Learning how to find a long-term rental in Andorra is easier when you understand the local market, prepare your documents in advance and search by parish rather than looking at the whole country as one area. Demand is particularly strong in popular areas such as Andorra la Vella, Escaldes-Engordany and La Massana, so well-presented properties can receive enquiries quickly.
Choose the right parish and location
Start by deciding how you want to live and commute. Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany offer the greatest concentration of shops, schools, public services, restaurants and bus connections. They can be convenient for people working in the capital, although central apartments may have higher rents and limited parking.
La Massana and Ordino are popular with residents who want mountain access, quieter surroundings and links to outdoor activities. La Massana also has practical access to Andorra la Vella by road and public transport. Encamp can offer a balance between village life, access to Grandvalira and a relatively direct connection to the capital. Canillo is attractive for ski access and a less urban setting, while Sant Julià de Lòria is useful for people who regularly travel towards Spain. Les Escaldes, La Massana and Ordino may have more steep roads and winter access considerations, so inspect the route to the property rather than relying only on photographs.
Where to search for a long-term rental
Use several channels at the same time. Local property agencies can explain whether a listing is genuinely available for a long-term contract, help arrange viewings and clarify the landlord’s requirements. Online property portals, local classified listings and community groups can reveal additional options, but always verify the address, contract terms and identity of the person offering the property.
Ask specifically whether the home is available for an annual or other long-term lease, rather than a seasonal winter rental. Some properties are advertised during the ski season and may not be available in summer. Also ask whether the advertised price includes parking, storage, community charges, heating, water or internet. The total monthly cost can be substantially different from the headline rent.
Prepare your documents before viewing
Landlords and agencies may ask for proof of identity, employment, income and the reason for your move. Prepare a copy of your passport or identity document, an employment contract or company information, recent payslips or bank statements, and references from a previous landlord if available. If you are moving to Andorra for work, explain whether your employment is already arranged and when you expect to complete your immigration formalities.
People planning active residency usually need to organise their housing evidence as part of the wider application process. Passive residency has different requirements and does not involve employment in Andorra. A rental contract alone does not grant residency, so confirm current requirements directly with the Govern d’Andorra or an appropriately qualified adviser before signing.
Check the contract and upfront costs
Read the entire contract in a language you understand. Confirm the duration, renewal procedure, notice period, permitted occupants, pets, repairs, furnished inventory and conditions for recovering the deposit. Request a written inventory and photograph the condition of walls, appliances, windows and floors on the day you move in.
Ask for a complete breakdown of the initial payment. This can include the first month’s rent, a deposit, agency fees where applicable and other agreed guarantees. Do not transfer money before you have verified the property and received appropriate documentation. Be cautious of listings with unusually low prices, pressure to pay immediately, refusal to arrange a viewing or requests to send money abroad without a clear contract.
Budget for utilities and everyday services
Clarify which utilities remain in your name. Electricity is supplied by FEDA, while Andorra Telecom provides internet and telecommunications services. Ask the landlord or agency how accounts are transferred, whether there are outstanding bills and what meter readings should be recorded at handover. Water arrangements and communal heating can vary by building.
Include transport, parking, insurance, household costs and winter heating in your budget. Check mobile coverage, broadband availability and the distance to supermarkets, schools, medical services and bus stops. If you need healthcare access, learn how registration with CASS works and confirm which documents are required for your personal situation.
Use the comú for local information
After choosing a home, contact the relevant comú for parish-specific information such as waste collection, parking rules, administrative procedures and local services. The comú can also be a useful source for understanding practical issues that are not obvious during a short viewing, particularly in older buildings or mountain communities.
The best approach is to search early, compare several parishes, view properties in person and keep written records of every cost and promise. Once you have checked the contract, utilities and residency implications, you can move forward with greater confidence. Browse local businesses in the directory to find property agencies, relocation specialists and other services that can help with your move to Andorra.
