Andorra Records 100 Catalan Language Law Complaints in 2025

Andorra la Vella's Language Policy Department recorded exactly 100 complaints in 2025 over violations of the Catalan language law, with 54—more than half—related to commercial names, signage, and advertising.

Tourist establishments and restaurants drew 17 complaints, public-facing staff 14, public institutions 6, contracts and documents 5, public transport 2, public activities 1, and media or cultural industries 1. Of these, 11 resolved positively after businesses fixed the issues, 9 were dismissed due to insufficient details, missing forms, or no violation, and 2 resulted in fines of 1,201 euros each: one against a hotel in Pas de la Casa for lacking Catalan forms, and one against a restaurant for failing to provide service in Catalan. The remaining 68 cases remain open, with department director Joan Sans stating many have been referred to commerce and tourism authorities, raising the prospect of additional penalties.

Sans highlighted ongoing problems in high-visibility areas like signage and commercial messaging, where some businesses have not yet adjusted. He described the sanction process as rigorous and time-consuming, requiring opportunities for correction and appeals before fines are imposed. Culture Minister Mònica Bonell stressed that enforcement prioritizes voluntary compliance over punishment.

No residency permits have been denied for lacking A1-level Catalan proficiency, required since the autumn 2024 decree implementing the law. Bonell pointed to rising course enrollments, progress certificates, and exemptions as signs of effective rollout. Recent figures show 700 in-person and 300 online course registrations for the first half of 2026, alongside 925 exam sign-ups for early 2026—double last year's A1 and A2 totals.