After months of wrangling within the Andorran government, the new Law on the official language has finally emerged; In its original proposal, this law required residents of Andorra to have a certain level of knowledge of the principality’s official language: Catalan.

If you want to live in Andorra, ask for Catalan. The new regulations, approved by broad consensus at the last session of the General Council with 25 votes in favor and 3 against, establish that possession of an A2 level certificate will be a mandatory requirement to obtain or renew residence in the Principality of Andorra. Catalan is the language authority of that country.

According to the publication, the three votes against came from the parliamentary group Andorra Endavant, whose representative Noemí Amador criticized the norm because she thought it could “create resistance and hatred towards the language and endanger the economy and social cohesion.” European Press.

When and how will the new law be implemented?. The new law initiates a gradual harmonization process. From 2026, residents must complete a 30-hour Catalan language training course or demonstrate level A1 for the first renewal of their residence and work permit. For the second renewal of these permits, Catalan at A2 level will be required.

From 2029, this requirement will apply to all immigration permits issued by the principality, which will directly affect YouTube users, influencers, passive residents or athletes who change their place of residence to Andorra. Additionally, companies must guarantee customer service in Catalan, otherwise they will face sanctions that can reach 60,000 euros.

Andorra isn’t the only place that requires knowledge of its official language. Due to its proximity, it is often forgotten that Andorra is an independent and sovereign country and has its own official language. The law approved by Andorra is no different from the law in force to obtain a residence permit in the United Kingdom, where a minimum level of A2 or B1 is required to obtain a visa, or in Switzerland, where there is a requirement to obtain residence permits for five to ten people. Having German, French or Italian language skills at A2 level.

What is the A2 level of Catalan?. To put it in perspective, the A2 level of Catalan is the level that ESO students have in public schools in Catalonia. Therefore, only a 30-hour course is needed to reach A1 level. This level allows you to carry on a conversation in everyday situations and understand simple texts.

Andorran Minister of Culture Mónica Bonell emphasized that enrollment in Catalan courses has tripled since the promulgation of the law, interpreting this as a positive sign of integration and opportunity.

Youtubers were divided into two. When the first proposals of the law were made public, some YouTubers went so far as to call the Andorran government a “dictator”, excoriating the fact that they would have to learn the official language of the country they live in.

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