Unfolding News from the Pyrenees: Significant Changes to Andorra’s Nationality Law
Possibilities for Andorra citizenship by descent are expanding. In May 2025, Andorra’s government presented a package of reforms to the country’s Qualified Law of Nationality. The changes, presented by Interior and Justice Minister Ester Molné, represent a significant shift toward more flexible citizenship requirements within the European Union context.
Key Changes to Andorra Citizenship by Descent
Grandparent Rule: A Game-Changer for Diaspora Families
The most significant change involves the opening of limited Andorra citizenship by descent through grandparents. Previously, children born abroad to Andorran parents could only obtain citizenship if their parent had lived in Andorra for at least 10 years.
The new rule for Andorra ancestry citizenship allows grandchildren to obtain Andorran nationality even if their parents never lived in Andorra, provided that at least one grandparent resided in the principality for 10 years.
This change recognizes what Minister Molné called “rootedness limited to two generations” as sufficient basis for maintaining national identity and passing citizenship to descendants — a principle strongly tied to family ties and cultural heritage.
Why This Matters for Andorra Citizenship by Descent Seekers
This modification opens doors for people who previously had no path to Andorran citizenship:
Second-generation emigrants whose Andorran grandparents left the country
Children of mixed marriages where the Andorran parent had limited time in the country
Diaspora families maintaining cultural ties despite geographic distance
For many descendants, gathering proper birth certificates and documentation will be essential to confirm lineage during the application process.
The minister noted that, while maximum flexibility would allow anyone with an Andorran parent to obtain citizenship, this could lead to nationality being “passed from generation to generation by people who don’t even know Andorra.”
Additional Reforms Beyond Ancestry
Interrupted Residency Now Acceptable
The reforms also address residency-based citizenship:
The 20-year residency requirement no longer needs to be continuous
Applicants must maintain continuous residence for the final 5 years
This helps integrated residents who may have left temporarily for family emergencies, education in an Andorran school, or care responsibilities.
Educational Pathway Expanded
Students can now count non-mandatory education years toward the 10-year schooling requirement. This includes early childhood education (ages 3–6) and secondary education (bachillerato). Previously, only mandatory education (ages 6–16) counted.
The reform also emphasizes language proficiency, cultural understanding, and knowledge of Andorran history as key components of integration.
What Remains Unchanged for Andorran Citizenship
Despite these liberalizations, Andorra maintains some strict requirements for citizenship:
20-year residency minimum for naturalization (with new flexibility)
Renunciation of original citizenship still required
Furthermore, for countries that don’t allow renunciation, applicants must prove that they don’t exercise their original nationality. This reinforces Andorra’s position against dual nationality, even though public debate increasingly calls for tolerance of dual citizenship for Andorrans living within the European Union or holding EU citizenship.
Applicants must also submit a birth certificate along with the official Application Form as part of the application process, ensuring legal verification of ancestry.
Political Debate Continues Over Andorra Ancestry Citizenship
The Social Democratic Party (PS) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Andorran citizenship reforms, arguing they don’t go far enough. The PS continues to advocate for:
Reducing residency requirements to 15 years
Allowing dual citizenship
Granting voting rights to residents in municipal elections
Supporters believe recognizing dual citizenship could strengthen Andorra’s connection to the EU Customs Union and better align its policies with those of other European Union member states.
Timeline and Next Steps
The proposed modifications will now go through parliamentary procedures in the General Council for approval. If passed, these changes could significantly impact Andorra’s approach to citizenship and integration.
As Andorra citizenship by descent moves toward recognition through the grandparent rule, individuals with Andorran roots are encouraged to prepare essential documents early — including birth certificates, school records, and proof of language proficiency — to ensure a smooth application process.
We will continue to cover this evolving story on Andorra citizenship by descent and potential future recognition of dual citizenship. Stay tuned for updates on our blog as Andorra’s relationship with EU citizenship and the European Union continues to evolve.
