Andorra-EU Deal Mandates 90-Day Annual Stay for Passive Residents to Retain Schengen Access

Andorra's agreement with the European Union on the Entry/Exit System ensures that passive residents from third countries must prove genuine residency in the Principat to enjoy Schengen mobility benefits.

Holders of passive residency permits—those without gainful activity—will need to spend at least 90 days per year in Andorra, in line with existing legislation. The deal, reached between the Andorran government and EU authorities, emphasises this effective link to the country. It prevents the permit from serving as a backdoor to unrestricted Schengen access via financial investment or administrative steps alone.

Passive residents from outside the EU will continue to travel freely within Schengen for short stays, treated like other residents. However, this privilege depends on meeting the stay requirement, with authorities likely to ramp up checks to confirm actual presence.

The arrangement aims to curb fraudulent use of the system and ensure residency reflects real ties to Andorra, not just economic means. It locks in the current framework, blocking future changes that could grant circulation rights without proven residency.

Andorran citizens face minimal changes. They will keep visa-free entry to Schengen for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, bypass systems like ETIAS and Entry/Exit, and use fast-track lanes marked “EU/EEA/CH” at external borders.