If you’ve ever been to Andorra or read up on the unique Pyrenean microstate, the idea of moving there to live and work in Andorra might sound very appealing. The principality boasts a very unique and fun culture, while it also possesses some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Europe, not least at the Andorra ski resorts.
If you do decide to work in Andorra, whether on the ski slopes or the city streets, there is quite a lot that you need to consider even before you start searching for Andorra jobs. Here, in this guide, we’ll outline the key things that you should know if you’re planning to live and work in Andorra.
Work in Andorra: How much is the salary in Andorra?
One of the first things that people considering work in Andorra want to know is how much is the salary in Andorra. As with any country, there is great fluctuation, but Andorra jobs are quite lucrative, especially considering that there are low taxes in the country and the cost of living is also cheap.
Salaries and cost of living
Let’s look at some exact Andorra salary and cost of living numbers. According to Salary Explorer, the average salary for Andorra in 2024 is €3,850 per month, which is above average for Europe. Then, in terms of cost of living, a recent ranking had Andorra as the 37th most expensive country in the world and the 20th most expensive in Europe, at a cost of €1,222 euros per month for a single adult. That’s about middle of the pack for a European cost of living, so the above-average salary means there are gains to be had.
Requirements for working in Andorra
If you’re wondering ‘Can foreigners work in Andorra?’ then the simplest answer is that yes, foreigners can work in Andorra. However, Andorra is not a part of the European Union, so there is usually a need to obtain a work permit.
Work permits and visas: Who needs them?
In order to live and work in Andorra, you’ll need to consider the requirements for working in Andorra. The documentation required includes, but is not limited to, medical examination information, proof of accommodation, a criminal record disclosure and proof of an Andorran bank account.
It may seem daunting at first, but many people obtain seasonal Andorra jobs and the Andorra government website makes it quite clear what do to if you’re only going to work in the country temporarily. As for those who want to live and work in Andorra for a longer period, there is more documentation to fill out but it is also very much possible to achieve this objective.
Language skills: Catalan, Spanish and other languages
When it comes to finding a job in Andorra, there are language factors to consider too. Andorra’s official language is Catalan and, interestingly, it is the only country in the world with this as the sole official language. However, locals don’t generally expect foreigners to have learned Catalan and many speak Castilian Spanish, French, Portuguese or English too.
So, are there Andorra jobs for English speakers? Absolutely yes, as English is becoming a more and more common second language in Andorra, especially in areas which welcome tourists or in companies which operate internationally. In tourism specifically, there are many Andorra jobs for English speakers in the hospitality and ski resort sectors.
Qualifications and experience: What employers look for
To land a job in Andorra, you’ll have to impress potential employers. That’s nothing specific to Andorra, though, as this is the case with any job in any country. And, the exact qualifications and experience will depend on the position in question.
Working in Andorra’s ski industry
If you’re a big skiing fan and you’re keen to work in the Andorran ski industry specifically, you’ll want to know how much you can expect to earn. It was mentioned above that the average Andorra salary in 2024 is €3,850 per month and, if narrowing in on recreation and sports, it’s €3,290. So, the average ski instructor job in Andorra pays slightly lower than the overall average, but it’s true there is a similar trend in other countries.
Seasonal ski jobs: Lifties, instructors and more
In the ski industry, it’s logical that most jobs going are seasonal. The Andorra ski season runs from December to April, for example, and, while there is activity at a ski resort like Grandvalira all year round, it peaks in the winter months. Some of the most popular seasonal ski jobs include instructors, on-piste customer service, piste maintenance and ski lift operators, affectionately known as lifites.
Year-round ski resort positions
The more permanent ski resort jobs tend to be in the offices, in sectors such as marketing and sales. Booking an Andorra ski holiday is something people do all year round, as holidaymakers like to be prepared, so there is as much need for professionals with this expertise in August as in February.
Tips for landing a ski resort job
If it’s your dream to work at a ski resort, it’s advisable to learn multiple languages, since ski resorts welcome guests from all around the world. Another tip for landing a ski resort job is to earn a relevant qualification, with this especially key for the role of ski instructor. Such qualifications can be obtained from bodies like BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors), CSIA (Canadian Ski Instructors Association) or NZSIA (New Zealand Ski Instructor Association).
Given that Grandvalira is the largest Andorra ski resort, this is a good place to start looking for work as this ski resort hires hundreds of seasonal workers every year and also has simple processes already set up. That makes it one of the best places to start looking for Andorra jobs for foreigners.