Opening a business and obtaining commercial authorisation in Andorra: key requirements and regulations

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🏁 Opening a business in Andorra: a unique system with its own rules

Andorra operates a modern authorisation model based on the responsible declaration and simplified procedures that, in theory, allow a business to open very quickly. However, behind this apparent simplicity lies a system with very particular historical roots: the Comuns still retain competencies inherited from the country’s medieval feudal structure, which means that some procedures function today almost like a modern guild, where prior authorisation is required rather than a simple technical verification.

In this context, it is essential to understand what you can open, how the process works and which requirements must be met for your activity to be fully compliant from day one.

📘 The essential legal framework: what governs commercial activity in Andorra?

The system is built around four key regulations:

📕 Law 12/2013 on the regulation of commerce

The central regulation governing commercial modalities, permitted activities, traders’ obligations, inspections, sanctions and opening hours.

📕 Law 93/2010 on the promotion of economic activity

It introduced the responsible declaration, allowing an activity to begin immediately when requirements are met.

📕 Regulation on the simplified procedure (Decree of 11/07/2012)

It establishes:

• When the simplified procedure applies
• The minimum documentation required
• Immediate opening
• Post-opening administrative control

📕 Code of the Administration (Law 14/2023)

It defines rules on administrative silence, notifications and common public-law procedures.

🏬 Opening procedures

🟢 Simplified procedure

This is the standard regime for premises:

• ≤ 200 m²
• No special risk or environmental impact
• Ordinary commercial activities (retail, services, small businesses)

A responsible declaration confirming compliance with certain regulations (accessibility, safety, etc.) is sufficient.

It allows the business to open immediately once the documents are filed.

🟠 Ordinary procedure

Required when:

• The premises exceed 200 m²
• There is an acoustic, environmental or safety impact
• The activity is sector-regulated (aesthetics, health, mechanics…)
• A full technical project is required

In this case, compliance must be demonstrated from the outset, not only declared.

🛠️ General requirements applicable to any establishment

All commercial authorisations must comply with the applicable regulations. In the ordinary procedure, this compliance must be fully evidenced at the beginning of the process.

🏗️ Accessibility

All premises must comply with the 1995 Accessibility Law, which regulates adapted access, passage width, signage and the elimination of architectural barriers — particularly relevant when the business is open to the public.

🔥 Fire prevention

Businesses must provide:

• Extinguisher maintenance contract
• Certificate of compliance
• Periodic inspection by an authorised company

🍽️ Sanitary regulations (for food-related activities)

These include:

• Sanitary registration
• Self-control plan
• Staff hygiene training

🔌 Technical certifications

Depending on the business, the following may be required:

• Electrical compliance certificate
• Ventilation/climate control certificate
• Acoustic measurements

🏛️ The role of the Comuns: the key element and the guild-like heritage of Andorra’s system

Despite updated regulations at Government level, the Comuns continue to play a decisive role. Their authority stems directly from Andorra’s medieval organisational structure, in which each parish exercised real self-government. As a result, some procedures still resemble a corporate or guild-based system, where the Comú “authorises” the activity instead of merely verifying technical compliance.

➤ For more information on the Comuns, see:
The parishes of Andorra: structure, functions and territorial characteristics

The Comuns’ key powers include:

🏡 Urban compatibility

Verifying that the intended activity is compatible with the premises and its location.

🪧 Signage and exterior advertising

They regulate:

• Dimensions
• Materials
• Type of lighting
• Position on the façade

⏱️ Opening hours

Although Andorra generally allows broad opening hours, some Comuns may apply specific limitations.

🔊 Classified activities

Some activities (hairdressing, beauty, workshops, bars…) may require:

• Acoustic reports
• Chemical-risk assessments
• Specific licences (e.g. financial activities)

🧾 Typical documentation required to open a business

Depending on the procedure, simplified or ordinary, the following may be required:

• Commercial name reservation, often the element that delays opening the most (the Government intervenes on behalf of the Comuns)
• Responsible declaration
• Lease contract or proof of ownership
• Plans and technical report
• Certifications (electrical, fire prevention, accessibility)
• Company NRT
• Foreign investment authorisation (if applicable)
• Payment of Government and Comú fees

⚠️ Post-opening control and sanctions

Once the business has opened, the Administration may:

• Carry out inspections
• Request corrections
• Impose sanctions

Law 12/2013 and Law 93/2010 foresee sanctions for:

• Activity without authorisation
• Document-related breaches
• Unauthorised professional activity

🧍‍♂️ Who can obtain a commercial authorisation?

Both individuals (Andorran nationals or residents with work authorisation) and legal entities can apply for and obtain a commercial authorisation.

➤ For more information on residency types, see:
Types of residency in Andorra: all administrative categories.

➤ To learn how to incorporate an Andorran company:
Setting up a company in Andorra: steps, requirements and advantages.

A common misconception is that holders of self-employment residence can open a commercial activity in their own name, similar to freelancers in other countries.
This is incorrect: this type of residence does not allow commercial activity under the individual’s name.

➤ For all details on this residence type:
Self-employment residence in Andorra: requirements, advantages and real taxation.

🎯 Conclusion: a simple system, yet rooted in tradition and strict control

Andorra has successfully combined a modern and relatively agile system —based on the responsible declaration— with institutional structures inherited from the historic Comuns. The result is an efficient but demanding model that requires technical rigour, proper planning and strict regulatory compliance.

If you are considering opening a business in the Principality, expert guidance can make the difference between an immediate opening and a process full of corrections and administrative hurdles.

If you wish to assess your situation or understand the exact requirements for your activity, you can request a personalised consultation below or fill in our contact form.

Last reviewed: January 2025