration Emerges as Major Concern for One in Five Andorrans in Record Poll

Nearly one in five Andorran passport holders now sees immigration as a major national problem, with the overall figure hitting a record 13.4% in the latest Observatory survey from Andorra Recerca i Innovació (ARI). Conducted via telephone from 4 to 20 November among 794 to 796 adults, the poll captured a near-doubling of concern from 7.2% in the first half of 2025 and a sharp rise from 2% before 2022.

Immigration ranked behind housing, which 42.3% of respondents named as their top personal issue—up 4 points from earlier in the year. Of those citing immigration (106 respondents), 47 called for tighter controls due to high numbers of newcomers, 29 highlighted excessive population growth, and 11 pointed to poor integration. A further 15 expressed worry over bureaucratic obstacles facing immigrants, such as permit processes. Concern was highest among retirees (24.5%) and Andorran nationals (20%), with women more likely to raise it than men (16.5% versus 10.6%).

ARI sociologist Joan Micó called the shift striking after 25 years of surveys where the issue stayed marginal. "We've never seen such a high figure—it was always testimonial," he said, tying it to Andorra's rapid population expansion driven by economic demands, European debates, questions of sustainable numbers, and recent Entry/Exit system controversies. He stressed the principality's immigrant roots and benefits from diversity, noting levels remain low compared to other countries and many have family abroad. Micó urged monitoring without linking immigration to public safety concerns, which edged up modestly from 1.9% to 3.1% and stemmed from isolated incidents.

Housing pressures dominated, with 62.1% renting—45% on contracts under three years unprotected by government measures. Searches are shifting from central parishes like Andorra la Vella to Canillo (up to 7%), Ordino (12.9%), and Encamp (23.9%).