What are Andorra’s passport requirements? We’ll get into the “how” and “what” of getting an Andorran passport in a moment, but first the “why”.
You might be familiar with the benefits of having a second nationality different from your country of origins. For example, avoiding citizen based taxation as is due in the United States of America, even if you spend your entire life living abroad.
You may be able to easily visit some countries with an Andorran passport where your original passport would have required managing visas and special permits.
The freedom of travelling the world without asking for government authorization is exciting and indescribable. You just pick up your passport, go to the airport and fly off somewhere far away, without explanations or extra requirements.
If you’d like to acquire an Andorran passport for this reason or many others, take a look at this brief guide to Andorra’s passport requirements and rules.
Requirements & Policies for Andorran Passports
Let’s start this guide with some bad news, there’s no possibility of “buying” a passport in the country. There is no citizenship by investment or similar programs that would allow you to pay or deposit a fee and acquire a passport quickly.
To obtain an Andorran passport, you’ll have to acquire citizenship first by following these steps:
- Hold residency for 20 years, either through active or passive residency, or
- Complete a minimum of 10 years of studies in Andorra’s school system as a minor, or
- Be born to foreign born parents resident in Andorra who have maintained residency for 10 years or over.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Renounce your original nationality.
- If an adult on application you must pass an official Catalan language and Andorran culture exam.
There’s also the option of marrying an Andorran citizen, which after three years will grant you Andorran citizenship and a passport.
Drawbacks of Andorra’s Passport Requirements
One of the main issues with acquiring an Andorran passport is that you must renounce your nationality of origin. That means you’ll lose any benefits or advantages granted to citizens of your original country.
Advantages of an Andorran Passport
However, if you’re seeking a different passport that will let you enter visa-free to countless countries, you’ll find that Andorra holds the 14th place regarding travel freedom. With an Andorran passport, you can travel, visa-free or visa upon arrival, to 160 countries.
Another advantage of this process is that you’ll be able to extend your passport and citizenship to your children. They’ll be able to apply for Andorran passports in a shorter time after you’ve obtained a passport.
Overview of the Andorran Passport Requirements
Acquiring a passport in Andorra is slightly challenging since the main requirement is that you spend a considerable amount of time in the country.
The other deal-breaker for those looking at acquiring a second passport is that to obtain an Andorran passport you’ll have to renounce your original nationality, and that includes your passport – so you never really get that “second” passport, you’re just exchanging it for another.
In a recent law change in 2026 by the Andorran government has at least permitted that the 20 year minimum period of residency is no longer consecutive. You may therefore leave and come back and still be assured that all the residency years are counted for in the 20 year calculation. Unfortunately the 20 year period is still firm in place but in the future this may drop to a 15 year requirement instead.
Taking on Andorran nationality is a big step for most given the above requirements. Neither do the government take it lightly. Be prepared to school yourself well in both Andorran culture and language before taking the jump and heading for the exams. Although after 20 years it is likely you will be fully integrated in our little nation of Andorra anyway.
Along with the benefit of holding a passport which opens the door to a vast majority of the world, you’ll also find Andorra has a fair tax system, excellent healthcare system, reasonable cost of living, and is a remarkable place to live.