Learning Portuguese can be a rewarding experience.

Certainly! Digital nomads and other individuals are often intrigued by learning Portuguese. For nomads, proficiency in Portuguese can significantly enhance their travel experiences, enabling them to connect with locals, immerse themselves in the culture, and navigate Portuguese-speaking destinations effortlessly. However, the appeal of learning Portuguese isn’t limited to just nomads. Language enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and those curious about the diverse Portuguese-speaking world all find compelling reasons to embark on this linguistic journey. Whether exploring the globe or simply seeking to broaden your horizons, mastering Portuguese can open doors to new connections, cultural insights, and profound experiences.

The Portuguese passport is becoming increasingly popular. A massive reason is that it permits you to move freely through any

. Many people want access to a Portuguese passport. For example, you may have a Portuguese parent or have lived in Portugal for more than five years.

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A strong desire for freedom often arises in a busy world of daily routines and societal pressures. We become fascinated by the exciting appeal of unfamiliar places, the mysterious call of undiscovered destinations, and the life-changing influence of travel. In these instances, we awaken the spirit of the unconventional traveler — the wanderer who desires to explore the world and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal freedom.

Therefore, learning Portuguese is a good idea if you expect to live in Portugal or a Portuguese-speaking country.

The requirements for citizenship depend upon the route to citizenship you are eligible. For many people, the condition is that you have at least an A2 level in the Portuguese language. 

Do you wish moving to Portugal was a little more simple? 

Big decisions mean things typically are not straightforward. So, due to my struggles, I figured I would outline things to make them less complex. 

Who might want to learn Portuguese?

• Those with a Portuguese grandparent
• Those applying for citizenship through naturalization 
• Those with a Portuguese partner or spouse 

Permanent residency in learning Portuguese is often required, mainly if the applicant is outside the EU. Even if learning the language is not a requirement, it demonstrates a tie or link to Portuguese and Portuguese culture, which is very important to those who make these decisions.

In Portugal, the language requirement is an A2 level of Portuguese. Therefore, this is situated on the CEFR scale but referenced as CIPLE on Portugal’s CAPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) program. 

How Challenging is Learning Portuguese at the A2 Level?

Dismiss all the individuals who suggest that understanding a language is effortless or you can learn Portuguese in 30 days if you buy their book. 

Learning a language takes a significant amount of time and effort. 

However, with this stated, the A2 Level is a highly achievable task. It takes approximately 200 hours, which sounds like a lot. How many hours per day you are willing to devote will determine how quickly you will master the language.

You could accomplish it in anywhere from 2-6 months. It would help if you also had a 55% or higher score to pass. 

It is not necessary to reside in Portugal to learn Portuguese, either. There are numerous online courses like the A1 & A2 levels of the Portuguese Master Course. Resources like iTalki can help you find tutors to practice. 

If it still sounds complex, remember this: Germany, France, and the UK require a B1 level in their respective languages, which would mean an extra 150-200 hours of additional learning. 

Suddenly, Portugal’s language condition does not sound so alarming. 

Learn Portuguese with these Courses & Resources

• Portuguese Master Course – A1-B2 European Portuguese video-based courses
• Plataforma de Português Online – Free vocabulary resource for A1 – B2 European Portuguese
• The Journey – A1 and A2 European Portuguese materials
• Portuguese Lab Academy – European Portuguese material

You can see a complete list of European Portuguese Courses & Textbooks here. 

Of course, plenty of language schools and tutors in Portugal and worldwide can also help. Lisbon, for example, has many language schools and tutors. 

The Portuguese Exam

The exam consists of 3 parts: 

• Reading & Writing (1 hour 15 minutes) – Worth 45% of the test. The questions are primarily multiple choice with a few short-form written answers. 
• Listening (30 minutes) – Worth 30% of the test. 
• Speaking (10-15 minutes) – Worth 25% of the test. Therefore, this is usually done as part of a small group and varies in format. You must typically answer at least one question, such as about yourself. The expectation is you will be able to answer the question in as much detail as possible. Rest assured, you will not speak the whole test period because other people are in the group.

To pass, you must score a minimum of 55%. 

You can find your nearest CAPLE-certified testing center or the IEFP center. You can find around 100 testing centers in more than 35 countries. There are several testing centers in Portugal. 

A2 (or CIPLE) exams occur every few months and are much more frequent than higher-level language courses. You can discover the next test date here. 

Currently, the exam costs €72. In Portugal, payments occur by Multibanco or bank transfer, so it’s a good idea to allow at least a day for the price to process. 

Typically, it takes two weeks to get your results, and you can check them here. However, expect to receive the certificate in around 4-6 weeks. 

Therefore, this can take around 6-8 weeks, slowing down a citizenship application process. For this reason, taking the exam as soon as you are ready is a good idea. 

Preparing for the exam

Firstly, the recommendation is to work through a course or textbook covering A1 & A2 European Portuguese. Some methods are robust in one area (e.g., listening), so ensure you cover all language material. However, it would help if you practiced listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It’s also a sound idea to focus on Portuguese grammar. 

Past exam papers can be difficult to obtain, but there is one example on the University of Lisbon website: 

• MP3 Audio
• Compreensão do Oral
• Compreensão da Leitura e Produção e Interação Escritas

However, Lidel has a book of past papers, which includes one per Portuguese language level.

FAQs

Must I take a Portuguese language exam?

Yes, you must have a certificate to show you have an A2 level education of Portuguese (or higher) unless you are from a Portuguese-speaking country like Mozambique or Brazil. 

Do I need to take the A2 exam if I already have a Portuguese language education higher than A2?

If you earned a B1, B2, C1, or C2 certificate, you are not required to sit for the A2 exam. 

Is Portugal dismissing the language requirement?

In December 2019, the Portuguese Parliament debated removing the language requirement. It did not ensue. There are still dialogues about the requirements. However, it appears doubtful it will change anytime soon. You are better off learning Portuguese to pass the requirements of the exam. 

Do people applying for citizenship via the Golden Visa need to take the test?

You do not need to take the test to get a temporary residency in Portugal. Still, you need a certificate showing you have A2 Portuguese or higher if you apply for citizenship or permanent residence. 

Must I take the A1 AND the A2 exam?

No, it is only necessary to take the A2 exam. 

Do under-18s need to show an A2 level of Portuguese?

A school’s declaration of proficiency may be enough if they attend a Portuguese school. 

Are there any exemptions from taking the language requirement?

The provision may excuse people over 60 who are mentally disabled, illiterate, or seriously ill. Children under ten and anyone with a need can be asked to adjust the test to their conditions.

The Atypical Last Word

When I first came to Portugal, I thought I would pass up learning Portuguese. Discussions on many occasions were strained as I interacted with the Portuguese. I would visit coffee shops and try to have a discussion. However, there was a gap in the vocabulary we could use to communicate. While I could order an expresso and snack on a croissant misto, I knew there was more to living in Portugal.

Therefore, I took the time to learn Portuguese at the university. The class was an intensive 4-week A1 class at Coimbra University. However, I will continue studying at the university in the fall. Follow my journey as I better understand the Portuguese language and culture.

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