---
title: "Andorran citizenship 2026: requirements, dual nationality"
url: https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/andorran-citizenship
description: "Andorran citizenship under Llei 8/2026: 20 years of residence, 10 after schooling in Andorra, marriage, Catalan B1, no dual nationality."
updated: 2026-10-11
language: en
publisher: Andorre Fiscal (https://andorrefiscal.fr)
---

# Obtaining Andorran nationality

> Markdown version of the page https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/andorran-citizenship (Andorre Fiscal), up to date as of 11 October 2026. To cite this page, use its address: https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/andorran-citizenship

Andorran nationality is in principle obtained after 20 years of residence, and requires you to renounce your original nationality. Llei 8/2026 relaxed the way the years are counted and strengthened the safeguards; the list of documents for the application includes a B1 level Catalan diploma for those under 70. Here are the conditions, the procedure and what nationality changes, at 11 October 2026.

By [the Andorre Fiscal editorial team](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/about#redaction) · Verified on 11 October 2026 · [8 official sources](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/andorran-citizenship#sources)

- **20 years** of residence, the last 5 of them effective
- **10 years** with at least 10 school years in Andorra
- **5 years** of uninterrupted residence if married to an Andorran
- **B1** in Catalan required under the age of 70

## Key points

- Naturalisation requires 20 years of main and permanent residence, continuous or not, including the 5 years preceding the application, and proof of integration.
- The period falls to 10 years for those who have completed at least 10 school years in Andorra, and to 5 years of uninterrupted residence for the spouse of an Andorran.
- Andorra does not allow dual nationality: after the Govern’s approval, you must prove the loss of your previous nationality within 5 years, which can be extended by 2 years.
- The application includes a B1 level Catalan diploma for those under 70, and integration is assessed in particular on the language, history, geography and institutions.
- A conviction for an intentional offence with a sentence of at least one year’s imprisonment, or for two intentional offences, blocks the application for as long as it appears on the criminal record.

## What are the routes to Andorran nationality?

The qualified law on nationality of 5 October 1995, last amended by Llei 8/2026 of 7 May 2026, provides for several ways of becoming Andorran. For someone who has come to settle, three routes matter, to which the case of children is added:

**The routes to Andorran nationality**

| Route | Residence required | Other conditions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Naturalisation by residence<br>art. 11.1 | **20 years**, continuous or not, including the 5 years preceding the application | Proof of integration, criminal record, renunciation of your nationality |
| Schooling in Andorra<br>art. 11.2 | **10 years** preceding the application | At least 10 school years in schools in Andorra that follow the Andorran education curricula, or all of compulsory schooling |
| Marriage to an Andorran<br>art. 10 | **5 years** uninterrupted, before or after the marriage | Living together until the decision, proof of integration |
| Minor child of a naturalised person<br>art. 12 and 34 | Since the same date as the parent, or birth in Andorra | Acquisition with the parent; consent of the child from the age of 12 |

For the schooling route, a training cycle abroad of 12 months at most counts among the 10 school years: see [Schools and education](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/schools). Other rules concern children born in Andorra to foreign parents, who are Andorran if one of the parents has resided in the country for 10 years at the time of the birth, or provisionally otherwise (art. 6), as well as the descendants of Andorrans born abroad (art. 2 and 9).

## The 20 years of residence: what counts

> Andorran nationality may be acquired by naturalisation by a foreign national who applies to the Govern for it, who proves that they have had their main and permanent residence in the Principality of Andorra for twenty years, whether interrupted or uninterrupted, who proves their integration and who, at the date the application is submitted, has had their main and effective residence in the country for at least the five years preceding that date. (Free translation)
>
> — [Qualified law on nationality, art. 11.1, as amended by Llei 8/2026](https://www.portaljuridicandorra.ad/L2026008)

Llei 8/2026 relaxed the calculation: all periods of residence count, even if interrupted, provided the last 5 years are continuous. It is for the applicant to prove their residence (art. 7); the application includes a certificate from the central immigration register showing the date of settlement or the periods of residence (art. 29). This certificate is requested from the Immigration Service, for €5.73 (€6.79 for residence without work).

> **Caution: A “main and permanent” residence**
>
> The law refers to main and permanent residence. It does not specify how years spent under a status that requires only 90 days of presence a year, such as passive residency, are counted. If your long-term plan includes nationality, have this point checked before choosing your status.

Keep your successive authorisations and your comú certificates. Renewals, up to the ten-year permit, are detailed in [Renewal and permanent residency](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/renewal-permanent-residency).

## France–Andorra dual nationality: not possible, you must renounce

No one can acquire Andorran nationality by residence, schooling or marriage without having proved the loss of their previous nationality or nationalities (art. 7). The procedure takes place in three stages (art. 28):

1. Favourable decision of the Govern

   It declares that you will become Andorran if you provide proof of the loss of your current nationality.
2. Renunciation of your original nationality

   You have **5 years** from notification, which can be extended by **2 years** if you show that you have started the formalities. For a minor, the period runs from when they come of age.
3. Decree and publication

   On proof of the loss, and a sworn declaration that you have done nothing to call it into question, the Govern grants nationality by decree, with effect from the date of the loss. Decisions are published in the BOPA (art. 38).

Without proof within the time limit, the favourable decision lapses; only one new application is then possible, on justified grounds, within 6 months. After acquisition, actively exercising another nationality, for example voting, travelling on another passport or renewing it, causes the loss of Andorran nationality (art. 23). Loss of French nationality, for its part, is governed by French law: seek information from the French authorities before starting the process.

To live in Andorra, renouncing your nationality is not necessary: a foreign resident renews their authorisation up to the [ten-year permit, known as “permanent” residency](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/renewal-permanent-residency#dix-ans).

## Catalan B1 and proof of integration

As amended by Llei 8/2026, the law requires the application to include a [Catalan](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/glossary#catalan) diploma at level **B1** for all persons under 70, issued by the Govern or recognised as equivalent (art. 29). This is a higher level than the A1 and A2 levels required at employees’ first renewals (see our news item on [Catalan A1 required at the first renewal](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/news/catalan-required-for-permit-renewal)).

For naturalisation by residence and by marriage, integration is also assessed by the Govern’s services, under a regulation (art. 36). The mechanisms must be as objective as possible and non-discriminatory, and take into account, as an essential element, knowledge of the Catalan language and of Andorran history, geography and institutions. The law gives the Govern six months from its entry into force to adapt the regulations: the precise arrangements are a matter for those texts, which this guide does not analyse. See [Languages and integration](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/languages).

## The application and the procedure

The application is addressed to the Govern. In all cases it includes (art. 29):

- the birth certificate;
- the certificate of registration in the central immigration register, with the date of settlement or the periods of residence;
- for an adult, criminal record extracts from Andorra, the country of nationality and previous countries of residence;
- certificates of schooling in Andorra, where applicable;
- a written declaration of the wish to acquire nationality, to defend the order, well-being and independence of Andorra, and to respect its Constitution, laws and customs;
- the B1 level [Catalan diploma](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/languages#apprendre), for those under 70.

To these are added the documents specific to each route: proof of the spouse’s nationality and marriage certificate, or a certificate from the Ministry of Education attesting to the 10 school years. According to the e-tràmits information sheet, foreign birth certificates and criminal records must be legalised or apostilled and translated into Catalan by an Andorran sworn translator, except those from Spain, France and Portugal. The Govern may verify residence with all the administrations (art. 7). Favourable decisions and the decrees granting nationality are published in the BOPA, and any interested person may challenge them (art. 38 and 39).

## What can cause the application to fail

- a conviction for an intentional offence with a sentence of at least one year’s imprisonment, or for two or more intentional offences, for as long as it appears on the criminal record (art. 10 and 11);
- a ground of public order or national interest, which the Govern may invoke (art. 10 and 11);
- false statements or fraudulent means used to obtain residence or nationality, which rule out any acquisition (art. 13 bis);
- for marriage, the couple ceasing to live together before the decision (art. 10);
- failure to prove the loss of the original nationality within the time limit (art. 28).

If the marriage breaks down, nationality acquired by this route cannot be passed on through a new marriage before 20 years of residence (art. 10).

## What Andorran nationality changes

Becoming Andorran ends the immigration regime and opens access to the Andorran passport and political rights; it is also a commitment no longer to exercise any other nationality.

### No more residence permit to renew

The immigration law applies only to persons who do not have Andorran nationality (Llei 9/2012, art. 1), and acquiring nationality cancels the current immigration authorisation (art. 79). No more renewals, quotas or presence conditions tied to a status: it is the only truly permanent settlement, whereas the ten-year permit of foreign residents must always be renewed.

### The Andorran passport: reserved for nationals

The ordinary passport certifies the identity and Andorran nationality of its holder; it is issued, whatever their age, to persons to whom Andorran nationality is attributed (regulation of 18 January 2023, art. 1 and 2). It is valid for 10 years for a holder over 20, and 5 years below that age (art. 6), and costs €49.31 or €32.16 depending on its duration, according to the Govern. The application is made in person at the procedures service (Tràmits), with fingerprinting. A foreign resident, even one holding a ten-year permit, cannot obtain it; conversely, actively exercising another nationality, for example travelling on another passport or renewing it, can cause the loss of Andorran nationality (see above).

### Political rights

Under the Constitution, all Andorrans of full age in full possession of their rights enjoy the right to vote (art. 24); they have equal access to public functions and offices, and the exercise of institutional offices is reserved to them, save for the exceptions provided for by the Constitution or by treaties (art. 25).

## Llei 8/2026: what has changed and what remains to be clarified

Passed by the Consell General on 7 May 2026, the law kept the 20-year rule, but it has:

- allowed interrupted periods of residence to be counted, if the last 5 years are continuous;
- relaxed the schooling route, with 10 school years that may include a training cycle abroad;
- required the couple to live together until the decision for the marriage route;
- allowed the renunciation period to be extended by 2 years and limited new applications after a decision lapses;
- required the consent of children from the age of 12.

It enters into force on the day after its publication in the BOPA; we have not been able to verify the exact date of that publication. The Govern then has six months to adapt the implementing regulations. Our news item [Andorran nationality: what Llei 8/2026 changes](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/news/andorran-citizenship-law-8-2026) follows these texts, and the guide [Types of residency](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/residency-types) helps you choose your initial status.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can you buy Andorran nationality?

No. The qualified law on nationality provides for no route through investment: you become Andorran by descent, by birth in Andorra subject to conditions, by marriage after 5 years of residence, or by naturalisation after 20 years of residence (10 years after schooling in Andorra), renouncing, for these last two routes, your original nationality. Passive residency, which requires an investment of €1,000,000, gives the right to reside in Andorra, not nationality.

[Read: What are the routes to Andorran nationality?](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/andorran-citizenship#voies)

### Do years spent as a passive resident count towards nationality?

The law counts years of main and permanent residence, and it is for the applicant to prove them. It does not specify how statuses that require only 90 days of presence a year are treated: have your situation checked before building a long-term plan on this point.

[Read: Passive residency › 90 days a year: a passive resident, but a tax resident?](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/passive-residency#presence)

### Can a French national keep their nationality on becoming Andorran?

No. The naturalised person must prove the loss of their previous nationality within 5 years of the favourable decision, a period that can be extended by 2 years if the formalities are under way. Failing that, the decision lapses (Llei 8/2026, art. 28).

### Do children become Andorran at the same time as their parents?

Yes, if they are minors, were born in Andorra or have resided there since at least the same date as the naturalised parent, and if they meet the conditions of Article 7. Their application can be processed with the parent’s. From the age of 12, the child must give their consent.

### Is a child born in Andorra to foreign parents Andorran?

Yes, if one of the parents exercising parental authority has had their main and permanent residence in Andorra for the 10 years preceding the birth. Otherwise, nationality is granted to the child provisionally, to be confirmed before they come of age or within the following year, once the 10-year residence period has been reached (art. 6).

### Is nationality by marriage immediate?

No. You need 5 years of uninterrupted residence in Andorra, before or after the marriage, to prove your integration, to keep living together until the decision and to renounce your original nationality (art. 10).

### Can you lose Andorran nationality?

Yes: by voluntarily acquiring another nationality, by actively exercising a foreign nationality (voting, travelling on that passport or renewing it), by having made false statements to obtain it, or by enlisting in a foreign army without authorisation (art. 18, 21, 23 and 24).

### Do you need to pass an exam?

The law requires a B1 level Catalan diploma for those under 70 and an assessment of integration, which covers in particular the language, history, geography and institutions of Andorra. The arrangements for this assessment are set by regulation.

[Read: Languages and integration › Andorran nationality: residence and integration](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/languages#nationalite)

## Sources

1. [Llei 8/2026 of 7 May 2026, amending the qualified law on nationality](https://www.portaljuridicandorra.ad/L2026008) — Routes to nationality (art. 6, 9 to 12), renunciation (art. 7 and 28), application and Catalan B1 (art. 29), integration (art. 36).
2. [Llei 9/2012, qualified law on immigration, consolidated version](https://www.portaljuridicandorra.ad/L2012009) — Scope limited to non-Andorrans (art. 1), central immigration register and certificates (art. 7 to 10), cancellation of the authorisation on acquisition of nationality (art. 79).
3. [e-tràmits: certificate of registration in the central immigration register (L.1)](https://www.e-tramits.ad/tramits/ca/l-1-certificat-dinscripcio/p/GV000508) — Document for the nationality application; fee of €5.73.
4. [Llei 6/2024 on Andorra’s own and official language](https://www.portaljuridicandorra.ad/L2024006) — Catalan, the official language; language requirements imposed on residents.
5. [e-tràmits: application for nationality](https://www.e-tramits.ad/tramits/ca/demanda-de-nacionalitat/p/GV100016) — Documents depending on the route; legalisation and translation not required for certificates from Spain, France and Portugal.
6. [Regulation of 18 January 2023 on the ordinary passport (Decree 28/2023)](https://www.portaljuridicandorra.ad/R20230118C) — Passport issued to persons of Andorran nationality (art. 1 and 2), validity of 10 or 5 years (art. 6).
7. [Govern d’Andorra: passports](https://www.govern.ad/ca/ministeris-i-secretaries-d-estat/ministeri-de-justicia-i-interior/passaports) — €49.31 for a 10-year passport, €32.16 for 5 years or less.
8. [Constitution of the Principality of Andorra (English text, Consell General)](https://www.consellgeneral.ad/fitxers/documents/constitucio/const-en) — Right to vote (art. 24) and access to public office (art. 25) of Andorrans.

Consolidated texts on the Portal jurídic d’Andorra have no official value: only the version published in the BOPA is authentic. [How we verify](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/methodology).

**General information, not advice.** This guide sets out the rules in force on 11 October 2026, based on official texts. It is no substitute for a professional review of your situation (lawyer, tax adviser, gestoria). Spotted an error or a change? [Write to us](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/contact).

## Further reading

- [Renewal](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/renewal-permanent-residency): Durations, presence, permanent residency
- [Languages and integration](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/languages): Catalan, French, Spanish
- [Schools and education](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/living-in-andorra/schools): Andorran, French and Spanish systems
- [Andorran nationality: what the 2026 reform changes](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/news/andorran-citizenship-law-8-2026): Twenty years of residence still required, cases with a shorter period, and mandatory renunciation.
- [Types of residency](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/residency/residency-types): Every status compared
- [Family](https://andorrefiscal.fr/en/profiles/family): Moving with a partner and children