Which language is Andorra’s sole state language, and where does it apply?

Catalan is Andorra’s sole state language. It applies, among other areas, to administration, the justice system, education, public services, commerce, culture, the media and required customer contacts by companies.

How do Andorra’s Catalan linguistic variety and official standard differ?

The Andorran linguistic variety is legally studied and protected and is classified by the relevant institute within the Western Catalan dialect area. It has no separate official standard; some Andorran features are recorded in the dictionary.

Which language systems and Catalan requirements apply in Andorra’s schools?

Andorra has Andorran, Spanish and French main school systems. Catalan is the language of instruction in the Andorran system; foreign schools must provide public contacts in Catalan and run the required Catalan courses.

Where can adults learn Catalan in Andorra, and which examinations are available?

Free public courses are available at five Catalan Centres, including virtual courses and guided self-study. The official examinations cover levels A1 to C2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

What Catalan-language requirements apply in Andorra when renewing a residence and work permit?

Under the quota rules, since October 2025 the requirement for the first renewal is A1 and for the second renewal A2. Other permit types are scheduled for gradual inclusion from 2029; people who entered in 2024 may use a 30-hour basic course for the first renewal.

Language in Andorra

Q: What rights to Catalan-language service exist in Andorra?

Residents can request service in Catalan from public administrations, health and social services, licensed professions, companies, shops, associations and sports facilities. Hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés must provide menus and service in Catalan to the extent provided by law.

Catalan is Andorra’s sole official state language and shapes administration, education, the justice system, public services, commerce, culture and the media. Spanish, Portuguese and French are widely used but do not have equal official status. Andorra’s Catalan linguistic variety is legally protected but does not constitute a separate official standard.

Tip

Use Catalan as your first language in Andorra for dealings with authorities, public services, schools and businesses, because you can expect service in Catalan there. If you want to learn Catalan or need to provide proof for a residence and work permit, clarify early which course or certificate you need and which renewal rule applies to your permit.

byMarta&Marc

In Andorra, Catalan, called català in Catalan, is the country’s own and official language (llengua pròpia i oficial). Article 2(1) of the Constitution and Law 6/2024 establish its official status. Laws, regulations, public documents and court proceedings are conducted in Catalan. Public institutions, health and social services, licensed professions, companies, shops, associations and sports facilities must make their services accessible in Catalan to the extent provided by law. Hotels, restaurants, bars and cafés use Catalan for menus and service; on commercial signs and in advertising, Catalan takes precedence, while additional languages may be permitted as supplements depending on the applicable requirements. Depending on their role, public-sector employees need spoken and written Catalan skills. Staff generally greet people in Catalan and switch languages only when the other person cannot otherwise communicate reliably. Companies carrying out public contracts also use Catalan when fulfilling those contracts. Anyone using a public office, health or social service, or shop therefore has a right to service in Catalan. Andorra has its own Catalan linguistic variety, known as the Andorran linguistic variety (variant lingüística andorrana). It is legally studied and protected; the Institute of Catalan Studies (Institut d'Estudis Catalans) classifies it within the Western Catalan dialect area. Some Andorran features are included in the DIEC2 dictionary (DIEC2). There is no separate official standard alongside general Catalan. The everyday linguistic landscape is multilingual. In a 2022 ARI survey of residents over the age of 14, 63.7% said they usually used Catalan, 48.6% Spanish, 6.6% Portuguese and 5.7% French. When asked about linguistic identification, 53.4% named Catalan, 38.5% Spanish, 12.3% Portuguese, 6.5% French, 2.4% English and 4.9% other languages. Multiple answers were possible, so the figures add up to more than 100%. Spanish has the highest overall level of knowledge; Catalan received an average rating of 8.3 out of 10, 0.3 points higher than in the previous survey wave. The education system has three main systems: Andorran, Spanish and French. In the Andorran system, Catalan is the language of instruction. Foreign schools and education centres must provide public information and contacts in Catalan and offer the required Catalan courses. Publicly operated or state-supported institutions need a language plan for this purpose. Andorran Formation (Formació Andorrana) also teaches Catalan as well as Andorran history, geography, culture and institutions. In the 2025/2026 school year, 4,524 students were enrolled in the Andorran system, 3,353 in the French system and 3,143 in the Spanish system. Adults can attend free public Catalan courses at five Catalan Centres (Centres de Català). Guided self-learning and virtual courses are available. The official examinations range from A1 to C2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages; the reviewed information did not state a fee for the examination. Course places may be limited. Certain foreign residents are additionally subject to language-related requirements when renewing a residence and work permit. Under the quota rules, since October 2025 the requirement for the first renewal is A1 and for the second renewal A2; people who entered in 2024 may use a 30-hour basic course for the first renewal. Other types of permits are, according to the documented position, only being phased in from 2029. Certificates and exemptions are handled through government procedures. The Government of Andorra, the Department of Language Policy and the parish administrations (Comuns) carry out the central language-policy tasks. The Language Policy Service (Servei de Política Lingüística) provides advice, answers questions, handles complaints and can initiate an inspection by the responsible authorities. A formal complaint can be submitted, among other routes, via catala@govern.ad or to the responsible service office. The language-volunteering programme (Voluntariat per la llengua) pairs people for practice; 155 pairs were active in 2024/2025, and more than 2,500 people have participated since 2005. A meeting typically lasts about one hour per week. Public media use Catalan for programme offerings and advertising and promote Andorra’s linguistic heritage. At international events, the organiser’s language may be used, but publicly funded communication must also contain a Catalan version. Libraries, cultural centres, museums, and cultural and sports programmes promote Catalan; for public leisure and sports activities, it is generally the language of use, except when learning a foreign language. The National Language Action Plan 2026–2028 (Pla d'acció nacional per la llengua 2026–2028) includes free adult education, new centres, more Catalan in schools, digital content and language training for companies. These measures are being implemented and do not represent a completed success.