Andorra Council Approves Revised Nationality Law Easing Residency Rules

The General Council has approved a revised qualified law on nationality, securing 19 votes in favour from the majority and Andorra Endavant, while the Partit Socialdemòcrata (PS) and Concòrdia cast the eight votes against.

The reform adjusts residency requirements, allowing the mandatory 20 years to include non-consecutive periods. Justice and Interior Minister Ester Molné explained that someone reaching 20 years of residence demonstrates integration, even if interrupted. Schooling criteria now require proof of 10 academic years rather than full completion of compulsory education in Andorra. The law also eases restrictions on criminal records by reducing the severity of convictions that bar eligibility and sets a Catalan A1 language level for those under 70.

Molné described the changes as establishing "reasonable requirements" to address inequities identified by her department, while maintaining stringent standards. She thanked Demòcrates and Andorra Endavant for their support, noting shared commitment to integration despite differences, and criticised PS and Concòrdia's opposition as politically motivated.

Demòcrates leader Jordi Jordana defended the text, arguing it balances merit and rights in line with Andorra's size, traditions and demographics. He rejected blindly following international bodies like the Council of Europe, insisting recommendations must fit local realities—citing ignored IMF housing advice as a counterpoint. Jordana highlighted accelerated demographic mobility as justifying the 20-year threshold and praised added rigour to avoid unintended effects.

Andorra Endavant backed the law despite preferring stricter measures. Marc Monteagudo (noted as Marcos in one account) said nationality demands effort and integrity, not giveaway. His group sought tougher access criteria, more demands, identity safeguards and "national priority," but voted yes for coherence as the final version improves the status quo.

PS leader Susanna Vela condemned the reform as a step back, creating greater divides between those with and without political rights. She recalled their rejected amendment to cut residency to 10 years for those with five years of effective recent residence, aligning with Council of Europe advice. Vela warned against rising nationalism and lamented missed chances for dual nationality via bilateral agreements.

Concòrdia’s Jordi Casadevall opposed it for hardening integration historically central to Andorra, shifting towards formalism and blood ties over real resident conditions. He targeted Andorra Endavant amendments on parental links.

In contrast, the civil registry bill passed unanimously, advancing its digital transformation.