New immigration quota for professional athletes in Andorra 2026 (Decree 160/2026)
Andorra is strongly committed to the sports sector and has therefore separated immigration authorizations for this group in the new Decree 160/2026. This regulation is specifically designed to facilitate the arrival of talent to the country’s clubs and federations.
1. How many spots are available and who can apply?
- A total of 150 authorizations are approved (135 for residence and work; 15 for border work).
- Extended deadline: The application period is longer, with submissions accepted until April 30, 2027.
- Applies to footballers, basketball players, cyclists, tennis players, pilots, and other professional athletes.
2. Strategic distribution of authorizations
Spots are distributed directly among the country’s main sports entities:
- 10 permits for each 1st division football team.
- 20 permits for FC Andorra, SAOE.
- 20 permits for Bàsquet Club Andorra, SAOE.
- 10 permits for other professional athletes.
3. Salary and working conditions
- The minimum salary for all professional athletes under this quota is €1,631 per month.
- As with the general quota, housing expenses that can be deducted from payroll cannot exceed €171.26 per month.
4. Benefits for young talent (Under 25)
If the athlete is under 25 and lacks the required work experience, they can prove their suitability through awards, titles, international participation, or sports recognition. The Ministry in charge of sports will analyze and validate their professional profile.
5. Renewal requirements
- Language: It is essential to present an official Catalan certificate to renew. Level A1 is required for the first renewal, and Level A2 for the second.
- Stability: Non-EU citizens must maintain the exact same conditions as the original permit for the first 5 years.
Do you represent a club or are you a professional athlete?
Navigating immigration procedures doesn’t have to be a contact sport. At Triple A, we specialize in legal advice and immigration for the sports sector in Andorra.
