If you are applying for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence you may need to provide evidence of A2-level Portuguese language skills. The first that comes to many applicants’ minds is the CIPLE exam.

But the CIPLE test is not always required. Portuguese law also recognizes other forms of proof of language proficiency, including the completion of an approved Portuguese language course.

This could be a practical alternative for those who prefer learning through regular classes rather than preparing for a single examination.

Can You Get Portuguese Citizenship Without Taking the CIPLE Exam?

Yes. The CIPLE exam is one accepted means of proving Portuguese language skills but not the only one.

Under Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006, applicants may be required to demonstrate their language skills by obtaining various recognized qualifications, including certificates obtained through approved Portuguese language training.

Another choice is the Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA) program, which stands for Portuguese as a Host Language.

In general, candidates who successfully complete an eligible course and obtain a recognized A2 certificate can use this to meet the language requirement without having to sit the CIPLE examination.

This does not imply the waiver of the Portuguese language requirement. This means only that the applicant can show he/she has the required knowledge with another accepted qualification.

What Is an A2 Portuguese Language Course?

A2 Portuguese is a basic course, which aims to teach you the communication skills you need for your daily life: talking to your neighbors, visiting public services, shopping or taking care of your administrative routine.

The PLA programme is designed for foreign nationals learning Portuguese and follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Courses generally cover listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students are assessed throughout their training and must successfully complete the required learning units to obtain certification.

A recognised PLA certificate confirming A2 proficiency can be used as proof of Portuguese language knowledge for nationality applications and, where applicable, permanent residence.

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How Long Does an A2 Portuguese Course Take?

Many PLA programmes covering both A1 and A2 levels involve approximately 150 hours of training.

For example, someone attending six hours of classes per week could complete 150 hours in around 25 weeks. An intensive schedule of ten hours per week would take approximately 15 weeks.

The actual length of the course will depend on the training provider, the timetable and the applicant’s existing skills in the Portuguese language.

Existing students with a recognised A1 certificate may only need to undertake the A2 part.

Before you sign up, check that the programme offers an officially recognised certificate and not just a certificate of attendance.

Can You Complete an A2 Portuguese Course Online?

There are Portuguese language courses online, however not all online programmes give certification accepted for nationality or permanent residence.

This distinction is important.

A private language school may offer excellent Portuguese lessons and issue its own A2 certificate. However, that certificate is not necessarily recognised by the Portuguese authorities.

Before paying for an online course, ask the provider whether the qualification is issued under an officially recognised training framework and whether it can be used for Portuguese nationality applications.

It is also worth confirming whether attendance is compulsory, how assessments are conducted and whether any in-person activities are required.

Where Can You Obtain a Recognized A2 Certificate?

Recognized Portuguese language training may be available through public schools, IEFP training centres and authorised training programmes, including PLA courses delivered through eligible educational and training institutions.

The IEFP and Centros Qualifica are useful starting points for finding available programmes.

You can also find Portuguese language preparation with private providers, but applicants should check the legal status of the final certificate before enrolling.

A school’s assertion that its course is suitable for citizenship should not replace verification of the qualification’s official recognition.

How Much Does an A2 Portuguese Course Cost?

The price of a Portuguese A2 language course will depend on the school, the type of course and the amount of personal attention you receive.

Usually, these options are offered by private accredited programmes for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency applications:

Course TypeTypical Cost
Small group coursesAround €4,000
Private coursesUp to €13,000

Group courses are typically less expensive and students learn with others in a structured lesson. Private lessons are more flexible, allowing you to adapt the schedule to your needs and learning preferences.

These programmes may be expensive but they may attract applicants who would prefer to study a structured course rather than take the CIPLE examination.

Before you enrol, make sure the school offers an officially recognised A2 certificate that is accepted for the application of Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency.

CIPLE Exam vs A2 Portuguese Course: Which Is Better?

The best option depends on your current language skills, availability and preferred learning method.

CIPLE ExamRecognized A2 Course
Suitable for applicants who already speak basic PortugueseSuitable for applicants who prefer structured learning
Requires preparation for a formal examinationRequires attendance and successful completion of training
Can be faster if an exam place is availableUsually takes several weeks or months
Results depend on exam performanceCertification depends on completing the approved programme
Recognized examination certificateRecognized course certificate, where eligible

If you are already a comfortable Portuguese speaker, taking the examination may be the fastest route.

If you are starting from scratch, you might find a structured course is a better fit, especially if you like to learn in stages.

For details about the examination itself, including its format and preparation, see our CIPLE Portuguese Language Test Guide.

Does the A2 Certificate Work for Permanent Residency?

Depending on the rules in force, a recognized A2 Portuguese language certificate may also be sufficient to fulfilll the Portuguese language requirement for Portuguese permanent residence or long-term resident status.

Applicants should check the certificate is acceptable for their procedure before enrolling on a course.

What Our Clients Say

Tim Evans
Tim EvansUSA
We began working with Portugal Residency Advisors (PRA) in April 2024 to consider residency in Portugal. Pedro Branco and Beatriz Garcia provided critical incite and information in helping us decide how best to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa Program. The most wonderful thing was that their advice was completely independent and they were not trying to sell us any investment scheme that they would benefit PRA. They provided professional advice and let us decide what worked best for us. We completed the process in less than two months. I highly recommend that you talk with them regardless of who you have talked with already.
Phyllis Kynas
Phyllis KynasCanada
My experience with Portugal Residency Advisors has been exceptionally good. Pedro Branco (client manager) provided me with clearly set out details of their services and costs and timeline. Right from the start, Beatriz Garcia (immigration lawyer) has promptly set out clearly what steps I needed to take for my visa application. She was always helpful and supportive (when I was feeling stressed by the process) and guided me through it with patience and a quick response. Portugal Residency Advisors took me through a complicated and detailed process efficiently and clearly, and I am sure that it would have taken me much longer, and with much more stress, without them.
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Lyssa AdkinsUSA
I recommend to Beatriz Garcia and Portugal Residency Advisors completely. They helped us with our immigration meetings scheduling and preparation. I am quite sure that without Beatriz we would still be waiting for our immigration appointment. The onboarding process and documents collection process was incredibly smooth and professional.
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Chyntia SuttonUSA
The best team of immigration attorneys in Portugal! Pedro and Fernanda were so attentive to every single question, nothing was too small or too big to handle for them. They guided us through every stage to the point of arrival in Portugal. They continue to be available to us whenever we have questions. We highly recommend them and we will add their contact information on one of our podcast episode as well. Thank you for your excellent expertise!
Ann-Marie Giustibelli
Ann-Marie GiustibelliUSA
Beatriz and Pedro were professional, kind most importantly (to me) is they were effective. They promptly answered all of my questions; even after my case was finished. I would hire them again in a second!
Francis Miles
Francis MilesUK
Pedro helped us through the legal minefield when purchasing a property in Portugal, along with the residency aspects as well. He is always on call, professional and extremely patient, and we are happy to recommend him and his company.
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Andrew SymonsUK
Portugal Residency Advisors provided an excellent service. They took control of the whole residence permit application process, explained to me what was going on, gathered and presented all the required documentation. I received my permit 20 days after the application.
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Mehmet KidmanTurkey
They are a highly successful team that you can completely trust and always get support from throughout our residency application process. We were very pleased with their immediate support regarding our issues.
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Alejandro CastellanoSpain
Thank you, Pedro, for making my experience of moving to Portugal so lovely!
Piero Colafranceschi
Piero ColafranceschiItaly
Perfect assistance all along the process!

Getting Help With Portuguese Citizenship

Whether to take the CIPLE exam or an A2 Portuguese language course is only part of the preparation of a nationality application.

Portugal Residency Advisors helps foreign nationals get Portuguese residency and citizenship, including eligibility assessment, document and application preparation.

If you are considering applying for nationality, our team can help you to understand the requirements that apply and prepare the documentation.

For more information about the different nationality pathways, visit our Portuguese Citizenship Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Candidates who need to prove knowledge of the Portuguese language can use other legally recognized qualifications, eg an eligible certificate of A2 Portuguese language course.

A recognized PLA program for A1 and A2 may comprise 150 hours of training. But it’s not just about the number of hours. The certificate should be issued under an accepted framework and meet the required proficiency.

Some providers offer online learning. However, applicants should check the official recognition of the program and the final certificate for the purposes of Portuguese nationality.

Not automatically. Acceptance depends on the qualification, the issuing institution and the legal framework under which the certificate was issued.

It depends on the applicant. A course is something that students can take to learn and be assessed over time. The CIPLE requires passing a formal examination. Both require knowledge of Portuguese language in sufficient quantities.

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