Andorra and the EU — The New Border Management Agreement Explained

What the agreement is — and what it is not

First, an important clarification: Andorra is not joining the Schengen Area. The agreement does not make Andorra a Schengen member state. What it does is create a specific regime — adapted to Andorra's unique geographic situation between France and Spain — that closely mirrors Schengen principles for the movement of persons.

⚠️ Important: this agreement is not yet in force. The agreement has been initialled at technical level — meaning the negotiators have confirmed the text — but it has not yet been formally signed or ratified. Before it enters into force, it must complete internal procedures on both the Andorran and EU sides, including parliamentary processes. The Entry/Exit System (EES) is expected to be fully operational from April 2026, which gives some urgency to the formalisation process — but as of the date of this post, the agreement remains pending.

We are monitoring the process closely. As soon as the agreement formally enters into force, we will publish a full update on this blog. If you want to be notified when that happens, write to us at info@rankre.net and we will contact you directly.

What changes for movement across borders

Under the agreement, there will be no systematic border controls on persons entering and leaving Andorra at the borders with France and Spain. This is essentially the status quo formalised and given legal structure. Controls could be temporarily reintroduced in exceptional circumstances — serious security threats, public health emergencies — but as a rule, crossing the border will remain as it is today.

What changes for Andorran citizens

In practice, very little changes for Andorran nationals. They will continue to travel within the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. They will not be subject to ETIAS or the Entry/Exit System, and will be able to use the fast-track EU/EEA/CH lanes at external Schengen border controls.

What changes for non-EU residents of Andorra

This is where the agreement has the most meaningful impact — and it is genuinely positive news for non-EU nationals living in Andorra.

Currently, an Andorran residence permit allows non-EU residents to travel freely within France and Spain only. Under the new agreement, legal residents of Andorra will be able to travel throughout the entire Schengen Area without a visa for short stays — the same regime as Andorran nationals. This is a significant expansion of travel freedom for Russian, CIS, and other non-EU residents.

One important detail: time spent in Andorra as a tourist — before obtaining residency — counts toward the 90-day Schengen limit. However, once an Andorran residence permit is obtained, this 90-day counter stops. This is particularly relevant for applicants who spend time in Andorra during the residency application process.

The new security assessment for residency permits

This is the most significant procedural change — and one that anyone applying for Andorran residency needs to be aware of.

Before Andorra grants a residence permit to a non-EU national, France or Spain will now carry out a security assessment. This involves consulting national, international, and Schengen databases to check whether the applicant has any alerts registered against them.

The key points are:

· France or Spain have 28 days — extendable to a maximum of 42 days — to complete the assessment · If no response is received within this period, it is treated as no objection · If a person has an active alert in the Schengen Information System (SIS) that prohibits entry to Schengen, Andorra cannot grant or renew the residence permit · Andorra retains full competence over its own residency requirements — the security assessment does not change who qualifies, only adds a security check to the process

In practical terms: if you have no issues with Schengen authorities, this assessment will not affect your application. It will, however, add time to the process — potentially 4 to 6 weeks — which is relevant when planning your timeline.

Andorra may issue a temporary economic activity authorisation while the security assessment is pending, allowing applicants to begin work while waiting for the full permit.

What happens to existing residence permits

Existing valid residence permits continue to be valid until the card renewal. All residence cards must be exchanged within the first two years of the agreement entering into force. To obtain the new standardised card — which will carry EU-equivalent security features and grant the right to travel throughout the Schengen Area — holders will need to pass the security assessment.

Only in cases where the security assessment raises an objection could a permit be withdrawn.

What this means for passive residency by investment

The agreement reinforces a principle that is already embedded in Andorra's 2026 immigration law: passive residency must be based on genuine and effective connection to Andorra. An economic investment or administrative payment alone is not sufficient. Presence, activity, and real ties to the country are what the framework is built around.

This is not a new idea — it has always been the expectation. But the agreement with the EU formalises and strengthens it.

What this means if you are considering Andorra

For most people genuinely considering relocation to Andorra, this agreement is good news. It gives non-EU residents significantly greater travel freedom across Europe, formalises the open-border arrangement with France and Spain, and brings Andorra's residency system into closer alignment with EU standards — which increases its credibility and long-term stability.

The additional security assessment adds a step to the process, but for anyone with a clean record, it is a procedural formality rather than a barrier.

If you would like to understand how this agreement affects your specific situation — whether you are already a resident or considering applying — we are happy to advise.

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RANKRE Business Services · Andorra la Vella This post is for informational purposes only. The agreement described is initialled but not yet formally in force. We recommend taking professional advice before making any decisions.