What the signature does and does not do
The signature formally closes the negotiation and opens the ratification process. According to the Government, it does not bring the agreement into force, it is not applied provisionally, and it does not apply in Andorra. [1]Govern d'Andorra: Andorra signa l'Acord d'associació amb la Unió Europea i obre la fase de ratificació (19 October 2026, Catalan)
A second signature followed on the same day: technical amendments to the Monetary Agreement between Andorra and the EU. They are needed because the Association Agreement, if endorsed in the referendum, would take over part of what the Monetary Agreement now regulates. [1]Govern d'Andorra: Andorra signa l'Acord d'associació amb la Unió Europea i obre la fase de ratificació (19 October 2026, Catalan)
How ratification works in Andorra
The Government sets out three steps, in this order:
- The European Parliament must give its consent.
- The Andorran Government will then call a consultative referendum. Its result will be treated as politically binding.
- Only if the referendum result is favourable will the text go to the Consell General (Andorra's parliament), where it needs a qualified majority of two thirds of its members.
[1]Govern d'Andorra: Andorra signa l'Acord d'associació amb la Unió Europea i obre la fase de ratificació (19 October 2026, Catalan)
No dates are fixed. According to Espot, the timetable will take into account the procedures of the EU institutions and Andorra's general elections, which are expected in spring 2027. [1]Govern d'Andorra: Andorra signa l'Acord d'associació amb la Unió Europea i obre la fase de ratificació (19 October 2026, Catalan)
San Marino follows a different path
Signing now lets the EU and San Marino carry on with their own procedures without waiting for the Andorran vote. Unlike Andorra, San Marino's agreement will enter into force without a later popular vote. [1]Govern d'Andorra: Andorra signa l'Acord d'associació amb la Unió Europea i obre la fase de ratificació (19 October 2026, Catalan)
What this means for Andorra residence
The Government's announcement does not mention residence permits or immigration rules. The agreement is not in force, so nothing in it applies in Andorra yet. The next official step is the European Parliament's consent.
For how Andorra's residence routes work now, see our guide to the Andorra residence permit by investment.
