LEGAL INSIGHTS

Language is an essential tool for ensuring that citizens can communicate and integrate fully into Portuguese society. Therefore, for various types of nationality processes, one of the fundamental requirements is to demonstrate a basic level of proficiency in the Portuguese language.

1 – What level is required to prove knowledge of the Portuguese language?

The required level of knowledge of Portuguese corresponds to level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This level of proficiency guarantees that the applicant has a basic understanding of Portuguese and is able to communicate in simple, everyday situations.

2 – How can I prove my knowledge of the Portuguese language?

Currently, within this context, knowledge of the Portuguese language can be proven in one of the following ways:

• Through a Certificate issued by a duly accredited public or private school/university, provided that the holder has successfully attended the curricular unit/discipline of Portuguese or Portuguese as a Non-Mother Tongue for at least two school years;
• Through a certificate of approval in a Portuguese language test carried out in public schools in Portugal, or in remises accredited by Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, I. P., when taken abroad;
• Through a certificate in Portuguese as a foreign language, after taking a test at an assessment centre for Portuguese as a foreign language under an agreement with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation;
• A certificate attesting to the completion of level A2 or higher of the CEFR, issued by a public school, employment and training centre or by external centres under an agreement with the Portuguese Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP);
• By means of a Certificate of Portuguese as a Host Language attesting to the completion of level A2 or higher of the CEFR, issued by a public school or by entities under IEFP’s direct management or by a Qualifica Centre;
• By means of a Certificate of Qualifications attesting to the completion of units of competence/training units in Portuguese which are a part of the curriculum of a qualification from the National Qualifications Catalogue, obtained through dual certification training modalities from the National Qualifications System.

In any case, to be valid before the Portuguese authorities, it is necessary to ensure that the entity responsible for issuing the certificate/diploma is duly accredited for this purpose.

3 – Is proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language compulsory for all types of nationality applications?

No, proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language is not required for some types of applications, namely:

• If you were born in and national of a Portuguese-speaking country (e.g. Brazil, Angola, Mozambique and others);
• If you have been married or in a de facto relationship with a Portuguese citizen for at least 6 years or if you have Portuguese children – in all other situations, you will need to provide proof of an effective connection to the Portuguese community, which can be proven by different means, knowledge of the Portuguese language being just one;
• If you are a direct descendant (child) of a Portuguese citizen.

If you are over 60 years old and cannot read or write, or if you are suffering from serious health issues or have a disability duly proven by a medical certificate, this test must be suit your ability to demonstrate knowledge of the language.

4 – What does the process of assessing knowledge of the Portuguese language consist of?

The assessment process, whether a test or a course, involves oral and written comprehension. Foreign nationals will have to demonstrate that they can understand and use common everyday expressions and phrases.

5 – If I decide to take the Portuguese language exam, what should I expect?

As mentioned above, the exam will include both oral and written comprehension components. There are tests from previous years that you can use to prepare, and you only need a pass rate of 55 per cent. You can repeat the exam as many times as necessary.

If you choose to go ahead with the exam, you should register as soon as possible, as the monthly editions often fill up quickly.

Generally, the results are available to you in about two (2) weeks, after which time you can collect your certificate/diploma.

If you are looking to apply for Portuguese citizenship, please reach out to us at geral@sbpslegal.com.