Portuguese language test for Citizenship

Proving basic knowledge of the Portuguese language is required from every applicant for either permanent residency or citizenship. You will need to have lived in the country for 3-5+ years before they are eligible for Portuguese citizenship and need to take the Portuguese test.

You will need to take the Portuguese language test regardless of the route you are taking to obtain residency, with the exception of those who have already passed the test for permanent residence.

Under the Foreigners' Law, the applicant for a permanent residence permit must prove a foundational knowledge of "basic Portuguese". AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum) declare that if an applicant cannot pass the basic Portuguese test, they can only be granted a temporary residence permit. This provides the applicant with the right to stay in Portugal until they can meet the requirement.

If the temporary residence permit is a Golden Visa, the original investment will still need to be in place for the permit to be renewed every 2 years.

Applicants will need to pass an A2 level proficiency in the Portuguese test, (in accordance with CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The Portuguese test is only valid for an application when issued by one of the following institutions:

• An accredited school in Portugal or in another Portuguese-speaking country
• IEFP (Portugal's Institute for Employment and Professional Training)
• An accredited centre for evaluating the knowledge of Portuguese as a foreign language
  

The CEFR A2 level is that of a way-stage or elementary proficiency, in accordance with an assessment grid. The A2 level Portuguese test for foreigners is also called CIPLE; the CIPLE consists of social communication, written and oral texts and an understanding of speech acts, themes and more. 

The written component may be waived for over-60-year-old people who are illiterate and for seriously ill or handicapped people. The CIPLE Portuguese test demonstrates a general knowledge and ability to interact in basic day-to-day circumstances. In addition, under 10-year old children and people having special needs may request that the test be adapted to their circumstances.

Young people or applicants under 18 years old may not be required to take the Portuguese language test at a registered centre or facility if they attend a school that can provide a declaration of proficiency. The declaration will need to be written and provided with the application.

Alternatively, a witness can provide a written declaration to certify a minor’s language proficiency. If approved, this will mean the under 18-year-old will not be required to take the Portuguese test. 

The teaching of the Portuguese language is promoted internationally by Portugal's Camões Institute, which has Protocols of Cooperation with several universities around the world. There are Portuguese language resources available online, designed to help applicants pass the Portuguese test. We have also compiled some of the best resources and mock-tests to use in our resource centre. There is an officially accredited course that meets the requirements.

The Portuguese test should not be underestimated. Although you only need to prove a basic knowledge, it would be wise to prepare and practice for the test as it is part of the complex process of applying for Portuguese citizenship.