Record 20% of Andorrans View Immigration as Major Problem

Nearly one in five Andorran nationals now views immigration as a major national problem, according to the latest Andorra Recerca i Innovació (ARI) Observatory survey for the second half of 2025. The telephone poll, conducted from 4 to 20 November among 794 to 796 adults over 18, found 13.4% of respondents overall naming immigration as a key issue—a record high that nearly doubled from 7.2% in the first half of the year and marked a sharp rise from 1-2% before 2022. Among nationals, the figure hit 20%, with retirees showing the highest concern at 24.5% and women at 16.5% versus 10.6% for men.

Of the 106 people citing immigration, 47 sought stricter controls on arrivals, 29 focused on excessive population growth, and 11 raised integration challenges. Another 15 pointed to bureaucratic hurdles for immigrants, such as permit processes. ARI sociologist Joan Micó described the trend as unprecedented after 25 years of polling. "We've never seen such a high figure—it was always marginal," he said, linking it to Andorra's rapid population rise to meet economic needs, broader European debates, questions about sustainable population levels, and recent issues with the Entry/Exit system.

Micó cautioned against overreaction, emphasizing Andorra's roots as an immigrant society where diversity has driven benefits. Levels remain far below those in France or Spain, and many residents have family abroad, tempering opposition. He called for close monitoring in future surveys. Public safety worries edged up to 3.1% from 1.9%, coinciding with September youth gang incidents, but Micó stressed no connection to immigration.

Housing topped personal concerns at 42.3%, a 4-point increase from earlier in 2025 and the highest in five years, with 62.1% renting—nearly 45% on contracts under three years without government safeguards. Newer rentals averaged €1,332 monthly, compared to €785 for those over 10 years old. Housing searches still concentrated in Andorra la Vella (47.1%), but demand surged in Canillo (7%, up from 3.8% in 2023), Ordino (12.9%, from 5.6%), and Encamp (23.9%, from 15.5%) amid rising costs and shortages. Some 17.7% of seekers now consider any parish, up from 4.2% in 2023.

Nationally, traffic ranked second at 19.1% and salaries third at 18.2%. The survey carries a 95.5% confidence level and ±3.53% margin of error.