Moving to Andorra with kids: a family relocation guide starts with choosing the right parish, school system and residency route for your household. Andorra offers a safe mountain lifestyle, good access to outdoor activities and several education options, but relocating as a family requires careful planning around housing, registration, healthcare and daily transport.
Choose an Andorran parish before choosing a home
Andorra is divided into seven parishes, each with a different atmosphere and practical advantages. Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany are central and convenient for schools, shops, services and public transport. La Massana and Ordino are popular with families who want more space and quick access to nature, while Canillo and Encamp offer mountain living and access to Grandvalira. Sant Julià de Lòria is generally lower and has convenient connections towards Spain.
Visit properties in person at different times of day. Check the walking route to school, winter road conditions, parking, storage for sports equipment and proximity to a medical centre. Rental demand can be competitive, so prepare proof of income, identification and references before contacting an agency or landlord. Remember that the comú, or parish administration, will be relevant for local registration and services.
Understand the school systems
Families can choose between Andorra’s three public education systems: Andorran, Spanish and French. The Andorran system is the country’s own multilingual network and usually includes Catalan, Spanish and French in the educational environment. Spanish and French schools follow their respective national curricula and can be useful when children are transferring from another country or may later continue education abroad.
Contact schools well before your move because places, enrolment dates and documentation requirements vary. Ask about the child’s year-group placement, language support, transport, school meals and extracurricular activities. You may need previous school reports, vaccination records, identity documents and proof of residence. If your children are older, discuss how their qualifications will connect with future university applications.
Arrange residency and immigration documents
The correct residency route depends on your work and financial situation. Active residency is generally linked to employment, business activity or professional work in Andorra. Passive residency is intended for people who live in Andorra without working locally and requires evidence of sufficient resources and other conditions set by the Govern d’Andorra.
Requirements can change, so check the latest rules with the Govern d’Andorra or a qualified immigration adviser before making commitments. Each family member may need a passport, civil-status documents, a clean criminal record certificate and medical or administrative documentation. Foreign documents may require an apostille and an official translation into Catalan. Allow extra time for certificates and appointments.
Plan healthcare, insurance and administration
Once eligible, residents generally access Andorra’s social security system, CASS. Confirm how and when you and your children will be registered, what contributions apply and how referrals, prescriptions and reimbursements work. Keep copies of medical histories, medication lists, allergies and vaccination records, particularly when changing countries.
For everyday administration, learn how to use the Govern d’Andorra online services and identify the relevant comú. Families should also organise a local bank account, mobile connection and digital identification where available. Andorra Telecom provides internet and telephone services; compare installation times and contract conditions before moving into a new property.
Budget for housing, tax and everyday costs
Create a relocation budget that includes rent or purchase costs, deposits, agency fees, school-related expenses, transport, winter clothing and professional advice. If you buy a property, obtain independent legal and tax guidance before signing, especially if your residency status or home country creates reporting obligations.
Andorra’s main consumption tax is IGI, the Impost General Indirecte. It is included in many purchases and services, but the applicable rate and treatment can vary. Residency, employment income, investments and property transactions can involve different tax rules, so do not assume that a low headline tax rate makes every situation simple. A qualified local adviser can explain personal tax residence and any obligations in your former country.
Help children settle into family life
Start learning basic Catalan as a family. Even if your children’s school uses French or Spanish, Catalan is the official language and helps with friendships, activities and contact with public services. Libraries, sports clubs, ski schools and parish activities are useful ways to meet other families. Outdoor life is a major advantage, but plan carefully for snow, hiking safety, cycling routes and changing weather between valleys.
Before arrival, make a checklist for housing, school applications, residency, CASS, banking, utilities and transport. After arrival, register with the appropriate comú, complete school and healthcare procedures, and keep all contracts and official receipts organised.
For trusted local support, browse the directory to find businesses and professionals in Andorra, from relocation and property services to schools, healthcare providers, tradespeople and family activities.
