Culture and Holidays in Andorra

Languages

Catalan is the primary language in Andorra, with many Andorrans also speaking Spanish. In some parts of the country, French and Portuguese speakers are also common. 

In corporate sectors, Catalan is the primary language for communication, documentation, and client interactions, especially in multinational companies (MNCs). Meetings, presentations, and official emails are generally conducted in Catalan, though employees may use Spanish or French informally. 

While Catalan dominates corporate settings, Spanish is widely spoken in government and business sectors, particularly in urban areas.  

Factories, warehouses, and construction sites primarily use Catalan or Spanish, with many workplaces being bilingual. Management-level communication is usually in Catalan.

Workplace norms and professional etiquette

Employers in Andorra must be aware of workplace norms, business communication styles, and professional etiquette to ensure smooth operations and maintain positive employee relations. Andorra’s work culture blends hierarchical structures, respect for authority, and relationship-building, while also embracing modern corporate values in global businesses.

Workplace hierarchy and authority

• Decision-making can be top-down, but modern startups and multinational corporations have begun encouraging collaborative approaches.
• Communication is often formal and polite, especially in written correspondence such as emails.
• Use professional titles like senyor or senyora when first addressing individuals, unless invited to use their first name.
• Networking and informal discussions (over tea breaks or lunch) help in professional growth and collaboration.
• Employees may hesitate to say “no” directly, preferring diplomatic phrases like “I will try” or “Let me check.”

Email and phone etiquette

• Business emails should be formal, polite, and structured, starting with a greeting and ending with a professional sign-off. 
• At the beginning of calls, a courteous greeting is expected, and small talk before discussing business is common. 
• Employees often use messaging apps for quick work-related communication, though formal matters are handled via email.

Meeting etiquette and punctuality 

• While punctuality may be more flexible in casual settings in Andorra, in professional settings, it’s best to be on time.
• Handshakes are a common greeting in corporate environments. A verbal greeting of "Bon dia" (Catalan for "good day") may be given.
• Business meetings often begin with small talk before transitioning into formal discussions.

Professional dress code

• Corporate offices and multinational corporations expect formal or business casual attire (for example, suits, shirts, trousers, and skirts).
• Startups and tech companies often have a more relaxed dress code.

National holidays

Employees are entitled to several national holidays.

• Jan. 1: New Year’s Day
• Jan. 6: Epiphany
• Carnival
• Mar. 14: Constitution Day
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• May 1: Labor Day
• Whit Monday
• Aug. 15: Assumption Day
• Sep. 8: National Day
• Nov. 1: All Saints’ Day
• Dec. 8: Immaculate Conception
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day
• Dec. 26: Saint Stephen’s Day 

Holiday observance may vary by sector. Bridging leave is often arranged around major holidays to allow for family travel. Employers may shift workdays or grant leave extensions accordingly.