New Official Language Law in Andorra

Author: Mònica Gené

On 25 April, following several months of negotiations and with broad parliamentary support, the General Council approved the new Official Language Law. The legislation reinforces the role of Catalan as the official language of the Principality of Andorra and links knowledge of the language to certain residence permit renewal procedures.

The Law will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Principality of Andorra (BOPA).

The primary objective of the new legislation is to guarantee the official use and proper knowledge of the Catalan language, protect linguistic rights, preserve its presence in education, media and social activities, and contribute to safeguarding Andorra’s linguistic heritage as a key element of the country's identity.

The Law also introduces measures aimed at improving accessibility and inclusion. Among other provisions, it recognises the right of persons with disabilities to learn sign language and promotes the use of clearer and more accessible language by public institutions to facilitate communication between citizens and the public administration.

New Bodies Responsible for Language Policy

The legislation establishes the Junta de Coordinació sobre Llengua i Formació (JCLF), a body responsible for coordinating language policy in the education and training sector and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Law.

Its main responsibilities include ensuring the consistent application of language regulations across educational and training centres, as well as defining objectives, measures and action plans relating to the use and quality of the Catalan language, taking into account the characteristics of each institution or training service.

The Law also creates the Consell Nacional per la Llengua, a consultative and participatory body that will serve as a forum for discussion and coordination between civil society, the Government of Andorra, the local councils (Comuns) and the General Council regarding language policy matters.

Linguistic Integration of Non-Catalan-Speaking Residents

To encourage linguistic integration and promote the full participation of individuals arriving from abroad, the Law includes a final provision amending Law 9/2012 of 31 May, which modified the Qualified Immigration Act.

The purpose of this amendment is to strengthen the integration of new residents through the learning of Catalan, recognising the language as a fundamental tool for social cohesion, civic participation and cultural integration.

As a result, certain residence and work permit renewals will be subject to proof of basic Catalan language proficiency through the achievement of A1 (basic) and A2 (elementary) levels.

The Law provides exemptions for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Catalan through the means that will be established by future regulations.

Furthermore, the Government of Andorra has been granted a five-year period to develop the regulatory framework governing the accreditation of A1 and A2 Catalan language levels applicable to current residence permit renewal procedures.

Updated Sanctioning Framework

The Law also introduces updates to the sanctioning regime applicable to breaches of language regulations.

Responsibility for processing sanctioning proceedings will fall to the Department of Language Policy, acting in coordination with the competent authorities in the sector where the infringement occurred.

In addition, the financial penalties applicable to infringements may be updated periodically through the General Budget Law.

Conclusion

The approval of the new Official Language Law marks an important step in Andorra’s language policy. Beyond strengthening the protection and promotion of Catalan, the legislation introduces measures aimed at facilitating the integration of new residents and ensuring the effective use of the country’s official language across different areas of public and private life.