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Working a winter season in Andorra

Andorra sits in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, outside the European Union, and is home to Grandvalira — the largest ski domain in the Pyrenees (spanning Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig, Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, and Encamp).

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Work permits (Autorització d’immigració temporal)

Because Andorra is not a member of the EU or EEA, every non-Andorran worker — including EU, UK, and international citizens — must hold an employer-sponsored seasonal work and residence permit (Autorització d’immigració temporal per a treballadors d’empreses del país) issued by the Servei d’Immigració under the government’s winter quota.

EU, Spanish, and French nationals benefit from priority processing under Andorra’s trilateral agreements, while non-EU nationals (such as UK, Argentine, or Australian ski instructors and hospitality staff) can also be sponsored provided they supply an apostilled clean criminal record certificate (Hague Apostille) and documented hospitality or snowsports experience.

Wages, low income tax & CASS social security

Andorra uses the Euro (€). Effective July 2026, the statutory minimum wage (salari mínim interprofessional) is €1,568.67 gross per month for a 40-hour week, with most Grandvalira resort and hotel roles paying €1,650 to €2,400+ per month.

Every employee is registered with the Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social (CASS), with employee social contributions capped at roughly 6.5% of gross pay and zero income tax (IRPF) on seasonal earnings below €24,000 per year — meaning your net take-home pay is ~93.5% of your gross wage.

Housing in Grandvalira & working languages

Private winter rentals across Soldeu, El Tarter, Canillo, Encamp, and Pas de la Casa fill up before November. Large operators (such as Grandvalira lift/school companies and major hotels) either provide shared staff apartments or deduct a regulated share from pay; always confirm housing before travelling.

Catalan is the official language, while Spanish, French, and English are spoken daily across Grandvalira (French dominates in Pas de la Casa on the French border; Spanish, Catalan, and English dominate in Soldeu and El Tarter).

Arrival & Servei d’Immigració checklist

  • Bring an original criminal record certificate (certificat d’antecedents penals) with the Hague Apostille issued within the last 3 months, plus your passport and CV/experience certificates.
  • Attend your mandatory medical check and biometric appointment at the Servei d’Immigració in Andorra la Vella before your first working day.
  • Register with CASS (Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social) and open a local Andorran bank account (MoraBanc, Creand, or Andbank) once your green temporal work card is issued.
  • Return your temporal work card at the end of the season (baixa d’immigració) so you remain eligible for future seasons.

Common questions

Do EU citizens need a work permit for a ski season in Andorra?

Yes. Andorra is outside the European Union, so all foreign workers — including French, Spanish, and other EU citizens — require an employer-sponsored seasonal work permit from the Servei d’Immigració.

What is the minimum wage and tax rate for seasonal workers in Andorra?

The Andorran statutory minimum wage (July 2026 rate) is €1,568.67 gross per month for a 40-hour week. Employee CASS social security deductions are ~6.5%, and seasonal earnings under €24,000/year are exempt from income tax.

Can UK or non-EU workers get sponsored in Grandvalira?

Yes, Andorra’s winter seasonal quota allows employers to sponsor non-EU staff (especially ski instructors, chefs, and hospitality staff) who provide an apostilled criminal record certificate and proof of prior experience.

Which languages are needed to work in Grandvalira?

Catalan, Spanish, and French are the main local languages, alongside English for British and international guests. Pas de la Casa is strongly French-speaking, while Soldeu and El Tarter use Spanish, Catalan, and English.