Thanks so much for the comment Kaila. Regular back and forth is what we're looking for!
As for your question, if a Catalan requirement were put in place (and this handing over of immigration powers is not definite, as it has to get through Parliament first), it would apply for non-EU people applying for Spanish residence (or extensions) with addresses in Catalonia. You could apply for residence in any other part of the country and then move to Catalonia. Or if you live in another region altogether, it wouldn't affect you.
As for Catalan itself, it is a different language (i.e. not a dialect), but on a very superficial, non-scientific/academic level, it looks a lot like a mix of Spanish and French, with some words with Portuguese and Italian origins. So, if you speak Spanish and live in Catalonia, you will likely be able to understand it generally after some time. But to really learn it (especially to speak it), you'd have to study/take classes.
Thank you for this super informative newsletter! I'm moving to Valencia with my family soon, and I'm very keen to learn more about Spanish politics.
Pardon me if this is a stupid question, but I just want to make sure I fully understand: would the Catalan speaking requirement apply to people seeking residency in olive Spain, or only Catalonia?
And, follow up, how different from Spanish is Catalan? I 100% plan to become fluent in Spanish. But another language on top of that seems like a lot...
Thanks so much for the comment Kaila. Regular back and forth is what we're looking for!
As for your question, if a Catalan requirement were put in place (and this handing over of immigration powers is not definite, as it has to get through Parliament first), it would apply for non-EU people applying for Spanish residence (or extensions) with addresses in Catalonia. You could apply for residence in any other part of the country and then move to Catalonia. Or if you live in another region altogether, it wouldn't affect you.
As for Catalan itself, it is a different language (i.e. not a dialect), but on a very superficial, non-scientific/academic level, it looks a lot like a mix of Spanish and French, with some words with Portuguese and Italian origins. So, if you speak Spanish and live in Catalonia, you will likely be able to understand it generally after some time. But to really learn it (especially to speak it), you'd have to study/take classes.
So helpful, thank you so much for the detailed response!
Thank you for this super informative newsletter! I'm moving to Valencia with my family soon, and I'm very keen to learn more about Spanish politics.
Pardon me if this is a stupid question, but I just want to make sure I fully understand: would the Catalan speaking requirement apply to people seeking residency in olive Spain, or only Catalonia?
And, follow up, how different from Spanish is Catalan? I 100% plan to become fluent in Spanish. But another language on top of that seems like a lot...