Nestled in the eastern Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is a small but prosperous country known for its stunning alpine landscapes, robust economy, and high quality of life. Covering an area of 470 square kilometers, it is one of Europe's smallest nations. As of 2024, Andorra's population is approximately 82,000, with a population density of about 170.4 people per square kilometer. The official language is Catalan, and the country operates under a parliamentary democracy co-governed by two princes: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell from Spain.
Moreover, Andorra boasts a high Human Development Index (HDI) of 0.884, reflecting its advanced economy and quality of life. The nation attracts approximately 8 million visitors annually, drawn by its renowned ski resorts, duty-free shopping, and picturesque mountain villages.
With a favorable tax regime, Andorra has become a popular destination for investors and expatriates. The country's political stability, modern infrastructure, and commitment to environmental sustainability further enhance its appeal, making it an attractive choice for those seeking residency in a unique and scenic European setting.
Andorra's tax system is renowned for its simplicity and low rates, making it an attractive destination for individuals and businesses seeking a favorable fiscal environment. The country offers competitive personal income and corporate taxes. Additionally, Andorra does not impose taxes on wealth, inheritance, or most forms of capital gains, providing substantial benefits for asset protection and wealth management. With one of the lowest value-added taxes in Europe, the country ensures lower costs for goods and services, benefiting both consumers and businesses. This advantageous tax framework, combined with a stable economy and modern infrastructure, encourages foreign investment, entrepreneurship, and long-term residency, solidifying Andorra's reputation as a prime low-tax jurisdiction in Europe.
Andorra’s tax system is governed by a set of laws. Key legislation includes the Personal Income Tax Law (Llei de l’IRPF), established under Llei 5/2014, which outlines progressive income tax rates that remain lower than in most European countries, encouraging individuals to retain more of their income. For businesses, the Corporate Tax Law (Llei de l’Impost de Societats), Llei 95/2010, offers a favorable corporate tax rate structure that promotes local and international investment. Moreover, Andorra's VAT system, governed by the Law on Value Added Tax (Llei de l’IGI), Llei 11/2012, sets one of the lowest VAT rates in Europe, reducing both business and consumer costs. For real estate, the Capital Gains Tax on Property Transfers Law (Llei de l’Impost sobre les Plusvàlues en les Transmissions Patrimonials Immobiliàries) provides regulation for capital gains on property, specifying when and how such gains are taxed.
While Andorra is often referred to as a “tax haven,” it is essential to separate its low-tax environment from traditional offshore tax havens. Andorra has made significant strides to align with international standards on transparency and information exchange. Although the country has a favorable tax regime, with personal income tax capped at 10% and no inheritance, gift, or wealth taxes, it has established more than 15 tax treaties with several countries and complies with OECD guidelines. In comparison, neighboring Spain has a progressive personal income tax system with rates reaching up to 47% and also imposes inheritance, gift, and wealth taxes. France's personal income tax can go as high as 45%, alongside substantial inheritance, gift, and wealth taxes. Andorra’s corporate tax rates are also competitive, generally ranging from 2% to 10%, while the corporate tax in Spain and France is 25%. These factors make Andorra particularly attractive to businesses and high-net-worth individuals. However, its efforts to modernize its financial regulations and increase tax transparency mean that it does not meet the typical definition of a tax haven, as the country now operates under rigorous anti-money laundering laws and cooperates with international financial authorities.
Andorra's tax system distinguishes between residents and non-residents, applying different tax obligations to each group.
Individuals are considered tax residents in Andorra if they meet any of the following criteria:
Tax residents are subject to the Personal Income Tax (IRPF), which is applied progressively:
Non-residents who earn income from economic activities in Andorra are subject to the Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR), which is generally a flat rate of 10%. This tax applies to income such as salaries, rents, or any income derived from economic activities within Andorra. However, dividends and interest from Andorran sources are exempt from taxation for non-residents.
A corporate entity is considered a tax resident in Andorra if it meets any of the following conditions:
Andorran corporate tax rates are advantageous, with a standard rate of 10% on profits. However, special deductions and tax benefits may apply for certain sectors, such as innovation, holding companies, and intellectual property. Importantly, dividends distributed by Andorran companies to both residents and non-residents are exempt from Andorran taxation, enhancing Andorra’s appeal as a jurisdiction for holding and investment companies.
Andorra introduced its personal income tax (IRPF) on January 1, 2015, with a progressive structure. Income up to €24,000 is exempt from taxation, providing residents with a substantial tax-free allowance. For income between €24,000 and €40,000, a 5% tax rate applies, and any income exceeding €40,000 is taxed at a maximum rate of 10%. Savings income follows a similar regime, with the first €3,000 of investment income exempt from tax, and amounts beyond this taxed at 10%.
There is no specific property tax in Andorra. However, property transactions are subject to registration fees, which amount to about 4% of the property value, split between the buyer and seller.
Dividends distributed by Andorran companies to residents are generally not subject to further tax if corporate tax has already been paid at the entity level.
When an individual sells property in Andorra for a profit, a capital gains tax applies, with rates depending on the length of property ownership. The tax rate starts at 15% if the property is sold within the first year of ownership, reducing to 13% in the second year and 10% in the third. After the third year, the rate decreases by 1% each subsequent year, eventually reaching 0% by the twelfth year. In addition, to incentivize reinvestment in Andorran real estate, individuals can avoid paying capital gains tax if they purchase another property within six months of the sale.
Although Andorra is in a customs union with the European Union, it is not part of the EU VAT area. On January 1, 2013, Andorra replaced its former sales tax regime with the Impost General Indirecte (IGI), which serves as its main value-added tax. The standard IGI rate is 4.5%, but several specific rates apply to various goods and services:
Foreign income earned by Andorran residents is typically not subject to additional tax in Andorra, providing favorable conditions for international workers and investors.
The primary tax for corporations in Andorra is the Impost de Societats (IS), which applies a fixed general rate of 10% on corporate profits.
For newly established companies, Andorra provides some tax incentives to ease initial tax burdens:
For convenience, the above-mentioned taxes are outlined in the following table:
Andorra’s tax system offers a unique blend of benefits that can be particularly advantageous for clients seeking tax optimization and financial planning strategies. At Golden Harbors, we highlight the following advantages of Andorra’s tax rates to help clients make informed decisions:
At Golden Harbors, we guide our clients through each step of this process, from becoming a tax resident to maximizing tax efficiency, all tailored to meet individual financial goals. Our experienced team of professionals has a proven track record in international tax planning, residency solutions, and corporate structuring. With years of expertise and a client-centric approach, we ensure that every solution is customized to align with your unique needs and long-term objectives.
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Victoria
Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors
Victoria
Lead Attorney at Golden Harbors