Yes, your company can train its team in languages… and save on costs
In many teams, the desire to learn English, French, Spanish or Catalan is there. What’s missing is time, organization or budget. Or at least, that’s how it seems.
The truth is that many companies still don’t realize they can train their teams with tailored, personalized, high-quality courses… without the expense becoming a burden. All thanks to a tool that exists, is legal, accessible, and is called FUNDAE.
Sound familiar? If you’re not using it, it’s like having a gift card you never activated. In this article, we explain why subsidized training is one of the smartest ways to improve productivity and communication within your team. And yes, it’s also a real way to save money without compromising on quality.
We won’t overwhelm you with technical jargon. We’ll explain how it works, what you can subsidize, which types of classes actually deliver results, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. All with real examples, clear steps, and language that speaks your language.
Why you should keep reading if you have a team (even a small one)
Because this isn’t about confusing subsidies. It’s about opportunities many companies are missing simply because they don’t know they exist.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
- What FUNDAE is and how it can help cover your team’s training
- How to choose the most suitable subsidized language courses for your employees based on your sector and goals
- A step-by-step guide to using this tool without getting lost in paperwork
- Frequently asked questions that clear up common doubts
- And one key point: how to get your team engaged and enjoying the learning process, instead of seeing it as an obligation
This text is for those who believe learning languages matters, but don’t always know where to start. Here you’ll find the how, the why, and the when—all in one place.
What is FUNDAE and how can it help you train your team without impacting your budget?
Imagine your company could deduct part (or all) of the cost of your employees’ language classes directly from social security contributions. It’s not fiction—that’s exactly what FUNDAE-funded training allows.
What is FUNDAE?
FUNDAE is the State Foundation for Training in Employment. It works alongside SEPE and enables companies that contribute to professional training to recover money invested in employee training.
In short: if your company pays social security, it has training credit available. And that credit can be used to pay for subsidized language classes. It’s as simple as that.
Who can benefit?
- All companies with employees under the general regime
- Company size doesn’t matter—even with just two employees, you have access to a minimum training credit
- Self-employed professionals with employees can also apply
Why investing in languages with FUNDAE is a smart move
Because speaking languages opens doors, reduces errors, improves customer service, streamlines processes… and builds loyalty. And on top of that, FUNDAE allows you to do it without worrying about the budget.
Benefits for the company
- Fewer mistakes in emails or calls with international clients
- Greater autonomy in meetings or trade fairs
- Improved brand image and external perception
- Better internal communication in multicultural teams
- Talent retention: offering real training is more motivating than many “soft benefits”
Benefits for the team
- Greater confidence when communicating in other languages
- Better internal opportunities (promotions, project leadership)
- More tools for travel, networking, or even further education
How to save with FUNDAE-funded training step by step (without the stress)
Yes, there’s some paperwork. But it’s not as complicated as it seems if you know where to start. And if you work with a language school that handles the process, even better.
Step 1: Identify your team’s language needs
Not everyone needs the same thing. Does your sales team need English for negotiations? Do new hires need to improve their Spanish? Does your company operate in Catalonia and want to strengthen Catalan?
Do a quick informal audit. Ask, observe, and think ahead.
Step 2: Calculate your available credit
Your accountant can help, or you can use the FUNDAE simulator. But if you prefer, a good academy can do this for you at no cost or obligation.
Step 3: Choose the right academy
You want to look for:
- Experience managing FUNDAE
- Teachers specialized in corporate training
- Flexible schedules and formats (in-person, online, group, one-to-one)
- Personalized materials and real progress tracking
At Languages4Life, every corporate training program starts with a diagnostic meeting and is tailored to your sector, level, and goals.
Step 4: Notify the course start
The course must be reported to FUNDAE at least 7 days before it begins. The academy can (and should) handle this for you.
Step 5: Document the process
- Attendance sheets
- Initial and final assessments
- Content justification
- Participation certificates
All of this is required by FUNDAE to apply the subsidy. Don’t leave it until the end.
Step 6: Apply the subsidy
Once the course is finished, your accountant includes the subsidized amount in social security contributions—and that’s it. The money comes back to you.
Which language courses work best depending on the type of company?
Not everything works. Choosing the right course makes all the difference. Here are some real examples:
For tech companies
- Technical English for development and support
- English for virtual meetings or agile presentations
For retail, tourism or commerce
- French and English for customer service
- Spanish for foreign employees dealing with customers
For management teams
- Advanced Business English
- English for international negotiations
- Intercultural communication
What matters is not just the language, but the approach. A course can be engaging, practical, and 100% applicable if it’s well designed. That’s why we always recommend a prior meeting with HR or managers before proposing a program.
After the course… how do you know it worked?
Measuring impact goes beyond “level achieved.” What matters is how learning translates into real work situations.
What can you observe?
- Does your team respond faster to emails in English?
- Do they participate more in meetings with international clients?
- Are there fewer comprehension errors?
Useful tools
- Entry and exit tests
- Language performance evaluations
- Satisfaction surveys (anonymous or individual)
- Feedback from managers or colleagues
Resources you can start using now
Some essentials we recommend saving:
- Official attendance sheet template
- Step-by-step guide to reporting training
- FUNDAE deadlines calendar (2025)
- Valid certificate example
And if you prefer someone to handle everything, you can contact us directly—no obligation.
Frequently asked questions (even the ones you don’t say out loud)
What if my team doesn’t attend 100%?
The subsidy will be proportional. Absences can be justified if documented, but commitment from the start is key.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Yes, usually the course is paid first, and the subsidy is applied later through social security.
What if I make a mistake?
FUNDAE can revoke the subsidy. That’s why it’s best to rely on experienced professionals.
Is there a limit?
It depends on your company’s annual credit. But even micro-companies have a guaranteed minimum, which is rarely used up if planned well.
Your team can learn languages. And your company can afford it.
Learning English, French, Catalan or Spanish with qualified teachers, personalized materials, and flexible schedules is not an unreachable luxury. It’s a real opportunity that many companies are already taking advantage of, and you can too.
The key is knowing FUNDAE exists, understanding how to use it, and working with professionals who guide you through the process. No complications. No empty promises.
At Languages4Life, we help companies like yours make the most of their available training credit—from diagnosis to subsidy. With classes that are enjoyable, practical, and memorable.
It’s not just about training. It’s about communicating better. Growing. And doing it without overspending.
Shall we help you activate your FUNDAE credit this quarter? Get in touch. We’ve already done the hard part.
