Andorra – Citizenship

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship in Andorra?

Andorran nationality law is founded principally on the concept of jus sanguinis — the right of blood. Lineage and deep, sustained ties to the Principality sit at the core of virtually every route to citizenship. The key pathways available to prospective applicants are outlined below.

Naturalisation after long-term residency

For foreign nationals, the conventional road to Andorran citizenship runs through naturalisation following an extended period of lawful residence. Andorra imposes one of the longest residency thresholds in Europe, requiring a minimum of 20 years of legal residence before an applicant becomes eligible. To put this in perspective, most EU member states require only five years of residency before naturalisation, while countries such as Canada and Australia typically ask for three to four years within a five-year window. Andorra’s benchmark is therefore exceptional by any international comparison.

Although the 20-year core requirement remains in place, a reform of the Qualified Law of Nationality put forward by the government in May 2025 introduces meaningful flexibility: the two decades of residence will no longer need to have been served consecutively, and all periods of lawful residence will be counted, on condition that the applicant has lived continuously in Andorra throughout the five years immediately preceding the application. These changes were still working their way through parliamentary procedure at the time of writing; always consult official sources for the most current status.

Those who studied in an Andorran school for a minimum of ten years may apply sooner — after ten years of residence rather than twenty. Proposed updates would broaden this further, permitting applicants to qualify after ten years of education completed between the ages of three and eighteen.

Citizenship by marriage or civil partnership

The foreign spouse of an Andorran citizen may apply for citizenship after as little as three years of residence in Andorra. This represents a considerably faster eligibility window than the standard naturalisation route. Even so, the applicant must demonstrate meaningful integration into Andorran society and must relinquish any other nationality upon approval.

The marriage must be formally registered in Andorra, and the authorities may scrutinise the authenticity of the relationship before conferring nationality. Under reforms proposed in 2025, applicants following the marriage route must also be cohabiting with their Andorran spouse at the time the application is submitted.

Citizenship by descent

Children born to a recognised parent who held Andorran citizenship at the time of birth are entitled to Andorran nationality regardless of where in the world they were born. This is the most direct route and carries no geographic restriction on place of birth.

The descent route extends one generation further as well: having an Andorran grandparent can support a citizenship claim, provided the applicant has spent more than 15 years living in the territory. One of the most significant features of the 2025 reform concerns this grandparent pathway. Previously, children born abroad to Andorran parents could acquire citizenship only if the parent had lived in Andorra for at least ten years. The revised rule would permit grandchildren to obtain Andorran nationality even where their parents never resided in Andorra, as long as at least one grandparent had lived in the Principality for ten years.

Citizenship by birth in Andorra

Birth on Andorran soil does not automatically confer citizenship unless at least one parent is an Andorran citizen, in which case the newborn acquires Andorran nationality immediately at birth. Children born in Andorra to non-Andorran parents may nonetheless be eligible if those parents had been living permanently and principally in Andorra for at least ten years at the time of the child’s birth.

Citizenship by adoption

Children under the age of fourteen who are adopted by an Andorran citizen, or by a person who has resided in Andorra for at least ten years, are eligible for citizenship. Where the adopting parent has not yet accumulated sufficient time of residence, a provisional passport may be issued.

Citizenship by parliamentary grant

In exceptional circumstances, the General Council — Andorra’s parliament — may confer citizenship on individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the Principality, for instance in the spheres of culture, science, or sport. This avenue is exercised very rarely and rests entirely at parliament’s discretion. No formal application procedure exists for this category; it is bestowed as an honour.

No citizenship-by-investment programme

Andorra has no citizenship-by-investment scheme. There is no shortcut whereby a large financial contribution to the state produces a passport within a matter of months. Unlike countries such as Malta or Montenegro, Andorra simply does not operate such a programme. Investment may assist in securing a residency permit — the indispensable first step on the road to citizenship — but it neither accelerates nor substitutes the residency requirement for naturalisation itself.

What are the steps involved in applying for citizenship in Andorra?

It is worth clarifying at the outset that obtaining Andorran citizenship is not a requirement for living in Andorra. Residency and citizenship are distinct legal statuses: you may reside in Andorra without being an Andorran citizen, but you must hold legal residency before you can apply for citizenship. The steps below trace the full journey from first establishing residency through to receiving an Andorran passport.

1. Establish legal residency. The first step is obtaining a lawful residence permit in Andorra. Several categories exist: active residence (for employed persons and business owners), passive residence (for investors and individuals of sufficient independent means), and professional residence (for internationally recognised practitioners). Applications for residency are lodged with the Immigration Department (Servei d’Immigració) of the Government of Andorra.
2. Maintain residency for the required period. Andorran residency programmes generally require a minimum physical presence of 90 days per year, while full residency — needed for permanent status — requires living in the country for at least 183 days each year. You must accumulate the requisite number of years — 20, 10, or 3, depending on your route — before you become eligible to apply for citizenship.
3. Gather your documentation. A citizenship application demands comprehensive supporting paperwork. Any document not written in Catalan must be formally translated and, in most cases, apostilled or legalised in accordance with international standards. Documents typically required include a valid passport, evidence of continuous lawful residence in Andorra, criminal record certificates from your country of origin, country of nationality, and any other country where you have lived, proof of accommodation (either a rental agreement or evidence of property ownership), and proof of adequate financial resources.
4. Submit your application to the Ministry of Interior. Once all documentation has been assembled, the application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior (Ministeri d’Interior) for review. The Ministry is the body with official responsibility for processing citizenship applications in Andorra. Visit the official Government of Andorra website for current application forms and fee schedules, as these are subject to revision.
5. Await the government’s decision. Provided all documentation has been correctly supplied, the resolution of the application is generally reached within a reasonable period. The decision is published in the BOPA (Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra — the official state gazette), which appears every Wednesday; from that point, the provisional passport may be collected.
6. Take the oath of allegiance and attend the citizenship ceremony. Successful applicants must collect their naturalisation certificate after taking a formal oath of allegiance to the Principality of Andorra at the citizenship ceremony.
7. Pass the Catalan culture and language exam within five years. From the date the decision is published in the BOPA, applicants are given five years in which to complete the Andorran culture exam in Catalan. Until this examination is passed, citizenship remains provisional. Passing it upgrades the provisional passport to a definitive one and confers full citizenship rights.
8. Collect your definitive Andorran passport. Once the exam has been successfully completed, the definitive Andorran passport may be requested and collected from the relevant office. At that point, you are a full citizen of the Principality.

The entire process from submission to decision generally spans between 12 and 24 months, during which applicants must sustain their legal residency in Andorra. Since fees and processing times are subject to change, always verify the current figures directly with the Ministry of Interior before lodging an application.

What tests, interviews, or ceremonies are required as part of the citizenship process?

Once the residency and other eligibility requirements have been satisfied, the applicant is given a period of five years in which to sit an examination assessing their command of the Catalan language and their familiarity with the history and geography of the Principality. This examination is a defining feature of the Andorran citizenship process and sets it apart from countries such as Germany, where a naturalisation test is taken before the application is approved rather than afterwards.

The test covers the Catalan language, Andorran history, and Andorran geography. Catalan is Andorra’s sole official language, and demonstrating practical proficiency in it is regarded as a fundamental indicator of genuine integration into Andorran life. The requirement is broadly comparable in spirit to language and civics assessments in other countries — such as the “Life in the UK” test or the civics examination in the United States naturalisation process — though in Andorra’s case the exam follows the granting of provisional nationality, affording applicants up to five years to prepare.

The reform package put forward in 2025 similarly places emphasis on language proficiency, cultural familiarity, and knowledge of Andorran history as core elements of integration. This indicates that the cultural exam will continue to occupy a central place in the process going forward.

Amendments forming part of the 2025 reforms also require applicants to demonstrate sound civic conduct and a clean criminal record, both within Andorra and in their country of origin. Background checks are therefore a formal element of the procedure.

Once an application is approved, applicants receive their naturalisation certificate after swearing an oath of allegiance to the Principality of Andorra at the citizenship ceremony. This ceremony marks the official conferral of provisional nationality. Full nationality — along with a definitive passport — follows only after the Catalan culture examination has been passed successfully.

What are the benefits of citizenship in Andorra?

Andorran citizenship brings with it rights and entitlements that long-term legal residents — even those who have lived in the country for ten or twenty years — do not automatically enjoy. The main practical advantages are set out below.

Right to vote and hold public office

Once a citizen receives the definitive passport of the Principality — following successful completion of the Andorran culture exam — they become a full member of the Andorran civic community. They may then participate actively in the political life of the country, both by casting votes in elections and by standing for and holding public office. While residents in Andorra share most of the same day-to-day benefits as citizens, the right to vote is one entitlement that residency alone does not confer.

Andorran passport and visa-free travel

Citizenship opens the door to an Andorran passport, which offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 171 countries along with specific privileges in relation to the European Union. For the passport of a small principality, this represents a considerable advantage. Andorran citizens also benefit from a longstanding bilateral arrangement that permits them to live in France without requiring a visa — a reflection of Andorra’s distinctive co-principality relationship with its two neighbouring states.

Access to social services and public healthcare

Andorran nationality grants access to the full range of social services that the Principality makes available to its citizens, together with the legal and social protections that any person may need at some point in their life. Citizens enjoy unrestricted access to CASS (Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social), Andorra’s social security and healthcare system, on identical terms to any other national — without the obligation to maintain private health insurance as passive residents are required to do.

Tax advantages

Andorra stands out as one of Europe’s most attractive tax environments, which for many people is itself a compelling reason to pursue citizenship. The standard personal income tax rate is 10%, and annual income up to €24,000 is entirely exempt from tax, with income between €24,000 and €40,000 taxed at just 5%. Citizens enjoy these rates permanently and unconditionally, without having to satisfy ongoing investment thresholds or residency conditions beyond ordinary everyday habitation.

Unconditional right to reside

Andorran citizenship grants the unconditioned freedom to live in the country whenever you wish. Residents, by contrast, must periodically renew their permits and demonstrate continuing compliance with minimum-stay obligations. As a citizen, your right to live in Andorra is not contingent on employment, investment levels, or the number of days spent in the country during any given year.

Employment in the public sector

Andorran nationality is a prerequisite for a broad range of public sector positions, including roles within the civil service, the judiciary, and the General Council (parliament). Many regulated professions — among them law and certain healthcare disciplines — also require or give strong preference to Andorran nationals.

Does Andorra allow dual citizenship, or will you have to renounce your existing nationality?

Andorran law strictly forbids dual nationality. This is one of the most consequential decisions any applicant will face, and it deserves careful consideration before any steps are taken.

The fundamental condition of becoming Andorran is a willingness to relinquish every other citizenship held, since it is simply not permissible to hold any other nationality alongside Andorran nationality. Anyone wishing to initiate the process must make an express renunciation of all other citizenships they possess.

The rules specify that any person who obtains Andorran nationality must explicitly renounce their previous nationality within a maximum of five years of acquiring it. Two exceptions exist: where someone already holding Andorran nationality subsequently acquires another nationality without explicitly surrendering the first, and where a minor holds two nationalities simultaneously — though in the latter case the individual must renounce one upon reaching the age of majority.

For applicants whose home country does not legally permit renunciation of citizenship, it is necessary to demonstrate that the original nationality is no longer being actively exercised. This is an important distinction: if your country of origin prohibits its citizens from formally renouncing their citizenship, Andorra will still require evidence that you are no longer functioning as a citizen of that state.

This stance firmly upholds Andorra’s prohibition on dual nationality, even as public debate increasingly calls for greater tolerance of dual citizenship — particularly for Andorrans living within the European Union or holding EU nationality. The 2025 reform package does not alter the fundamental renunciation rule, though the debate around this issue continues.

It is also important to bear in mind that your home country will have its own rules governing the consequences of voluntarily acquiring a foreign nationality. Some countries treat such an acquisition as automatic grounds for losing the original citizenship; others require a separate formal renunciation procedure; and others impose no restriction at all. Before proceeding, you should contact your home country’s official immigration or foreign affairs authority to understand the personal implications.

Should an Andorran citizen enlist in the armed forces or take up a governmental post in another country, or voluntarily acquire a foreign citizenship, they automatically forfeit their Andorran nationality. The same logic applies in reverse: if you later acquire citizenship elsewhere after becoming Andorran, you will lose your Andorran nationality as a consequence.

How long does it typically take to become a citizen of Andorra?

The total timeframe from first arriving in Andorra to holding a definitive Andorran passport is considerable. The table below provides a realistic breakdown for each of the main routes.

Once all residency requirements have been met, the citizenship process typically takes between one and two years from the point of application, though individual circumstances can extend this further. The five-year window allotted for the Catalan culture exam means that, even on the fastest route — marriage to an Andorran citizen — the absolute earliest a definitive passport could be in hand is approximately four years after arrival, and that assumes the quickest possible application processing and prompt completion of the exam.

To qualify for permanent residency in Andorra, an individual must have held a residence permit for at least 20 years. After two decades of residency, an applicant can seek permanent residency status and subsequently naturalisation. All figures cited here reflect the position as of 2025; consult the official Government of Andorra website for the most current requirements, as the 2025 reform package may modify certain timelines once enacted by parliament.

What are the main reasons an application for citizenship in Andorra might be refused?

While the Andorran government’s final verdict on a nationality application is generally favourable where all requirements have been genuinely and thoroughly met, several grounds can result in a refusal.

• Failure to satisfy the residency threshold. The naturalisation pathway demands at least 20 years of residence and renunciation of any other nationality. If residency periods are found to fall short, or if the required minimum presence in the country cannot be adequately evidenced, the application will not succeed.
• Criminal record. Amendments introduced under the 2025 reform package require applicants to demonstrate good civic conduct and a clean criminal record, both within Andorra and in their country of origin. A criminal conviction anywhere may provide grounds for refusal.
• Failure to renounce prior citizenship. Acquiring Andorran nationality requires the applicant to surrender their previous citizenship. Those who are unwilling or unable to do so will be refused.
• Failure to pass the Catalan culture and language exam. From the date of publication in the BOPA, applicants have a maximum of five years to pass the Andorran culture exam in Catalan. Failing to do so within this window means the definitive nationality is not granted and the provisional passport lapses.
• Incomplete or improperly legalised documentation. All documents not in Catalan must be officially translated and, in most cases, apostilled or legalised to the relevant international standard. Incomplete paperwork is a common source of delay and can lead to outright refusal if not remedied.
• Insufficient evidence of integration. Applicants must demonstrate ongoing residence in Andorra and active engagement with the local community. A thin or unconvincing record of integration may weigh against an applicant.

Where an application is refused, applicants generally retain the right to challenge the decision through Andorra’s administrative court system. Given the complexity of Andorran nationality law and the significant consequences of a negative outcome, it is strongly advisable to obtain legal advice from a qualified Andorran lawyer before submitting any application.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information about citizenship in Andorra?

Since citizenship requirements, fees, and processing times are subject to change — and given that the 2025 reform of the Qualified Law of Nationality is still making its way through parliament — it is essential to consult official sources rather than relying exclusively on third-party websites or guides.

• Government of Andorra (Govern d’Andorra): The official portal at www.govern.ad covers all government departments, including those responsible for immigration and interior affairs. This is the best place to begin.
• Ministry of Interior (Ministeri d’Interior): The Ministry is responsible for processing citizenship applications and overseeing nationality law. Contact details and procedural guidance are accessible via the government portal above.
• BOPA (Butlletí Oficial del Principat d’Andorra): The official state gazette, published weekly, contains all formal citizenship decisions and legislative amendments. It is available at www.bopa.ad.
• Andorran embassies and consulates abroad: For applicants based outside Andorra, the nearest Andorran embassy or consular representation can offer guidance on how to begin the process. Andorra maintains diplomatic missions in key European capitals and in the United States through the Embassy in Madrid and its Mission to the United Nations in New York.

Official government websites are the only trustworthy source for current requirements, fees, and processing times. Third-party immigration services and law firms can provide useful practical guidance, but any information obtained from such sources should always be cross-checked against the official references listed above.

Frequently asked questions about citizenship in Andorra

Do children born in Andorra automatically receive Andorran citizenship?

Birth in Andorra does not confer citizenship automatically. A child acquires Andorran nationality at birth only if at least one parent is already an Andorran citizen. Children born in Andorra to non-Andorran parents may still qualify if their parents had been living permanently and principally in Andorra for a minimum of ten years at the time of the child’s birth.

Can Andorran citizenship be lost or revoked?

Yes. An Andorran citizen who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality, or who serves in the armed forces or government of another country, automatically forfeits their Andorran citizenship. Individuals who previously held Andorran citizenship may apply to have it restored if the government approves their request. Citizenship obtained through fraud or false representation may also be annulled.

What happens to my citizenship application if I move abroad during the process?

Maintaining continuous legal residency in Andorra throughout the application period is a core requirement. During the 12–24 month processing window, applicants must keep their legal residency in Andorra intact. Relocating abroad before a decision is reached is likely to result in the application being suspended or rejected. If an extended period away from Andorra is unavoidable, seek legal advice before departing.

Is there a citizenship-by-investment route in Andorra?

No. Andorran citizenship can be obtained only by birth or through naturalisation — after 20 years of residence in the standard case, or 10 years for those who studied in Andorra. No citizenship-by-investment pathway exists. While investment may help you obtain a residency permit, which is the prerequisite for citizenship, it does not bypass or shorten the residency requirement for naturalisation.

Does the 2025 nationality law reform change the core requirements?

The Government presented a reform of the Qualified Law of Nationality in May 2025 that was still in parliamentary process at the time of writing. The core requirements — 20 years of residence and renunciation of other nationalities — remain unchanged. However, the reform would allow non-consecutive periods of residence to count toward the 20-year threshold, provided the applicant has lived continuously in Andorra during the five years immediately before applying. Consult official sources for the current status of these reforms.

Can I include my children in my citizenship application?

Yes. When applying for citizenship you can also apply on behalf of your children at the same time. Minor children who are independently eligible — through birth in Andorra, descent, or adoption — can be included in the parent’s application. Each child’s eligibility is assessed individually according to the rules applicable to their specific circumstances.

What Catalan language level is required for the citizenship exam?

The Principality places a strong obligation on foreign nationals seeking its nationality to demonstrate knowledge of Andorran culture and the Catalan language through a formal examination, which also covers Andorran history and geography. No fixed CEFR threshold is published as an official standard; the exam is set and administered by Andorran authorities, and applicants have up to five years after provisional nationality is granted in which to pass it. Beginning Catalan language classes as early as possible in your period of residency is strongly recommended.

Will becoming an Andorran citizen affect my current citizenship?

Every country applies its own rules to the question of whether its citizens may acquire another nationality. Some states treat voluntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship as automatic loss of the original; others require a separate formal renunciation process; and still others impose no restriction. Because Andorra requires you to relinquish your prior citizenship, you should contact your home country’s official immigration or foreign affairs authority to understand the personal consequences before beginning the Andorran citizenship process.

Do Andorran citizens need a visa to enter the EU or Schengen Area?

Andorra is situated in Europe but is neither a member of the European Union nor part of the Schengen Area, although it participates in the EU Customs Union and uses the euro as its official currency. Holders of an Andorran passport may enter Schengen countries for short stays without a visa. Additionally, a longstanding bilateral arrangement allows any Andorran citizen to live in France without requiring a visa. However, the unconditional right to live and work across all EU member states — as enjoyed by EU citizens — is not guaranteed by an Andorran passport alone. Always verify the entry requirements of specific countries before travelling.

Is there an appeals process if my citizenship application is refused?

Yes. Where the Ministry of Interior rejects a citizenship application, the applicant has the right to contest the decision through Andorra’s administrative tribunal system. Strict time limits apply for filing an appeal, so if you receive a negative decision it is important to seek advice from a qualified Andorran lawyer without delay. Given the intricacy of nationality law and the stakes involved, professional legal representation is advisable throughout the entire application process.

Does Andorra grant citizenship to stateless persons?

Andorran law does not provide a dedicated or accelerated citizenship route for stateless persons of the kind encouraged by certain international conventions. A stateless individual living lawfully in Andorra would ordinarily be required to follow the standard naturalisation pathway. However, since the renunciation-of-nationality requirement may raise particular practical difficulties for stateless applicants, it is essential to seek case-specific guidance from the Ministry of Interior and, where relevant, the UNHCR.