Which documents prove A2 Portuguese for a citizenship application?

A CIPLE certificate at A2 from CAPLE, or an A2 course certificate from a DGERT-certified PLA provider. Those two are the reliable options. Portuguese school certificates, certificates from Portuguese-language schools abroad, and degrees taught in Portuguese can also work, but are assessed case by case.

Updated September 2026 · 2 min read

The two that are accepted without argument

A CIPLE certificate. Issued by CAPLE under the University of Lisbon. Universally accepted and unambiguous. The downsides are CAPLE's registration system, the limited exam dates, and the pressure of a single high-stakes day.

A DGERT-certified PLA course certificate. A certificate from a DGERT-certified provider documenting completion at A2. No single exam, a structured path, and more scheduling flexibility. The provider's DGERT certification is what makes the certificate valid, so verify it before you enrol, not after.

The ones that depend on circumstances

School certificates from Portugal. If you were educated in the Portuguese school system for a sufficient period, certificates showing that can satisfy the requirement. The documentation has to clearly show Portuguese-language instruction.

Certificates from Portuguese-language schools abroad. Often linked to the Camões Institute or to diaspora community schools. Useful for children of Portuguese emigrants. Acceptance is not guaranteed and is evaluated case by case, and the certificate must clearly state the level.

Degrees taught in Portuguese. A degree from a Portuguese university counts because the instruction was in Portuguese, as can a degree in Portuguese language or literature from a foreign university. Few applicants have this, and you will need the diploma and possibly transcripts.

Other language certificates. The least predictable category. Some certificates clearly documenting A2 or higher may be considered, but there is no definitive list beyond CIPLE and DGERT-certified PLA, so the rejection risk is real.

The practical advice

If you have a clean case in one of the narrower categories, use it. If you do not, choose between CIPLE and PLA rather than gambling on a certificate that may or may not be accepted. A rejected document costs you months.

We are an independent preparation tool and issue no certificate of any kind.

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.