Portuguese Language Requirements for Citizenship: What You Need to Know

For those seeking Portuguese citizenship, language proficiency is a key requirement. The minimum required level is A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, which corresponds to the upper level of a basic user.

Portuguese is widely spoken across several countries. Therefore, applicants for Portuguese citizenship from Portuguese-speaking nations are exempt from this language requirement, as they already possess the necessary proficiency.

In order to fulfil the A2 proficiency requirement, candidates have the option to select from a variety of approaches.

For example, if you have studied Portuguese, whether as a subject or a curricular unit, either as a native or non-native speaker, for a minimum of two years in a recognised educational institution, you can present your qualification certificate to demonstrate your language proficiency. This route is ideal for those aiming to achieve a higher level of Portuguese proficiency, often chosen by international students planning to study in Portugal and seeking to deepen their understanding of the language.

The CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) exam is designed to assess A2 level proficiency. Administered by CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira), the exam is available globally at various CAPLE-certified centres.

The CIPLE exam is open to anyone over 16 and lasts for two hours, divided into three parts:

• Reading comprehension and writing (1 hour 15 minutes, 45% of the total grade)
• Listening comprehension (30 minutes, 30% of the total grade)
• Oral production (15 minutes, 25% of the total grade)

The grading scale is as follows:

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

A score of 55% or higher is required to pass.