Becoming a Portuguese citizen is a goal that many people dream of achieving. And while it’s certainly not an impossible reach, there are a few challenges you’ll need to overcome when applying for Portuguese citizenship.
One of those challenges is the Portugal citizenship language test. While the test is not remarkably difficult, you will want to prepare and study a bit to pass.
We want to share some advice with you on how you can successfully pass this test and get well on your way to becoming a citizen of sunny Portugal.
The Portugal citizenship language test is a requirement for anyone applying for the citizenship and its purpose is to evaluate your proficiency in Portuguese.
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate their ability to understand, speak, read, and write in Portuguese at an A2 level.
A certified Portuguese language test instructor conducts the test, and you must pass to move forward with the citizenship application process.
Typically, the Portugal language test takes around two hours to complete, and the test results are returned to you in around two weeks. It has a cost of €72, which you can pay via MULTIBANCO (only in Portugal) or bank transfer.
You can take the test in a number of CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira) certified language centers all over the world. You can find the list here.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognized system that rates an individual’s proficiency in a given language from A1 to C2.
A2 is considered a “basic” level of proficiency, meaning that an individual at this level can perform simple, everyday tasks in the language. This would include introducing oneself, asking and answering simple questions, and understanding basic phrases and expressions.
Four areas are covered on the language test:
The best way to prepare for the Portuguese citizenship language test is to study! Make sure you brush up on your grammar and vocabulary through exercises. Reading in Portuguese would help greatly with the reading comprehension part. For the oral expression, try actively speaking in Portuguese, especially with someone who’s fluent.
Several resources are available to help you study for the test, including books, online courses and websites like Instituto Camões. In addition to studying, it’s also a good idea to practice taking unofficial Portugal language tests. This will help you get familiar with the format of the test and the types of questions that will be asked.
The passing score for the test is 55%. Oral comprehension is 30%, reading and writing is 40% and oral expression 30%.
If you don’t pass the citizenship language test, don’t worry! You can take the test again. Make sure you study hard and give yourself enough time to prepare before taking it a second time. And in the meantime, you can legally live in Portugal with your temporary residence permit until you pass.
You’ll need to bring a few documents to take the Portuguese citizenship language test. These include your passport, ID and residence permit.
Everyone above 18 must prove their language proficiency before being granted Portuguese citizenship, meaning that mostly everyone will need to take the test. However, there are some exceptions, including:
No, there is no language test requirement for the Portugal Golden Visa program. While there are other requirements for being granted the a Golden Visa, a language test is not one of them.
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12 Responses
I have a GCSE in Portuguese can this be recognized?
Hi!
No. Only certificates from Portuguese schools allow you to not take the Portuguese test for citizenship.
I have heard conflicting information about the exact requirements for Portuguese citizenship, specifically regarding proficiency of the Portuguese language. Your site references CIPLE test requirement exceptions for people greater than 60 years and for persons having completed classes beyond A2. Can you provide a link to a Portuguese government website or regulations that reference these exceptions?
Hi David! Here you go: https://justica.gov.pt/Como-obter-nacionalidade-portuguesa/Reside-legalmente-em-Portugal-ha-pelo-menos-5-anos
https://www.instituto-camoes.pt/activity/o-que-fazemos/aprender-portugues/certificacao-de-aprendizagens/certificacao-ple
My husband and I have been married for 6 years and we live outside of Portugal. Would he need to pass a language proficiency test? Thank you.
Hi Isabel! In order for him to get citizenship, yes, he still needs to pass the language proficiency test.
I have heard from different sources that even if you are married to a Portuguese citizen, you still must pass the A2 CIPLE exam for citizenship. Can you please confirm?
Hello. It is not mandatory at all, only one of many ways through which you can prove your connection to the Portuguese community, but there are a lot of others. Official government source here: https://justica.gov.pt/Como-obter-nacionalidade-portuguesa/E-casado-ou-vive-em-uniao-de-facto-com-um-portugues-ha-mais-de-3-anos
Hi, my family and I have been living in Portugal for over 7 years. Do we need to take the Ciple language test if we are applying for citizenship through naturalisation?
Thank you
Hi Jade! Yes, you still need to take the test. You can check the law here: https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/lei/1981-34536975
Thank you.
Hi,
I will be 71 years young this year and my wife will be 69.
We are UK passport holders but have been residents in Portugal for over 7 years now and would like to apply for citizenship.
Can you please confirm that because of our age we will not have to take the CEFR – A2 and where and how do we start the application process?
All help greatly appreciated
Hi Alfred!
We have made the correction on the article: age is not an exemption from the exam. You can either start the citizenship process online, with a lawyer (at https://nacionalidadeonline.justica.gov.pt/) or in person, at various locations, which you can check out here https://eportugal.gov.pt/en-GB/servicos/pedir-a-nacionalidade-portuguesa. Thank you and good luck!