Business Registry vs. Trade and Industry Registry in Andorra – Which One Applies to Your Company?

For entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in the Principality of Andorra, it is essential to distinguish between two key administrative procedures: the incorporation and registration of a business entity, and the authorization or registration to carry out a commercial, industrial, or service activity. Each corresponds to a different situation and has direct implications for the type of workspace you may need in a coworking center.

Incorporation and registration of the business entity (Registre de societats mercantils)

When you decide to create a legal entity in Andorra (for example, a Societat Limitada – SL – or a Societat Anònima – SA), you must first define, before going to the notary, the articles of association that will include, among other things, the company’s registered office, share capital, corporate purpose, and representatives.

Once the company is incorporated, it is legally recognized: it can have a registered address, open a bank account, and carry out financial or asset-management activities. However, it is not automatically authorized to operate a commercial, industrial, or service activity open to the public.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Services of Andorra (CCIS):

«Registration is mandatory, and the company acquires legal personality from the date of registration. Companies carrying out commercial, industrial, or service activities must be registered in the Trade and Industry Register.»

Therefore, incorporation is the first step but does not replace the possible need to register for economic activity.

Trade and Industry Registry: operational business activity (Registre de comerç i indústria)

This procedure refers to the registration or authorization to open a business or establishment, or to conduct a commercial, industrial, or service activity on a regular basis.

The official portal of the Government of Andorra specifies that to open a business, a form must be submitted indicating “the activities for which the company intends to issue invoices.”

This is a key criterion: as soon as a company plans to invoice a regular activity, it is likely subject to registration in the Trade and Industry Registry. In practice, this means that if the company has a location open to the public, receives clients, performs sales or provides services regularly, it must obtain this authorization.

There are also additional technical requirements: a dedicated physical space, compliance with accessibility and facility regulations, and adherence to local (parish-specific) standards. It is therefore very common for a company to hold two separate registrations: one in the Business Registry and another in the Trade and Industry Registry.

What if I am self-employed?

For self-employed individuals, registration in the Trade and Industry Registry is required to carry out their business activity.

Implications for coworking space selection

• If your company is created with a patrimonial or holding purpose (for example, an asset-holding or investment company without product sales, without regular service provision to external clients, and without public invoicing), then the company only needs to be incorporated and can opt for a basic domiciliation service (fiscal address, mail reception). In this case, registration in the Trade and Industry Registry is not necessary, and there is no need for a private office or commercial space – only an address for legal notifications.
• Conversely, if your company will invoice services or sales, receive clients, open an establishment, or operate publicly, then it must comply with the authorization requirements of the Trade and Industry Registry. In that case, the coworking plan should match your activity: a dedicated desk or preferably a private office that allows you to operate from a physical space and meet the legal requirements for business registration.

Final recommendation

Every business project is different depending on its corporate purpose, type of clients, and use of premises. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to seek legal or tax advice to analyze your specific case and determine whether your company will act solely as a holding entity or will engage in active commercial or industrial operations.

Such professional guidance will help you select the most suitable coworking solution and ensure compliance with Andorran regulations.