learn portuguese in portugal
Moving to Portugal and wondering how to master the local language? Learning Portuguese is one of the most valuable investments you can make as an expat. This comprehensive guide covers everything from why Portuguese matters to the best schools, online courses, and certification options available in Portugal.
Why Learning Portuguese Matters in Portugal
The Global Importance of Portuguese
Portuguese isn’t just a local language – it’s a global powerhouse. Spoken by more than 260 million people worldwide, Portuguese ranks as the ninth most spoken language globally. It serves as the official language in Portugal, Brazil, and eight other countries across four continents, making it an incredibly valuable skill for international communication and career opportunities.
In Portugal specifically, 95.6% of the population speaks Portuguese as their native or second language, making it essential for anyone planning a long-term stay in the country.
Benefits of Learning Portuguese for Life in Portugal
While it’s true that 91% of locals in major cities like Lisbon and Porto speak English, relying solely on English limits your Portuguese experience. Learning Portuguese enhances your daily life by helping you navigate essential tasks like finding accommodation, setting up utilities, using public transport, and shopping with confidence. The language skills also boost career advancement by opening access to more job opportunities and better workplace integration.
Beyond practical benefits, Portuguese fluency enables cultural immersion through local media enjoyment, fado music appreciation, and deeper connections with Portuguese culture. Learning Portuguese also serves as a pathway to citizenship, as it meets language requirements for Portuguese citizenship applications, while building meaningful social connections with locals and fellow expats.
How Difficult Is Portuguese for English Speakers?
Portuguese belongs to the Latin language family, though some compare its rhythm and consonant sounds to Russian. The good news for English speakers is that Portuguese is more accessible than many other languages – you’ll typically need around 600 hours to achieve fluency, compared to 1,110 hours required for Russian.
The language shares many similarities with Spanish and Italian, making it easier if you have prior Romance language experience.
Ways to Learn Portuguese Before and After Moving to Portugal
Start Learning Portuguese Before You Arrive
Getting a head start on Portuguese before your move can make your transition smoother. Having basic language skills helps with crucial early tasks like opening bank accounts and job searching.
Pre-arrival learning options include Berlitz international language school with Portuguese programs, Instituto Camões as Portugal’s official cultural organization with locations in 84 countries and online courses, and Language International as an online portal connecting students with Portuguese courses worldwide.
Language Learning Opportunities After Moving to Portugal
Learning Portuguese in Portugal offers significant advantages, including access to diverse class types, daily practice opportunities, and exposure to informal expressions that you won’t find in textbooks. The immersive environment provides natural learning contexts that accelerate language acquisition.
Why Learning On-Site Boosts Fluency
Immersive learning in Portugal provides a wider variety of class options including casual conversation sessions, intensive courses, and summer camps. Students benefit from daily practice opportunities with native speakers and gain exposure to colloquial expressions and regional variations. The cultural context enhances language comprehension and makes learning more meaningful and memorable.
Top Language Schools and Programs in Portugal
Universities Offering Portuguese Courses for Foreigners
Portuguese universities provide excellent language learning opportunities, often housed in historic buildings like the prestigious Universidade de Coimbra. University courses tend to be more affordable than private schools but may have less flexible curricula. The Instituto de Camões maintains a comprehensive list of universities offering Portuguese courses for foreigners, while the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) also provides language instruction.
Popular Private Language Schools in Portugal
Alliance Française offers individual, group, and corporate training across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. Cambridge School provides comprehensive training from A1 to C2 levels and prepares students for official language exams, with locations in Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, and Funchal in Madeira.
Home Language International offers unique immersive experiences where students live with accredited teachers in Lisbon for intensive week-long programs combining private lessons with cultural excursions. International House World Organisation features seven locations throughout Portugal, with five offering Portuguese lessons for all levels with flexible scheduling in Braga, Coimbra, Torres Vedras, and Viseu.
Lusa Language School in Lisbon offers part-time, intensive, online, private, and conversational lessons. Portuguese Connection, also located in Lisbon, provides both online and in-person courses for individuals and groups.
Government-Backed Free Language Courses (Português para Todos)
The Portuguese government offers free Portuguese Host Language courses through the “Português para Todos” (Portuguese for All) program, partnered with Alto Comissariado para as Migrações. These courses are available to citizens aged 16 or over whose native language isn’t Portuguese, held at public schools, EFP centers, and Qualifica centers nationwide. Students can obtain certification from A1 to B2 levels through these programs.
Applying for Free Portuguese Language Lessons (PLA)
To apply for PLA courses, you can contact local institutions directly, email GLPt at the Portuguese Language Learning Promotion Office, or call the Migrant Support Line at 808 257 257 or 21 810 61 91. Required documentation includes a resident permit or proof of extension/residency request, proof of international or temporary protection application, or Social Security Identification Number proof. PLA courses also welcome citizens with short-term, temporary stay, or residence visas.
Learn Portuguese Online: Flexible and Convenient Options
Best Online Portuguese Courses for Every Budget
Instituto Camões offers self-learning, basic, and premium options spanning 12 weeks and costing between €180-€320. CIAL provides one-to-one and group lessons lasting 5-10 weeks starting from €280. CES (Centre for Social Studies) offers A1-level courses that are free for Coimbra University students and cost €20 for others.
Portuguese Connection provides online classes in packages of 10, 20, or 30 lessons starting from €290 for 10 lessons. Lusa Language School offers part-time and intensive online courses lasting 2-15 weeks, with costs ranging from €89-€180 per module. These options provide flexibility for learners with different schedules and budgets.
Mobile Apps to Learn Portuguese on the Go
Language apps offer flexibility for learning Portuguese basics without committing to full courses. Babbel features interactive Brazilian Portuguese courses, while Drops focuses on vocabulary with audio and visual associations. Memrise allows practice of both European and Brazilian Portuguese through interactive games, and Pimsleur offers audio courses with speech recognition technology. Practice Portuguese provides interactive lessons with audio and video clips plus pronunciation checking features.
Top Language Apps for European and Brazilian Portuguese
L-Lingo’s premium version includes 105 lessons covering various topics, while Learn Portuguese Vocabulary builds vocabulary through games and flashcards. Transparent Language offers an immersive app that develops all four language skills, and Preply matches learners with online tutors for personalized classes. These apps cater to different learning styles and preferences, from visual learners to those who prefer audio-based instruction.
Practice Makes Perfect: Learning Outside the Classroom
Everyday Tips to Practice Portuguese in Real Life
Since many Portuguese locals speak English fluently, actively seeking Portuguese practice opportunities is crucial for language development. You can strike up conversations while pursuing hobbies, watch local TV and films with Portuguese subtitles, and listen to Portuguese music and radio stations. Reading Portuguese newspapers and books, along with shopping at local markets and practicing with vendors, provides real-world language application opportunities.
Join Language Exchanges and Community Groups
Language exchange groups provide excellent practice opportunities through platforms like Meetup for local Portuguese language exchange groups and Tandem as a language exchange app connecting Portuguese learners. Local community centers often host conversation groups, while Facebook groups help connect with fellow expats learning Portuguese. These social learning opportunities make practice enjoyable while building connections with other learners and native speakers.
How Children Can Learn Portuguese in Portugal
Portuguese Language Support in Local and International Schools
Children living in Portugal can learn through local schools that provide Portuguese instruction with additional support classes when needed. International schools typically offer Portuguese as a second language, while private tutoring provides personalized instruction for children with specific learning needs or accelerated goals.
Best Apps and Platforms for Teaching Kids Portuguese
Português Mais Perto serves as Instituto de Camões’ online platform specifically designed for Portuguese children and descendants. Practice Portuguese for Kids includes a dedicated section for parents and children, while Dinolingo offers child-friendly Portuguese learning through games and interactive content. The italki platform provides online tutoring with instructors specialized in teaching children.
Additional resources include Portuguese children’s books and cartoons that help familiarize young learners with simple language patterns and vocabulary in an entertaining format.
Get Certified: Official Portuguese Language Exams (CAPLE)
Overview of the CAPLE Certification Process
The Portuguese as a Foreign Language Assessment Centre provides internationally recognized Portuguese certification through the Portuguese as a Foreign Language exam. These comprehensive exams assess writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills across six proficiency levels, ensuring thorough evaluation of language competency for academic, professional, or citizenship purposes.
Portuguese Language Levels and Requirements for Citizenship
CAPLE offers six certification levels aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, with A2 being the minimum requirement for Portuguese citizenship applications. This standardized approach ensures that language proficiency meets established international standards for immigration and naturalization processes.
Where and How to Take the Portuguese Language Exam
CAPLE exams are available in Portugal and at worldwide locations, making certification accessible to learners regardless of their current location. Registration is completed online through the official CAPLE website, with exam fees ranging from €45 to €145 depending on the certification level and testing location.
Helpful Tools and Resources for Learning Portuguese
Instituto Camões: Courses and Culture
Instituto Camões serves as Portugal’s official organization for promoting Portuguese language and culture globally. They offer comprehensive courses, cultural programs, and maintain learning centers in 84 countries, providing consistent quality instruction and cultural context that enhances language learning effectiveness.
Alto Comissariado para as Migrações (ACM): Migrant Support Services
ACM provides crucial support for foreigners in Portugal, including detailed information about free Portuguese courses, integration services, and comprehensive migration assistance. Their services help newcomers navigate both language learning opportunities and broader settlement challenges.
Online Language Platforms, Dictionaries, and Grammar Tools
Essential online resources include the Plataforma de Português Online, a government platform for practicing Portuguese with multi-language instructions in Portuguese, English, Arabic, and Spanish. Portuguese dictionaries and translators support vocabulary building, while conjugation tools help master Portuguese verb forms. Grammar guides provide structured understanding of Portuguese language rules, and public libraries throughout Portugal offer Portuguese learning books and CDs for additional study materials.
Whether you’re planning to move to Portugal or already living there, learning Portuguese will significantly enhance your experience. From free government programs to premium private schools and flexible online options, Portugal offers numerous pathways to Portuguese fluency. The investment in language learning pays dividends through improved daily life, career opportunities, cultural connections, and potential citizenship eligibility. Start your Portuguese learning journey today and unlock the full potential of your life in Portugal.