How to obtain Andorran nationality?

Many of the new residents frequently ask themselves “When will I be able to acquire Andorran nationality?”. The Senior Consultant at the Andorran Immigration Department , Olga Donskikh, answers this question.

Mainly, it must be said that obtaining nationality, in any case, is a big process that involves the renunciation of the current nationality or nationalities of the person who is requesting it. In addition, in the case of adults, an evaluation of the Catalan language is strictly necessary, adding to this the history and geography of Andorra.

Once the relevant requirements have been met, an application for nationality must be submitted and a provisional passport (not nationality) will be granted. From this moment the person who requests it will have 5 years to pass the evaluation and present the pertinent documents to formalize the renunciation of their current nationality in order to acquire Andorran nationality and the definitive passport.

On the other hand, it is necessary to mention that it is essential to be a legal and effective resident in Andorra at the time of submitting the application in order to apply for nationality.

Below is a complete and detailed summary of those persons who have the right to Andorran nationality in accordance with the Qualified Law of Nationality of October 5, 1995 with its successive reforms.

Andorran nationality acquired if you are an adult

Foreign person residing in Andorra, who has an Andorran mother or father who was also born abroad (Art. 9.1)

Foreign person with 15 years of residence in Andorra and who has an Andorran grandfather or grandmother (Art. 9.2)

Foreign person with 3 years of residence in Andorra and who marries an Andorran person (Art. 10)

Foreign person with 20 years of residence in Andorra.

Foreign person with 10 years of residence in Andorra and who has studied from 6 to 16 years in Andorra (Art. 11.2)

Andorran nationality of origin if you are a minor

Child born in Andorra to an Andorran father/mother (Art. 1)

Child born abroad to an Andorran father/mother born in Andorra (Art. 2)

Child under 14 years of age adopted by an Andorran person or by a foreign person residing in Andorra who is at least 10 years old (Art. 2 and 8.1, 8.2)

Child born in Andorra to a father/mother born in Andorra, resident and without Andorran nationality (Art. 3)

Child born in Andorra to foreign parents residing in Andorra. At least one of the parents must be a resident for at least 10 years (Art. 6)

Child who was accidentally born abroad, if this fact is proven by complying with the requirements described. The request must be submitted during the baby’s first year (Art. 35)

What documents and steps must we comply with to apply for nationality in Andorra? 

• Have your birth certificate previously apostilled. This can be displayed digitally if you wish.
• Have a previously apostilled criminal record from your country of origin.
• Similarly, have a criminal record granted by the Batllia d’Andorra
• The marriage certificate.
• Finally, a photocopy of the passport or DNI.

After you meet all these requirements and documents, you must make an appointment at Tràmits. You bring the papers mentioned above and the agency will process your application. 

Once the relevant requirements have been met, an application for nationality must be submitted and a provisional passport (not nationality) will be granted. From this moment the person who requests it will have 5 years to pass the evaluation and present the pertinent documents to formalize the renunciation of their current nationality in order to acquire Andorran nationality and the definitive passport.