Andorra Catalan Law Fails to Hinder Foreign Talent Recruitment

Businesses in key Andorran sectors report that the legal requirement to demonstrate Catalan proficiency is not hindering their ability to recruit foreign talent, with many workers showing willingness to learn the language.

Under the Llei del català, workers must accredit a specific level of Catalan knowledge to obtain or renew work permits. However, companies in skiing, hospitality, and entertainment say the rule has caused no major issues. At Grandvalira Resorts, the condition for permit renewals has not affected hiring or renewals significantly. Workers generally accept the requirement and express interest in studying the language, the company noted. Over the past two seasons, Grandvalira subsidised A1-level courses for staff. Ahead of the 2025-2026 season—and stricter rules from April 2026 that will reject private academy diplomas of 70 hours—it is fully funding a 30-hour online introductory module, mainly for new seasonal hires. The initiative aims to introduce the language rather than solely aid permit renewals, with referrals to parish self-learning centres for further progress.

Around 300 staff across Andorra's ski resorts are enrolled in the virtual A1.1 platform, and over 30 have attended in-person sessions. Reception has been strong, particularly among customer-facing roles, helping employees overcome shyness in daily use.

Unnic, in entertainment, faces no challenges in internal departments like administration, finance, marketing, or procurement, where candidates already hold required certifications. Customer service positions are tougher, prompting company-run courses with government support and high non-Catalan speaker turnout.

Hotels echo this, stating recruitment is no harder than before the law took effect. While most do not run dedicated courses, they ease access to training, as at Park Hotel. No issues have arisen in hiring permanent staff so far.

Meanwhile, nearly 930 people registered for official Catalan exams at the Escola Andorrana in Santa Coloma this weekend—almost 200 more than in January 2024. Breakdown: A1 (226), A2 (160), B1 (146), B2 (272), C1 (125). A1 and B2 saw highest demand. A1, B1, B2, and C1 tests occurred over two days; A2 exams are set for 6 February due to volume.

The Linguistics Policy Department welcomes the rise, linking it to the language law's residency permit rules. A1 registrations are up 88% and A2 80% from 2024, said director Joan Sans.

Candidates praised the exams' integration value. Nico, a 39-year-old Argentine tech worker in Andorra four years, took B1 to better fit into society and prepare for residency renewal. He combined online classes, conversations with Catalan speakers, reading, podcasts, and practice with his Andorran partner. The test featured a 2.5-hour written section (listening, reading, writing) and 15-minute oral before a two-person panel; he lauded the organisation despite crowds.

Mariana, 43-year-old Argentine in administration, sat A1 after Aprèn Català classes and private online tutoring. She found official practice materials "super practical." Organisation was "fantastic," with calm atmosphere and kind examiners, though waiting outside was cold.

Yordani, 31-year-old Cuban at B2, sought professional certification and fuller integration to communicate empathetically with patients. He mixed self-study and government courses. The rigorous three-hour-plus written exam was demanding, but clear signage and friendly examiners eased nerves.