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For anyone moving to Portugal, learning Portuguese quickly becomes an important part of settling in. While you can manage daily life without speaking the language at first, gaining even a basic level of Portuguese makes a huge difference.
It helps you connect with the local community, navigate everyday situations with confidence and truly enjoy the culture around you. And if you plan to apply for Portuguese citizenship later, passing a Portuguese language exam will be a required step—making early learning even more valuable.
The Legacy of the Portuguese Language
The Portuguese language has a fascinating historical significance that traces its origins to the Latin speaking during the Roman Empire. Over the centuries, it evolve as a distinct Romance language with influences from various cultures and regions.
During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, Portuguese sailors and explorers plays a significant role in establishing trade routes and colonies around the world. Portugal’s maritime expansion led to the spread of the Portuguese language to countries such as Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, East Timor, and others.
As a result, Portuguese became an official language in these territories and influenced their culture, literature, and administrative systems.
Popularity of the Portuguese Language
The Portuguese language plays a major role in the global linguistic landscape, with around 260 million native speakers worldwide. It ranks as the sixth most spoken language globally and the third most spoken in the Western Hemisphere, following Spanish and English.
Much of its international presence comes from Brazil, home to the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking population. Brazil’s cultural influence, economic growth and global media production continue to drive the spread and visibility of the language.
Portuguese is the official language in the following countries:
- Portugal
- Brazil
- Angola
- Mozambique
- Cape Verde
- Guinea-Bissau
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- East Timor
It is also spoken in regions with historic or modern Portuguese-speaking communities, including Macau, Goa, and parts of the United States and Canada.
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese to Live Portugal?
Although you can manage with English in many parts of Portugal, learning Portuguese language is strongly recommended if you want a truly rewarding experience. Portuguese is the country’s official language and is used in everyday life—whether in public services, education system, workplaces or social settings. Gaining even a basic grasp of the language opens doors and makes daily living much easier.
Learning Portuguese helps you communicate naturally with locals, build genuine connections and feel more at home in your community. It also makes routine tasks far simpler, from shopping and banking to visiting the doctor or handling paperwork.
Beyond the practical advantages, understanding the language gives you a deeper sense of Portugal’s culture. It allows you to enjoy literature, music, cinema and local traditions in a more meaningful way, enriching your overall experience and helping you integrate with confidence.
Where to Learn Portuguese in Portugal
Portugal offers various options for learning Portuguese, including language schools, universities, and cultural institutes. Here are some avenues where you can learn Portuguese in Portugal:
Language Schools
Language schools in Portugal are a great option for expats who want structured, supportive and immersive Portuguese learning. These schools offer courses for all proficiency levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers, often combining classroom lessons with cultural activities to help students integrate more easily.
- Instituto Camões
- CIAL Centro de Línguas
- Lusa Language School
- International House World Organization
Online Courses
If you prefer the flexibility of online learning, there are reputable online platforms that offer Portuguese language courses. Here are a few examples:
- Portuguesepedia
- iTalki
- Babbel
- Rosetta Stone
- Portuguese with Anita
What are the Advantages for Expat Families in Learning Portuguese?
For families relocating to Portugal, learning Portuguese can make a huge difference in settling in and feeling at home. Children entering local schools adjust much more easily when they understand the language. It helps them communicate with teachers, build friendships and feel confident in the classroom.
For parents, speaking Portuguese supports smoother social integration. It becomes easier to connect with neighbours, take part in community activities and build meaningful relationships. Families who learn the language often find themselves feeling included more quickly and enjoying a stronger sense of belonging.
Knowing Portuguese also gives the whole family greater independence. Everyday tasks—shopping, appointments, school meetings and navigating services—become far simpler, allowing everyone to move through daily life with confidence and make the most of their new chapter in Portugal.
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Difference Between Portuguese From Portugal and Brazil
European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese are two variants of the Portuguese language, and while they are mutually intelligible, there are some differences between them. These differences primarily lie in vocabulary, pronunciation, and certain grammatical aspects.
In terms of vocabulary, there are words that have different meanings or usage in each variant. For example, the word “carro” in European Portuguese means “car,” whereas in Brazilian Portuguese it refers to a shopping cart, and “automóvel” is used for “car” in Brazil.
Pronunciation also varies between the two variants. Brazilian Portuguese tends to have a more open vowel pronunciation, while European Portuguese may have more nasal sounds and distinct intonation patterns.
While the grammar remains largely the same, there may be some differences in verb conjugations and the use of certain verb tenses and forms. However, these differences are generally minor and do not hinder mutual comprehension.
It’s important to note that despite these divergences, speakers of European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese can understand each other without major difficulties.
Portuguese Language Test for Citizenship
When applying for Portuguese citizenship, one of the key requirements is demonstrating proficiency in the Portuguese language. You will need to provide the CIPLE (Certificate of Initial Portuguese Language Competence), which is a language exam designed for non-native speakers who want to prove their basic level of Portuguese.
Level A2 represents an elementary level of proficiency. At this level, individuals can understand and use everyday expressions, take part in simple conversations, and manage basic communication needs in Portuguese.
Here you can find the exam details:
CEFR Level: A2
Score scale: 55% – 100%
Nº of components: 4
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: 75,00€
For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.
Certification Levels of Portuguese Language
These levels are commonly aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards, which provide a common basis for language proficiency assessment:
Basic Level
- A1 – Beginner
- A2 – Elementary
Intermediate Level
- B1 – Intermediate
- B2 – Upper-Intermediate
Advanced Level
- C1 – Advanced
- C2 – Proficient/Native-like
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Portugal an English-Speaking Country?
English is widely spoken in many urban and tourist areas—especially in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and among younger people who learn English in school
How difficult is it to learn Portuguese as an expat?
The difficulty of learning Portuguese as an expat can vary depending on your language background and dedication to learning. However, with consistent practice, immersion, and access to language resources, it is definitely achievable.
Is it necessary to learn Portuguese to live in Portugal as an expat?
While many Portuguese people can speak English, learning Portuguese is highly recommended to fully integrate into the culture, make local connections, and navigate daily life more easily.
Is Portuguese spoken similarly in all Portuguese-speaking countries?
There are variations in Portuguese dialects across different countries. While the basics remain the same, pronunciation, vocabulary, and some grammatical differences can exist.
Can I practice Portuguese with locals in Portugal?
Absolutely! Portuguese people are generally friendly and supportive of language learners. Engaging in conversations with locals at markets, cafes, and social events can provide valuable practice opportunities.
What are some effective ways to learn Portuguese as an expat?
Immersion through language exchanges, attending local language schools, using language-learning apps, practicing with native speakers, and engaging with Portuguese media can all be helpful strategies.
Are there online resources available for learning Portuguese?
Yes, there are various online resources such as language-learning websites, mobile apps, podcasts, and YouTube channels that offer Portuguese lessons and practice materials.
How long does it take to become conversational in Portuguese?
The time it takes to become conversational depends on your prior experience with similar languages and how much time you dedicate to learning. With consistent effort, many learners can reach a basic conversational level in 3–6 months.
Are there regional differences in Portuguese accents within Portugal?
Yes, there are noticeable differences. For example, the northern regions like Porto have a stronger and more pronounced accent, while Lisbon and the Algarve have slightly softer and clearer pronunciation.
Can I find Portuguese classes tailored for expats?
Yes, many cities in Portugal offer language classes specifically designed for expats. These include group classes, private tutoring, and courses focusing on conversational Portuguese for daily use.
Will learning Portuguese help me with legal processes and bureaucracy in Portugal?
Absolutely. While some government offices may have English-speaking staff, many processes are conducted primarily in Portuguese. Having a good understanding of the language can make tasks like visa applications, banking, and legal paperwork much smoother.
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