Catalan in Andorra: language requirement and its impact on immigration and permit renewal

Reading time: 9 minutes

💼 Introduction: linguistic integration and immigration policy

Catalan is Andorra’s official and native language — one of the cornerstones of its national identity.

Since 2024, knowledge of Catalan has evolved from a recommended integration measure to a legal requirement for renewing immigration, residence and work permits.

This change reflects the Government’s clear intention to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that everyone living and working in the Principality can communicate and integrate autonomously.

The measure has a direct impact on companies, foreign workers and self-employed professionals, who will need to progressively certify their competence in Catalan.

However, the language requirement only affects the renewal of residence and work permits, not their initial approval or other residence categories.
Therefore, before relocating, it is essential to understand which types of residence exist and which allow you to work legally.

➤ You can learn more in our article Types of residence in Andorra: active, passive and tax.

➤ If you are planning to relocate or start a business in the Principality, we also recommend reading Living and working in Andorra: what you need to know before moving, which explains the procedures, adaptation process and key obligations for a safe transition.

🏛️ Essential legal framework

⚖️ Law 6/2024, of 25 April, on the official language

This law establishes the linguistic rights and obligations of residents and sets the framework for the integration of non-Catalan speakers.
Its final provision amends the Qualified Immigration Law, introducing Article 54 bis, which makes Catalan proficiency a condition for permit renewal.

It also updates Articles 58, 67 and 83, linking the renewal of permits to the presentation of A1 (first renewal) and A2 (second renewal) certificates under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

A transitional period, valid until 26 April 2026, allows renewal by simply proving enrolment in a recognised Catalan course. After that date, official certification will be mandatory.

⚖️ Qualified Immigration Law 9/2012 (amended)

The new wording of Article 58 authorises the Immigration Service to refuse renewal if the required level of Catalan is not demonstrated.
Article 83 also adds the lack of language accreditation as a valid ground for refusal or expiry of authorisation.

These amendments confirm that linguistic integration is now part of immigration law in Andorra.

⚙️ Immigration Regulation (2025)

The 2025 regulation reinforces this principle in Article 25, promoting linguistic and civic integration.
The regulation maintains A1 and A2 as the general reference levels, while higher levels such as B2 are reserved for advanced integration programmes.

👥 Who is affected: residents, employees and self-employed professionals

The Catalan requirement is applied progressively, depending on the type of authorisation and the applicant’s situation.

• Employees (first and second renewal):
  Until 26 April 2026, it is enough to have completed an approved Catalan course, with possible exemptions for justified reasons (such as illness or temporary absence).
  After this date, the first renewal will require A1, and the second renewal A2, as defined by the CEFR.
• Self-employed, cross-border, passive and digital professionals:
  This group is not yet subject to the language requirement. The Government must extend it by regulation within five years, i.e. before 2029.
• Health and social sectors:
  These professionals have a specific duty to understand Catalan, but may benefit from temporary exemptions granted by the Government in the public interest, formalised through a written resolution published in the BOPA (Official Gazette).

👉 Practical note: the refusal to renew due to lack of A1/A2 certification will only apply to individuals whose permits were issued under the new regulatory framework introduced after 2024.

Catalan proficiency forms part of a broader set of obligations for active residents in Andorra.

In addition to linguistic integration, professionals — particularly the self-employed — must comply with their social security obligations with the CASS, according to applicable regimes and reductions.

This social security system, a key pillar of the Andorran model, defines the minimum contribution base and categories applicable to each activity, as detailed in Social security contributions for self-employed workers in Andorra: reduced schemes and general obligations.

⚠️ Exceptions and progressive application

Law 6/2024 allows temporary exemptions in the public interest, particularly in sectors facing a shortage of qualified professionals.

The health and social care sectors are the clearest examples: the Government may authorise professionals to work without Catalan certification, provided the resolution is justified and officially published.

This temporary regime does not abolish the general obligation — it merely suspends it while the public interest persists.

🗣️ Learning Catalan: education system and adult training

Andorra has three public education systems — Andorran, French and Spanish — all including Catalan to varying degrees.

The Andorran system uses Catalan as the primary teaching language, while the other two ensure its curricular presence and practical use in daily life.

Catalan Centres provide on-site, online and guided self-learning courses.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 9,500 people participated in official Catalan training, mostly at the A1 level, according to institutional data.
This shows a steady increase in demand and positive engagement from residents responding to the new legal framework.

➤ To better understand how these three public systems coexist, read The educational model in Andorra: coexistence of three public systems.

💥 Practical impact on residence and work permit renewals

For foreign employees and self-employed professionals, knowledge of Catalan is now essential to maintain their legal status in the country.

Practical recommendations:

👉 Plan your A1 training during the first year of residence.
👉 Obtain the A2 certificate before your second renewal.
👉 If justified (illness, temporary absence, etc.), keep all supporting documents to request an exemption within the set deadline.

For Andorran companies, this entails an indirect responsibility: encouraging staff to undertake Catalan training and ensuring signage, customer service and internal communication comply with the language requirements under Law 12/2013 on Commerce and its coordination with Law 6/2024.

🗓️ Implementation timeline

• Until 26 April 2026: first renewal allowed with proof of Catalan course attendance (no A1 certificate required).
• From 26 April 2026 onwards: the first renewal will require A1, and the second renewal A2.
• Before 2029: the Government must extend the requirement to self-employed, cross-border, passive and digital professionals through regulation.

This schedule ensures a balanced and gradual transition between obligation and adaptation.

📌 Conclusions: cohesion, integration and opportunity

The inclusion of Catalan as a migration requirement marks a new stage in Andorra’s integration policy — the language becomes a pillar of legal, social and economic cohesion.

The system balances rigour and flexibility, offering transitional periods and targeted exemptions that allow key sectors to function while promoting genuine integration.

For businesses and professionals, understanding this framework is crucial to stay compliant and anticipate future regulatory requirements.

Final CTA (ELYSIUM version)
If you are preparing or need to renew your residence or work permit in Andorra, you can schedule your personalised consultation below or contact our team for comprehensive professional guidance.

📎 Practical box: documents and Catalan Centres

Accepted documents to prove Catalan knowledge:

• Official certificate of level A1 or A2 issued by the Government of Andorra.
• Certificates recognised under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
• Proof of completion of a Catalan course accredited by the Language Policy Service.

Catalan Centres and contact points:

• Catalan Centres: Andorra la Vella, Escaldes, Encamp, Ordino, Sant Julià, La Massana.
• Official portal: www.govern.ad/llengua
• Language information line: +376 150

📚 Related articles

• Taxation in Andorra: advantages and obligations — Overview of the main taxes and benefits for residents and companies.
• Double taxation treaties (DTTs) in Andorra — How Andorra avoids double taxation and strengthens its legal security.
• Andorra’s international evolution: from tradition to global integration — Analysis of the country’s economic opening and cooperation model.

Last review date: October 2025