Catalan Language Requirement in Andorra for Residency: Flexibilization and Key Changes in 2026
The legal framework for living in the Principality continues to evolve. Those who manage immigration permits know that the language requirement has dominated the agenda over the last two years.
The Demòcrates parliamentary group has introduced amendments to the Immigration Law to provide flexibility regarding the mandatory submission of the official A1 diploma for the first renewal.
TL;DR: Key takeaways from the new regulations
- Individuals with documented learning difficulties who are actively following a training program are exempt from proving A1 proficiency during their first renewal.
- Elite athletes will not need the A1 level during their first year, deferring the A2 level requirement until their second renewal (two years of residency).
- Extraordinary official exam sessions will be held in November to avoid administrative bottlenecks.
- Athletes will be granted a grace period of up to 6 months to submit their criminal record certificate under conditional status.
From initial rigidity to practical application
Certifying a basic level of Catalan to maintain residency seemed like a simple procedure on paper. Reality, however, has proven otherwise.
Recent exam sessions resulted in dozens of failures and gridlock for workers and professionals with imminent renewals. As the Minister of Culture confirmed to the Andorran media, the administration has had to adjust deadlines to match the reality of the labor market.
“The law cannot foresee every specific scenario; we seek genuine integration, not to expel people who want to be part of this country.”
For those managing their residency in Andorra, this amendment does not mean the elimination of the requirement, but rather a temporary safety valve to prevent the involuntary loss of their permit.
Comparison: before and after the immigration amendment
What does the regulatory landscape look like according to the applicant’s profile? The following table summarizes the turning points between the previous regime and the current changes processed by the General Council:
| Profile / Process | Previous Regulation | New Amendment (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First renewal (General residents) | Mandatory official A1 diploma within 1 year. | Exemption from the diploma if continuous training and learning difficulties are proven. |
| Professional athletes | Same conditions as the ordinary residency and work regime. | Exempt from A1 for the 1st renewal. Direct requirement of A2 level for the 2nd renewal (after 2 years). |
| Criminal records (Athletes) | Mandatory submission prior to the granting of the card. | 6-month margin under a conditional regime to complete document submission. |
| Exam sessions | Only annual ordinary sessions (January/February and June). | Opening of extraordinary sessions (November) for urgent renewals. |
The official intention is to ensure that remaining in the country depends on demonstrable commitment rather than bureaucratic bottlenecks, as stated in the guidelines issued by the Govern d’Andorra.
Impact on high-mobility profiles: athletes and executives
Sports contracts are often closed in a matter of days. Signing an international player previously collided head-on with the standard times for legalization and apostilling of criminal documents in their home countries.
The concession of a six-month conditional margin responds to a long-standing demand from the country’s clubs and sports entities. It allows the professional to compete and pay taxes while their consular file completes its legal course.
If the athlete decides to stay for more than two years, integration is presumed to exist. At that point, authorities will directly require the A2 level, skipping the previous basic exam.
This procedural flexibility indirectly benefits those who choose to live in Andorra under international mobility schemes or projects that require relocating specialized personnel with short notice.
How does this affect your move to Andorra?
Many clients ask us if Catalan is a real obstacle to settling in the Pyrenean valleys.
The direct answer is no. But improvisation regarding the renewal calendar can be costly.
Last month, we assisted a fintech executive who relocated his family and three department heads. One of his key collaborators, from a non-Spanish-speaking country, failed to achieve the required score in the A1 oral test just three weeks before his green card expired.
A common mistake is thinking the administration does not enforce suspensions. The law does not seek to expel anyone, but without an official enrollment receipt from training centers or a valid legal justification, the renewal is effectively stalled.
Our team immediately coordinated the regularization of the file with Immigration, registering the worker in official intensive courses and providing the report verifying his continuous attendance.
The renewal was granted without issues. These setbacks demonstrate that a successful move does not end when you sign your company’s incorporation papers or receive the keys to your new home.
Managing day-to-day requirements demands anticipating legal deadlines, permit validation, and the educational requirements the Principality demands to keep your residency status in order.
If you are considering taking the step or need to safeguard your team’s renewal deadlines, let’s analyze your relocation case without obligation to secure every stage of your process.