Key Takeaways
- Naturalisation generally needs ~20 years of continuous legal residence.
- Reduced to ~10 years if educated in Andorra, ~3 years for the spouse of an Andorran.
- There is no citizenship-by-investment programme — money does not shorten it.
- Andorra does not allow dual citizenship: you must renounce your existing nationality.
- The tax and lifestyle benefits come with residency, not citizenship.
Andorran citizenship generally requires about 20 years of continuous legal residence — reduced to 10 years for people educated in Andorra and 3 years for the spouse of an Andorran national. Andorra does not allow dual citizenship: you must renounce your existing nationality. There is no investment route and no shortcut. For almost everyone, the goal is long-term residency, not a passport.
The residence requirement
The main path to Andorran nationality is naturalisation after a long period of residence:
| Your situation | Residence needed |
|---|---|
| Standard applicant | ~20 years of continuous legal residence |
| Educated in Andorra | ~10 years (broadly, schooling between ages 3 and 18) |
| Married to an Andorran national | ~3 years of residence and marriage |
| With an Andorran grandparent | Reduced (around 15 years, by filiation) |
A 2025 reform proposed allowing all periods of legal residence to count toward the 20 years, even if not continuous, and broadening the education and filiation routes. Check the current position when it matters to you.
The other requirements
- Integration: demonstrated knowledge of Catalan and of Andorran society and institutions — a real test, beyond the basic A1 and A2 levels required for residency renewal.
- Good character: a clean criminal record and genuine ties to the country.
- Renunciation: Andorra does not permit dual citizenship. You must give up your current nationality — in practice, within five years of naturalising — or the Andorran nationality can be withdrawn.
There is no investment citizenship
Andorra has an investment residency (passive residency), but no citizenship-by-investment programme. Money does not shorten the 20 years. Anyone offering an Andorran “golden passport” is describing something that does not exist.
Why most people don’t need it
The tax and lifestyle benefits of Andorra come with residency, not citizenship:
- The 10% income-tax ceiling, 0% wealth and inheritance tax, and the low VAT all apply to tax residents regardless of nationality.
- Residency, once you reach the ten-year permits, is long-term and renewable.
- You keep your existing passport — useful for travel and for not triggering exit or expatriation consequences in your home country.
Given that Andorran citizenship would cost you your current nationality, most residents deliberately never pursue it. It makes sense mainly for people whose life is genuinely and permanently centred in Andorra — often the second generation.
Travel on an Andorran passport
The Andorran passport allows visa-free access to the Schengen Area and many other countries, but Andorra is not in the EU, so it does not carry EU free-movement or work rights. For most internationally mobile people, a strong existing passport plus Andorran residency is a better combination than an Andorran passport alone.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Andorran citizenship?
Generally about 20 years of continuous legal residence, reduced to 10 years for those educated in Andorra and 3 years for spouses of Andorran nationals.
Is there citizenship by investment in Andorra?
No. Andorra has investment-based residency but no citizenship-by-investment programme. Investment does not shorten the residence requirement.
Can I keep my current passport if I become Andorran?
No. Andorra does not allow dual citizenship — you must renounce your existing nationality, in practice within five years of naturalising.
Do I need Andorran citizenship to get the tax benefits?
No. The tax benefits apply to Andorran tax residents regardless of nationality. Residency, not citizenship, is what you need.
Last reviewed: 3 September 2026. General information, not legal advice; Andorran nationality law was under reform in 2025 and continues to change. Confirm current rules with a licensed Andorran advisor. Speak to our team.
