The Safest Paths to Avoid Problems

If you are applying for Portuguese nationality or permanent residence, proving your knowledge of the Portuguese language is a legal requirement. But beware: if your certificate is not valid, you may only find out two years later, when the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) denies your application — and by then, the school may no longer exist or be held accountable.

To avoid this risk, the safest path is to choose public institutions or officially recognized and accredited entities. Below, we explain your options, the legal requirements, and how to make sure your course and certificate will be accepted.

Most Reliable Institutions (Recommended)

Choose institutions that are publicly recognized or accredited by the Portuguese State:

• Public universities and polytechnic institutes in Portugal

• Camões Institute (Instituto Camões)

• IEFP – Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional

• Qualifica Centers (Centros Qualifica)

These entities offer courses that lead to valid certificates, and they are supervised directly by the Portuguese government.

Legal Requirements for Portuguese Language Proof

According to Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006, as amended, the following documents are accepted as proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language:

• School certificate confirming completion of Portuguese language classes in a recognized institution (in Portugal or abroad);

• Certificate of completion of a Portuguese Language for Integration course (A2 level or higher) issued by public schools, IEFP centers, or Qualifica centers;

• CIPLE Certificate (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) obtained through an official exam;

• Other accredited certificates equivalent to A2 or above, issued by institutions under agreement with the government.

⚠️  Some private schools offer online courses claiming that their certificate is valid without requiring the official CIPLE exam. Although this is possible, you must ensure that the institution is truly authorized and that the certificate follows the current legal requirements.

How to Verify the Validity of the Course or Certificate?

Before enrolling or paying for any course, we recommend taking the following steps:

1. Ask for the legal basis the school uses to say the certificate is valid — for example, “according to Article 25 of Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006…”.

2. Request proof that the course is:

   • Offered by a public entity; or

   • Homologated (recognized) by the IEFP or a public school, as required by Article 9(3) of Ordinance No. 183/2020.

3. Consult the Qualifica Portal (www.qualifica.gov.pt) or contact:

   • IEFP

   • Camões Institute

   • General Directorate of Education (DGE)

   • Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP)

These bodies can help confirm if a course is recognized.

Summary: What You Should Do

• Choose public or officially recognized institutions.

• Do not rely only on the school’s claim — ask for legal and documentary proof.

• Be careful with offers that avoid the official CIPLE exam — verify the certificate’s legal value.

• Make sure the course is at least 100 hours and includes level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

• Save everything: invoices, contracts, course plans, and communication.

By following these steps, you can move forward safely and confidently on your path to Portuguese nationality or permanent residence — without unpleasant surprises in the future.

Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal