The Portuguese language requirement for citizenship
Portuguese citizenship requires A2 Portuguese, a basic level, and the 2026 Nationality Law adds knowledge of Portuguese culture, history and civic life. A2 can be proven by passing the CIPLE exam, which can be taken abroad, or by completing an accredited course, with no separate exam.
- A2The level required: basic, everyday Portuguese
- 150 hoursAn accredited A1 and A2 course for residents of Portugal, which proves the level without a separate exam
- 3CIPLE exam sessions a year at centres outside Portugal
What does Portuguese citizenship require in language?
An applicant for Portuguese citizenship must prove A2 Portuguese, the second of the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference: enough to handle everyday situations. Nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language are presumed to meet it.¹
The Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026 also asks for knowledge of Portuguese culture, history and national symbols, and of citizens’ rights and duties and the political organisation of the State, proven “by test or certificate”.² Language is the part that takes preparation; it is also the part with established, well-tested routes.
Has the new culture and civic test been set out yet?
Not as of early October 2026. The law gave the Government 90 days to adapt the Nationality Regulation, and no amendment setting the format of the new test has been found published. Until it is, the established routes for proving A2, below, are the ones in force.
For a Golden Visa holder, citizenship is a 10-year horizon from the first residence card, which leaves years to prepare for both parts.
How can I prove A2 Portuguese?
There are four accepted routes. The two used most by foreign adults are the CIPLE exam and an accredited course.³
| Route | What it is | Exam? | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| CIPLE exam | The official A2 certificate of Portuguese as a foreign language, set by CAPLE at the University of Lisbon with Camões | Yes: reading and writing, listening, and a short oral | In Portugal and at CAPLE centres abroad |
| Accredited course | Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA): a 150-hour A1 and A2 course from IEFP, a public school, Centros Qualifica or an accredited partner | No separate exam: the course ends with its own assessment | In Portugal, in person, online or mixed |
| School certificate | Portuguese passed in at least two school years at a recognised school, or schooling in a Portuguese-speaking country | No | Any recognised school |
| Public-school test | A language test run at a public school in Portugal or at a Camões-accredited place abroad | Yes | Portugal and abroad |
Is there a way to prove A2 without an exam?
Yes, for people living in Portugal. A certificate of A2 or higher from an accredited Portuguese Língua de Acolhimento course proves the language for citizenship, with no CIPLE exam needed; the IEFP’s A1 and A2 path is 150 hours and ends with the course’s own assessment.⁴
The courses are designed for residents of Portugal, and enrolment generally asks for proof of address and of legal residence; holders who live abroad will usually take the CIPLE exam instead. Private providers also offer these courses, some online: before enrolling, check that the certificate is issued by, or under protocol with, IEFP, a public school or a Centro Qualifica, and is registered in the national qualifications system (SIGO).
Can I take the CIPLE exam outside Portugal?
Yes. CAPLE runs three CIPLE sessions a year at centres outside Portugal, in 2026 in May, July and November, and around nine a year in Portugal. The next session abroad is on 5 November 2026, with registration closing on 20 October; each centre sets its own places.⁵
The fee is set by each centre, about €85 to €95 in 2026. Results arrive about eight weeks after the exam, and the certificate a few weeks later. Sessions can fill up, so it is worth registering early.
How long does it take to reach A2?
The accredited course takes learners through A1 and A2 in 150 hours. General estimates, made for English, put A2 at around 180 to 200 hours of guided learning from zero.⁶
Spread over the years before a citizenship application, that is a few hours a week. Many holders take lessons online from home and sit CIPLE once they are ready.
Are there exceptions?
Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries are presumed to know the language, though not the new culture and civic content. Applicants aged 60 or over who cannot read or write, and people with serious health conditions or disabilities, take a test adapted to their capacity.⁷
¹ Regulamento da Nacionalidade (Decreto-Lei 237-A/2006, as amended by Decreto-Lei 26/2022), Art. 25.º; Lei 37/81, Art. 6.º, n.º 10, as amended by Lei Orgânica 1/2026.
² Lei 37/81, Art. 6.º, n.º 1, c) and d), as amended by Lei Orgânica 1/2026.
³ Regulamento da Nacionalidade, Art. 25.º, n.º 2; Direção-Geral da Educação.
⁴ Portaria 183/2020; ANQEP and IEFP, Português Língua de Acolhimento.
⁵ CAPLE and its exam centres, 2026 calendars.
⁶ Cambridge guided-learning-hours estimates, as published by the British Council; indicative.
⁷ Regulamento da Nacionalidade, Art. 25.º, n.º 6.
Sources: Lei Orgânica 1/2026 (Nationality Law) · Decreto-Lei 26/2022 (Nationality Regulation, Art. 25.º) · Direção-Geral da Educação, language proof for nationality · ANQEP, Português Língua de Acolhimento · IEFP, Português para Todos · CAPLE, exam centres · Universidade do Algarve, CAPLE exam fees · British Council, CEFR levels.
Keep exploring
Updated 9 October 2026 · Cascais Ventures · Primary sources linked on this page (links checked 9 October 2026)