The Andorran nationality is a topic of great interest for many residents who have decided to establish their lives in the Principality. Recently, political debate has centered on a possible reform of the qualified nationality law, a move that could change the rules of the game for those aspiring to become Andorran citizens. If you’re considering making Andorra your long-term home, understanding these proposals is essential.
At Andorraway, we know that the path to citizenship is the final step towards complete integration. That is why we have thoroughly analyzed the different amendments presented by parliamentary groups to explain what is on the table and how it might affect you.
The current scenario: Why a reform of the Nationality Law?
The Government of Andorra has promoted a reform aimed at updating and clarifying the requirements for obtaining nationality. However, this initiative has opened the door to extensive debate in the General Council (the Andorran parliament), where each political party has presented its own vision of who and how someone can become Andorran. The proposals range from those seeking to toughen the conditions to others proposing greater flexibility and integration, reflecting very different societal models.
The discussion is not only technical; it touches on the core of the country’s identity and its future. For those who have chosen to live in Andorra, this debate is crucial, as it will define the legal framework of their future and that of their families in the Principality.
The 5 perspectives on Andorran nationality
Currently, there are five main approaches on the table, corresponding to different parliamentary groups. Each proposes a different path to obtain nationality. Below, we break down each party’s stance.
The majority stance: Demòcrates (DA) and Ciutadans Compromesos (CC)
The majority group, composed of Demòcrates and Ciutadans Compromesos, advocates for a model that reinforces control and legal certainty. Their proposal focuses on maintaining the current rigor, but introducing technical improvements.
- Control and clarity: They seek to define concepts like “principal and permanent residence” more precisely to avoid ambiguities.
- Civic conduct: They propose strengthening good conduct requirements, excluding individuals with serious criminal records.
- Renunciation of original nationality: They emphasize the need to demonstrate renunciation of previous nationality within a set timeframe for the grant to be effective.
While aligned, Ciutadans Compromesos introduces nuances to flexibilize certain cases, such as reducing to 10 years the residence requirement for those who have been schooled in Andorra, a measure that aims to recognize the roots of those who have grown up in the country.
Concòrdia and Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS): A more inclusive approach
In opposition, Concòrdia and the PS present a more open stance, aimed at facilitating integration and recognizing the true roots of residents.
The Concòrdia proposal focuses on:
- Reducing years of residence: They suggest lowering the general requirement from 20 to 15 years for naturalization.
- Real integration: They propose strengthening the proof of integration via B2 level Catalan and demonstrable knowledge of Andorra’s history and culture.
- Protection against statelessness: They seek to improve regulations on renunciation of original nationality to prevent individuals from falling into legal limbo.
The Partit Socialdemòcrata goes a step further:
- 10 years of residence: The most open proposal, suggesting to reduce the residence requirement to just 10 years.
- Dual nationality: They propose recognizing dual nationality in cases where the country of origin law does not allow renunciation, a highly relevant point for many resident groups.
Andorra Endavant: The most restrictive vision
At the opposite end is Andorra Endavant, whose amendments seek to significantly tighten access to Andorran nationality.
- Increase residence to 20 years: They propose maintaining or even raising the general residence requirement to 20 years.
- Restrictions for marriage: They advocate for much stricter conditions to obtain nationality through marriage with an Andorran citizen.
- Exclusion of those born in the country: Their most controversial proposal is removing the article granting nationality to children born in Andorra to foreign parents residing in the country.
Key points in debate: What’s really at stake?
Beyond each party’s positions, the reform of the Andorran nationality law revolves around several fundamental axes that will directly affect applicants:
- Years of residence: The most debated point, with proposals ranging from 10 to 20 years. The final decision will determine how long you’ll need to wait to initiate the naturalization process.
- Level of integration: There’s consensus on the need to demonstrate real integration, but how to measure it is debated. Catalan proficiency and cultural knowledge are key requirements.
- Dual nationality: Although Andorra traditionally does not allow it, PS’s proposal to accept it in certain cases could open a much-wanted pathway for residents from countries where renunciation is not permitted.
- Conduct requirements: There is a push for greater control over criminal records and civic conduct, ensuring new citizens share the country’s values.
How does this debate affect you if you want to obtain residency in Andorra?
Although this debate focuses on nationality, it is inherently linked to the residency in Andorra process. Many see nationality as the ultimate goal after years of residence and work in the country. A stricter law could discourage some, while a more flexible one could attract new talents seeking a place to settle permanently.
The outcome of this parliamentary process will shape the future of the international community in Andorra. While Demòcrates and Ciutadans Compromesos suggest the final text will lean towards a controlled model, the debate has highlighted differing sensitivities regarding the country’s demographic and social future.
At Andorraway, we will closely monitor this reform to keep you informed. We understand that residency and nationality procedures can be complex, and our team is here to advise you every step of the way.
If you have questions about your current situation or want to plan your future in the Principality, do not hesitate to contact us. We will provide you with the most up-to-date information and help you navigate the Andorran legal framework safely.