What are the Language Requirements for Citizenship by Naturalisation in Portugal?

Rafael Galhano de Almeida | Lawyer

To obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, legal residency in Portugal for 5 years is required. 

If you are not a national from a Portuguese-speaking country¹, you need to prove your knowledge of the Portuguese language. The goal is to make sure that those who become Portuguese nationals have a basic understanding of the language.

Applicants have the possibility to pass an exam or attend a course to obtain a certificate, as we explain below:

Pass a test:

The Portuguese language test for foreigners is also called CIPLE. For citizenship purposes, the A2 level² is required. 

The CIPLE exam is administered by the CAPLE and can be taken around the world at a variety of various CAPLE-certified centres. In international test centres, the dates for the A2 CIPLE exams typically take place in May, July, and November. 

The CIPLE exam can be taken by anyone over 16 years old. 

For the exam, candidates should take their passport, ID card or residence permit. 

The test lasts 2 hours and is divided into 3 components: reading comprehension and writing production (1h15m, worth 45% of the total grade) listening comprehension (30m, worth 30% of the total grade) oral production (15m, worth 25% of the total grade). 

The final grading is marked as follows:

• Failed (0-54%)
• Sufficient (55-69%)
• Good (70-84%)
• Very good (85-100%)

Therefore, to pass the test you should receive a mark of 55% or higher. 

Normally, it takes about two weeks to get the exam results, which can be done here. 

Attend a course:

If you're seeking a language certificate but prefer not to take the exam, there's a solution available. You can now obtain a certificate confirming your A2 level without the need to pass any language test. However, the applicant to citizenship can obtain the A2 level Portuguese certificate providing proof of attendance in a course for a period of 150 hours in an accredited school or centre in Portugal or in another Portuguese-speaking country.

If you need any further information about existing language schools and courses, or even about how to obtain Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, please feel free to reach out to us, and we will be delighted to assist you.

¹ Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Principe. 

² Level in accordance with CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.