Does a Portuguese university degree count as A2 proof?

It can. A degree from a Portuguese university counts because the instruction was in Portuguese, and a degree in Portuguese language or literature from a foreign university can also work. You will need to supply the diploma and potentially transcripts, and few applicants have this documentation.

Updated September 2026 · 2 min read

Why it works

The requirement is to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Portuguese. Completing a degree taught in Portuguese is strong evidence of that, regardless of the subject. A Portuguese engineering degree evidences the language just as a Portuguese literature degree does, because the instruction was in Portuguese either way.

A degree in Portuguese language or literature from a university outside Portugal can also work, because the subject itself is the evidence.

What you will need to supply

The diploma itself, which is the primary document.
Transcripts, potentially. These establish the language of instruction and the duration, which the diploma alone may not.
Translation and legalisation where the documents are foreign. Requirements here vary and are worth confirming in advance.

Be realistic about whether this is your route

Very few applicants have this documentation, and this option exists in the list mainly because it is genuinely available to the people who do. If you have the diploma, use it: it is the simplest option on the list because the document already exists.

If you are considering enrolling in a Portuguese degree in order to satisfy a language requirement, that is not a reasonable plan. A CIPLE exam or a PLA course reaches the same outcome in months rather than years.

When in doubt, check before you file

Unlike a CIPLE certificate, which every Conservatória accepts without argument, this category is assessed on the documents you present. If your case has any complication, such as a degree partially taught in another language or a foreign institution whose records are hard to verify, confirm acceptance through official channels or a qualified immigration lawyer before you rely on it.

A rejected document costs months. A CIPLE certificate costs 90 to 120 euros and removes the question entirely.

Are children exempt from the Portuguese language requirement?

Young children are generally exempt. Minors above roughly age ten may need to demonstrate language knowledge depending on the specific pathway. The age threshold has varied between interpretations, so confirm your child's position through official channels or a qualified immigration lawyer rather than relying on a general summary.

Do Brazilians need to prove Portuguese for Portuguese citizenship?

Generally no. Citizens of countries where Portuguese is an official language, including Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor and São Tomé and Príncipe, are normally exempt from the formal language requirement. A Conservatória may still ask for documentation if your file raises questions.

What level of Portuguese do I need for Portuguese citizenship?

A2 on the Common European Framework of Reference, the elementary level. It is set out in the Portuguese Nationality Law and its implementing regulations, and it applies to most adult applicants. A2 is not fluency. It is the ability to handle simple, routine situations with basic vocabulary and grammar.