Renting an apartment in Andorra: a complete guide to finding a home, understanding the paperwork and settling into life in the Principality. Whether you are relocating for work, applying for residency or looking for a seasonal base near the ski resorts, preparation is essential because demand and availability vary considerably between parishes.
Choose the right parish and location
Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany offer the greatest concentration of shops, schools, public services, restaurants and transport connections. They are convenient for daily life, but apartments can be more expensive and parking may be limited. La Massana and Ordino are popular with people seeking a quieter environment, more space and easy access to nature and mountain activities. Canillo is attractive for access to Grandvalira and villages such as Soldeu and El Tarter, while Encamp can provide a practical compromise between transport, services and proximity to the ski area.
Other options include Sant Julià de Lòria, which has a lower-altitude setting and straightforward access towards Spain, and quieter parts of La Massana, Ordino and Canillo. Before choosing a property, check the journey to work, school or immigration appointments, winter road conditions, sunlight, noise and access to parking.
How to search for a rental
Start by comparing listings from local estate agencies, property portals and directory listings. Ask whether the advertised price is for a long-term home, a temporary rental or a seasonal ski rental. These categories can have different conditions and availability. New listings may receive enquiries quickly, so prepare a short introduction explaining your move, employment or study situation, preferred dates and budget.
When viewing an apartment, inspect heating, windows, water pressure, mobile coverage and internet availability. Ask whether the home has central heating, electric heating or another system, and request recent information about average utility costs. Confirm if the rental includes a parking space, storage room, furniture, appliances and community fees.
Documents and eligibility
Landlords or agencies commonly request identification, proof of income, an employment contract or other evidence of solvency, and references. If you are moving to Andorra from abroad, explain your immigration position clearly. A rental contract can support practical settlement, but it does not by itself grant residency.
People applying for active residency generally need an employment relationship or to establish an eligible business activity, together with the documents required by the Govern d’Andorra. Passive residency is intended for people who reside in Andorra without local employment and has separate financial, insurance and residence requirements. Confirm the current rules directly with the Govern d’Andorra or an authorised immigration professional, as requirements can change.
Review the rental contract carefully
Before signing, make sure the contract identifies the property, rent, duration, deposit, notice period, permitted occupants and responsibility for repairs. Request a detailed inventory and take dated photographs of every room, appliance and existing defect. Record meter readings on the handover date.
- Confirm the monthly rent, payment date and accepted payment method.
- Ask how rent updates are calculated and whether any legal limits or specific conditions apply.
- Clarify who pays community charges, rubbish-related costs, insurance and minor maintenance.
- Check the rules for pets, subletting, guests, smoking and alterations.
- Obtain a signed receipt for the deposit and keep copies of all documents.
Do not transfer money before verifying the landlord or agency, seeing the property and receiving a written agreement. If a clause is unclear, obtain advice before signing rather than relying on a verbal promise.
Utilities and moving in
Ask how electricity, water, heating and telecommunications are transferred. Electricity is commonly supplied by FEDA, while internet and mobile services are available from providers including Andorra Telecom. Establish whether accounts remain in the landlord’s name or must be changed to yours, and ask for final meter readings.
You may also need to register with the comú of your parish for local administrative matters. If you are becoming resident, contact the relevant Govern d’Andorra department about immigration registration, and arrange affiliation with CASS when your employment or residency status requires it. Tax questions, including the possible application of IGI to particular services or transactions, should be checked with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser rather than assumed from the rental price.
Budget beyond the advertised rent
Allow for the deposit, agency fees if applicable, moving costs, parking, heating, electricity, internet, insurance and furniture. Winter heating can significantly affect household spending, especially in higher-altitude parishes. Compare the total monthly cost and not only the headline rent.
Once you understand the contract, parish and real cost of living, renting in Andorra becomes much more manageable. For help finding agencies, tradespeople, relocation services and other useful contacts, browse local businesses in the directory.
