Yes, your company can train its team in languages… and save money doing it.
In many teams, there’s plenty of motivation to learn English, French, Spanish, or Catalan — what’s often missing is time, organisation, or budget. Or at least, that’s how it seems.
The truth is, many companies still don’t know that they can train their teams with high-quality, customised language courses without feeling the financial impact. All thanks to a tool that already exists, is legal, accessible, and called FUNDAE.
If you’re not using it, it’s like having a gift card you’ve never activated.
In this article, we’ll explain why subsidised training is one of the smartest ways to boost productivity and communication in your team. And yes, it’s also a real way to save money without cutting back.
We’ll skip the jargon and explain how it works, what you can subsidize, which courses truly work, and how to avoid common mistakes — all with real examples, clear steps, and in plain language.
Why you should keep reading (even if you have a small team)
This isn’t about complex grants nobody understands — it’s about real opportunities many companies overlook simply because they don’t know it exists.
Here’s what you’ll find:
- What FUNDAE is and how it can cover your team’s training costs.
- How to choose the right subsidised language courses for your employees, based on your industry and goals.
- A step-by-step guide to using FUNDAE without drowning in paperwork.
- FAQs that clear up common doubts.
- And most importantly: how to get your team involved and motivated so they enjoy the process, instead of seeing it as an obligation.
This guide is for those who know that learning languages matters, but aren’t sure where to start. Here you’ll find the how, why, and when — all in one place.
What is FUNDAE and how can it help your company train at no extra cost?
Imagine your company could deduct part or all of the cost of your employees’ language training directly from your Social Security payments.
It’s not fiction — it’s exactly what the FUNDAE training program allows.
What is FUNDAE?
FUNDAE stands for ‘Fundación Estatal para la Formación en el Empleo’. It works with SEPE (the Spanish Public Employment Service) and enables companies that contribute to professional training to recover part of what they invest in employee education.
In short: if your company pays Social Security contributions, it already has training credit available — and that credit can be used to pay for language courses.
Who can benefit?
- Any company with employees registered under the general Social Security system.
- Company size doesn’t matter — even with just two employees, you already have a base credit.
- Self-employed professionals with employees can also apply.
Why investing in languages through FUNDAE is a smart move?
Speaking other languages opens doors, reduces errors, improves customer service, speeds up processes, and boosts team motivation — and with FUNDAE, you can do it without increasing your budget.
Benefits for the company:
- Fewer mistakes in emails and calls with international clients.
- More independence in meetings or trade fairs.
- Improved brand image and reputation.
- Better internal communication in multicultural teams.
- Stronger employee retention — real training motivates
Benefits for employees:
- Greater confidence when communicating in other languages.
- Better career opportunities (promotions, project leadership).
- More tools for travel, networking, and personal growth.
How to make the most of FUNDAE (step by step, without stress)
Yes, there’s paperwork — but it’s not complicated if you know where to start. And it’s even easier if you work with a training center that handles it for you.
Step 1: Identify your team’s language needs
Not everyone needs the same thing.
- Does your sales rep need English for negotiations?
- Does a new hire need to improve their Spanish?
- Do you operate in Catalonia and want to reinforce Catalan?
Start with a simple, informal audit. Ask, observe, and plan ahead.
Step 2: Calculate your available credit
Your accountant can help, or you can use the FUNDAE online simulator.
If you prefer not to deal with it, a reliable academy can calculate it for you — free of charge and with no commitment.
Step 3: Choose the right academy
Look for:
- Centers experienced in managing FUNDAE.
- Trainers specialized in corporate learning.
- Flexible formats and schedules (in-person, online, group, or individual).
- Personalised materials and real progress tracking.
At Languages4Life, every corporate training plan starts with a diagnostic meeting and is fully adapted to the company’s sector, level, and goals.
Step 4: Notify the course start
The course must be registered with FUNDAE at least 7 days before it begins.
Your academy can (and should) take care of this. There’s free technical support available, but it’s best to leave it to professionals who have done it many times before.
Step 5: Document everything
- Keep records of:
- Attendance sheets.
- Initial and final evaluations.
- Course content and justifications.
- Participation certificates.
FUNDAE requires this documentation before the reimbursement can be applied. Don’t leave it for the end.
Step 6: Apply the reimbursement
Once the course is finished, your accountant includes the bonus amount in your Social Security payments — and that’s it. The money comes back to you.
Which language courses work best for each type of company?
Not all courses are equally effective — choosing the right one makes all the difference.
For tech companies:
- Technical English for development and support.
- English for online meetings or presentations.
For retail, tourism, and hospitality:
- French or English for customer service.
- Spanish for foreign employees who work with the public.
For management teams:
- Advanced Business English.
- English for international negotiation.
- Cross-cultural communication.
The key isn’t just the language — it’s the focus. A well-designed course can be enjoyable, practical, and 100% applicable.
That’s why we always recommend a diagnostic meeting with HR or department heads before designing a program.
How to measure results after the course?
Training impact goes beyond language level — what really matters is how that learning translates into daily work.
Ask yourself:
- Is your team responding faster to emails in English?
- Do they participate more in meetings with international clients?
- Are there fewer misunderstandings?
Useful tools:
- Entry and exit tests.
- Language performance evaluations.
- Satisfaction surveys.
- Feedback from managers and colleagues.
Resources to help you get started
Here are a few essentials to keep handy:
- Official attendance sheet template.
- Step-by-step guide for notifying FUNDAE.
- 2025 FUNDAE deadlines calendar.
- Example of a valid course certificate.
And if you prefer to have everything managed for you, contact us — no commitment needed.
Common questions (even the ones you haven’t asked)
What if my team doesn’t attend 100% of the classes?
The bonus will be proportional. Absences can be justified if properly documented.
Do I need to pay upfront?
Yes. The company pays first and then applies the reimbursement through Social Security.
What if something goes wrong?
FUNDAE may revoke the reimbursement. That’s why it’s best to work with experts who know the process inside out.
Is there a limit?
It depends on your company’s annual credit, but even small businesses have a guaranteed minimum. Proper planning ensures you don’t lose it.
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 isn’t a luxury — it’s a real possibility many companies are already using. And so can you.
The key is to know that FUNDAE exists, understand how to use it, and work with professionals who make the process simple and transparent.
At Languages4Life, we help companies like yours make the most of their available training credit — from diagnosis to reimbursement — with courses that are engaging, practical, and effective.
It’s not just about training.
It’s about communicating better, growing faster, and doing it without spending more.
Ready to activate your FUNDAE credit this quarter?
Get in touch — we’ve already mastered the hard part.
