Andorran citizenship in 2026 — naturalisation, marriage & descent

Andorran citizenship provides a gateway to one of Europe’s most stable microstates, offering secure rights, access to local institutions, and recognition within the EU framework. Still building eligibility? Secure the right residence route first and keep your timeline clean — see our companion guide on Andorra residence.

Key terms

Naturalisation: obtaining citizenship after long residence and integration obligations in Andorra.

Dual nationality ban: Andorra requires renunciation of prior citizenship before naturalisation.

Residència de llarga durada: long-term residence leading toward eligibility for naturalisation.

Civil Registry: authority managing registrations of birth, marriage, descent and citizenship cases.

Oath of allegiance: public pledge required at the final stage of naturalisation.

Citizenship types

• Naturalisation: The core pathway. Standard eligibility requires 20 years of continuous lawful residence. If educated in Andorra for at least 10 years, the timeline reduces to 10. Applicants must demonstrate integration (Catalan proficiency, local ties, absence of criminal convictions) and must renounce their prior nationality. Permanent residents must submit extensive proof of residence continuity, including housing, tax and community records. Approval culminates in an oath ceremony and registration in the Civil Registry.
• Marriage: Foreign spouses of Andorran citizens can apply after 3 years of continuous marriage and 20 years of residence. The marriage must be proven genuine with evidence of cohabitation and shared life. While marriage can support stability, it does not shorten the residence timeline; the naturalisation requirement still applies. Applicants must also renounce prior citizenship at approval.
• Descent (by blood): Children born to at least one Andorran parent automatically qualify for citizenship. Those born abroad must be registered at the Civil Registry, ensuring all generational links are documented. Adults reclaiming nationality by descent must provide genealogical proof, long-form civil records and consistent data across documents.
• Birth in Andorra: Jus soli is restricted. A child born in Andorra gains citizenship only if at least one parent has 10 years of residence or is already an Andorran national.
• Adoption: Internationally adopted minors by Andorran citizens are entitled to citizenship if the adoption is fully recognised in Andorran law.
• Exceptional merit / humanitarian grants: Rare cases exist where individuals who contribute significantly in science, sport, culture or public interest may be granted citizenship. Humanitarian grants are rare and require direct ministerial approval.

Routes & timelines

Step-by-step

1. Confirm eligibility: calculate residence years, study record or descent documentation.
2. Prepare civil documents: birth, marriage, descent certificates, translations and apostilles.
3. Secure proof of residence: tax records, housing, health insurance, school enrolments if relevant.
4. File application with the Civil Registry and Immigration Department.
5. Undergo background checks and integration interviews (Catalan language and community ties).
6. Receive decision and, if approved, renounce prior nationality.
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance and receive Andorran citizenship certificate.

Documents

Applicants need long-form civil records, criminal record certificates, residence proofs, financial records, Catalan language certificates and integration evidence. To prevent refusals for untranslated records, use professional translation support that matches Andorran filing standards.

Costs

Expect government fees, notarisation, legalisation, translation charges and possible renunciation costs with your former country. Explore checklists and expert guidance in our Residency & Citizenship section — templates, timelines and renewal advice are available.

Integration

Andorra emphasises integration heavily. Applicants are evaluated on:

• Proficiency in Catalan for everyday life and official use.
• Demonstrated participation in community life — schools, sports clubs, civic activities.
• Continuous residence without prolonged absences.
• Proof of economic self-sufficiency and contribution to local society.

What changed in 2026

In 2026, Andorra strengthened its integration interviews, with new emphasis on Catalan oral tests. Descent registrations now require stricter document consistency, while renunciation procedures were digitised to reduce delays.

Did you know?

Andorra has one of the strictest dual nationality bans in Europe — successful applicants must fully renounce previous citizenships before final approval.

Common mistakes

• Miscounting residence years by including tourist or student stays without proper conversion.
• Submitting incomplete descent proofs with inconsistent dates or names.
• Believing marriage shortens the 20-year residence requirement (it does not).
• Not preparing Catalan skills ahead of the integration interview.
• Failing to renounce prior nationality before final approval.
• Delaying registration of children born abroad to Andorran parents.
• Assuming merit-based grants are common; they are extremely rare.
• Ignoring apostille/legalisation requirements for foreign documents.

FAQ

Expert opinion

Andorra’s citizenship process is demanding but predictable. Success requires early preparation of Catalan skills, meticulous civil documentation and clear proof of long-term residence. Applicants who plan renunciation logistics in advance usually achieve smoother approvals.

— Clara, Global Legalization Advisor, VelesClub Int.

Next steps

Have questions about timing, translations or integration? Schedule a free consultation. Visit VelesClub Int. or review expert guidance in the Residency & Citizenship section — and continue to the companion residence article for a complete roadmap.