As part of Portugal’s process of obtaining citizenship through investment, you must take (and pass) the Portugal Golden Visa language test. Known as the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira), the A2 language test is a beginner-level Portuguese language proficiency certificate designed for foreign speakers and is necessary for most routes to citizenship.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the Portuguese citizenship language test, including what to expect, how difficult it is, and where to take it.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
What is the CIPLE Portugal citizenship language test?
The CIPLE Portuguese proficiency test is a mandatory Portuguese language exam for those who want to become Portuguese citizens. It is one of the Portuguese citizenship requirements and it assesses a foundational understanding of Portuguese, focusing on basic reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills necessary for daily interactions.
The CIPLE test is structured to evaluate the level A2 proficiency in Portuguese according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This certificate can be pursued through various accredited language institutions in Portugal and is generally accessible to learners at the start of their Portuguese language journey, confirming their ability to manage basic conversational and everyday scenarios.
Even if you are not seeking citizenship, it is a great way to test your knowledge if you are planning on relocating to Portugal or a Portuguese-speaking country.
Who has to take the Portuguese citizenship language test?
According to Portuguese legislation, anyone eligible for Portuguese nationality, including Portugal Golden Visa holders, must take the CIPLE exam, with a few exceptions.
Some people become eligible for citizenship through marriage to a Portuguese national or naturalization, and others through the residency-by-investment program (ARI – Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento), commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa.
Applicants do not have to take a language test to obtain a residency permit, although they must complete it to gain citizenship and a Portuguese passport. The Portuguese language test for citizenship can be adapted for children under the age of ten and those with learning difficulties or other special needs.
Portuguese Citizenship Language Test Requirements
CIPLE exam structure
The A2 CIPLE Portuguese language exam is two hours long and comprises three parts:
30 percent: Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of simple, short sentences and basic everyday conversation.
40 percent: In the reading comprehension test, candidates are expected to understand simple written texts, usually in informal dialogue, informative texts, news, or short stories, and answer questions relating to these texts to demonstrate comprehension. In the written exam, candidates are expected to compose a short text using everyday phrases and expressions of frequent use. This is usually a short text about yourself or others and your feelings and thoughts.
25 percent: A 10-15 minute oral expression exam is usually done with two candidates simultaneously. The oral expression test requires candidates to use simple everyday phrases with basic structures and interact on topics and images to show language proficiency.
Required documents for the CIPLE exam
You must take a passport, ID card, or residence permit to the exam.
How much does the CIPLE exam cost?
The CIPLE exam costs €72. It can be paid via MULTIBANCO (only within Portugal) or via bank transfer, and it must be completed at least 24 hours before the exam.
Requirements for Children
Do children need to take the CIPLE Portuguese language test?
The Regulation of the Portuguese Nationality Law states that candidates for the Portuguese language test cannot be younger than the legal age required for completing compulsory schooling on the test date.
If a child has not completed the first cycle of basic education in an educational establishment with the Portuguese curriculum, sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language can be proven by having a declaration issued by an education or teaching establishment of Portuguese.
Put simply, when the parents obtain Portuguese citizenship by residency, they can ask for citizenship for their child, provided their child is a minor attending a school in Portugal – they will not need to complete the CIPLE language exam.
What is the cut-off age for children to take a language test?
The requirement will depend on the citizenship route. For example, minors (up to 18 years of age) with Portuguese parents (even if through naturalization) will simply need to apply for citizenship, and no knowledge of the Portuguese language is required. For this specific situation, the cut-off age is 18.
What are the requirements for Golden Visa investors who do not live in Portugal?
Minor children are not required to take a language exam or attend a Portuguese school. However, they may be denied citizenship due to a lack of connection to Portugal. We advise Golden Visa applicants to include minor children in the parents’ Golden Visa application and that the children should take Portuguese classes outside Portugal to demonstrate a connection to the country and avoid the risk of the citizenship request being denied.
Additionally, investors have the opportunity to apply for the Portugal Golden Visa. After five years and all requirements are adhered to, upon becoming a Portuguese citizen they can seek citizenship for their children through family reunification.
Preparing for the Portuguese Citizenship Language test
How to familiarize yourself with the exam
Although the Portuguese language exam is relatively simple, it is important to prepare for it to build confidence and familiarize yourself with the format to ensure you pass.
One of the most useful resources for learning Portuguese is the Instituto Camões, which promotes learning the Portuguese language internationally. Its website has a variety of useful online resources for language learners and runs a number of courses in universities and other learning centers worldwide.
Where to take the CIPLE exam
The CIPLE exam is officiated by the CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira). It can be taken in many different CAPLE-certified language testing centers worldwide. In international test centers, the A2 CIPLE exam dates are in November, July, and May, with more dates available (CIPLE-P) within Portuguese test centers in October, September, June, and March.
How is the CIPLE test graded?
Candidates must obtain a 55 percent or higher mark to pass.
After the Portuguese Citizenship Language Test
After taking the Portuguese Citizenship Language Test, you usually have to wait about two weeks to receive your A2 CIPLE exam results. You’ll be notified whether you passed, achieving the required A2 level in Portuguese.
Results can often be accessed online through the institution where you took the test or through the CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira) portal if you took the CIPLE exam.
Upon passing, you’ll receive a certificate, which officially documents your A2 proficiency in Portuguese. This certificate is essential when submitting your citizenship application, as it proves you’ve met the language requirement.
The certificate is generally valid indefinitely, so you won’t need to retake the test as long as you apply within a reasonable timeframe.
With the language certificate in hand, you can include it as part of your official citizenship application. You’ll need to submit this certificate along with other required documents, which may include proof of residency, criminal background checks, and other personal identification documents.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Portuguese Citizenship Language Test
What is meant by “basic Portuguese”?
The CIPLE test for citizenship is to test that applicants have a level of “basic” Portuguese, which is to say that they understand and can use simple everyday phrases, as well as give simple explanations of themselves and others. The A2 grade is part of the Council of Europe language framework and is the second most basic knowledge level of language proficiency.
The test is not only a necessity for citizenship but also crucial for navigating life in a Portuguese-speaking country.
Do I have to take a language test to get Portuguese citizenship?
A basic A2 CIPLE language test is required to become a Portuguese national in most cases, although there are some exceptions in which Portuguese proficiency can be proved via other methods.
Who has to take the Portuguese language test?
Apart from specific circumstances, everyone must take a CIPLE Portuguese language exam to qualify for citizenship.
Those who are exempt include:
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Minors: Children under 18 generally don’t need to take the CIPLE test. However, age-appropriate alternatives are depending on their situation:
- 12-15-year-olds: These individuals can take a modified CIPLE exam called CIPLE-Jovem.
- Under 12s: The TEJO exam, offered in levels A1 to B1, is for very young children (aged 9-11).
- Those enrolled in Portuguese school: If the child is already attending school in Portugal, they may be exempt based on a written declaration from the school attesting to their proficiency.
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Those married to a Portuguese citizen: Spouses of Portuguese citizens are typically exempt from the language requirement, although specific requirements may vary depending on the length of the marriage and other factors.
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Those with an existing language qualification: If you already have a certificate proving a higher level of Portuguese proficiency (B1, B2, C1, or C2) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, you may not need to take the CIPLE test.
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Those with serious illness or disability: In some cases of severe illness or disability, an exemption may be granted. However, documentation and approval from a medical professional would likely be required.
It’s important to consult with the official Portuguese authorities or a qualified immigration lawyer to determine if these exceptions apply to you and what documentation you need to provide.
Do children have to take a Portuguese language test?
Under-18s do not necessarily have to take the A2 Portuguese language test. If they attend a Portuguese school, a declaration of language proficiency can be provided instead. For Golden Visa applicants, minors also are not required to take the Portuguese language test. However, we advise Golden Visa applicants to include minor children in the Golden Visa application of the parents and that the children should take Portuguese classes outside Portugal to demonstrate a connection to Portugal.
Is the Portuguese language test difficult?
The A2 level Portuguese language test for proficiency is not particularly difficult and can be passed easily with prior preparation. It is designed to test candidates’ ability to use and comprehend everyday Portuguese expressions. Doing a practice test beforehand is best to ensure that you are confident when you sit the exam. As with learning any foreign language, practice is key. We recommend doing a Portuguese language test online and/or taking online courses to prepare.
Find out more about residency and citizenship solutions in Portugal in our ultimate guide to the Portuguese Golden Visa.
Do I have to take a language test to get Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, apart from specific circumstances, everyone must take a Portuguese language proficiency test in order to get Portuguese citizenship.
How long is the Portuguese citizenship language test?
The Portuguese language test is two hours long. The longest section is dedicated to reading comprehension and writing. There are also shorter sections for oral comprehension and oral expression.
When do I take the Portuguese citizenship language test?
You must be a resident in Portugal for at least five years in order to obtain citizenship, you can take the Portuguese citizenship language test at any point during this period.
What is A2 level Portuguese?
According to CEFR standards (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), A2 Portuguese is the elementary level. For A2 level Portuguese, skills will correspond to a basic understanding of the language.
How much Portuguese do you need to know for citizenship?
For the CIPLE test for citizenship, you will need to show that you have a basic knowledge of the language, corresponding to A2 level.
Where can I take the CIPLE language test?
The CIPLE exam is administered by CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação e Certificação de Português Língua Estrangeira) and a network of CAPLE-certified centers around the world
There are more than 100 testing centers in more than 35 countries, so you should be able to find a Portuguese Language Assessment Center relatively close to you.
What are the language requirements for Portugal Golden Visa?
No, there is no language test requirement for the Portugal Golden Visa program. However, for those seeking Portuguese citizenship, taking the CIPLE Portuguese test can be required.
