Advocacia Portugal | Imigração

Autor: Pinheiro

  • Suspension of Family Reunification in Portugal: What Immigrants Need to Know

    Suspension of Family Reunification in Portugal: What Immigrants Need to Know

    The suspension of family reunification in Portugal is causing growing concern among immigrants who reside legally in the country. Many are waiting to bring close family members—such as children, spouses, or dependent parents—through the legal family reunification process.

    Now, a new political proposal may temporarily halt this right, leaving many families in uncertainty.

    Why is the suspension of family reunification in Portugal being discussed?

    On June 9, 2025, the Chega political party announced plans to submit a proposal to the government calling for the temporary suspension of family reunification.

    The party argues that the country must resolve its current immigration backlog—especially the large number of pending regularization cases—before accepting new family reunification requests.

    According to the proposal, continuing to approve reunification requests could strain public services and challenge integration efforts.

    Who is affected by the suspension of family reunification in Portugal?

    If implemented, the suspension of family reunification in Portugal could affect:

    • Parents wishing to bring minor children;

    • Immigrants seeking to reunite with their spouses or partners;

    • People responsible for dependent ascendants such as elderly parents or grandparents.

    Even residents with a valid Portuguese residence permit may be temporarily prevented from submitting new applications during the suspension period.

    What are authorities saying?

    The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) acknowledged that the number of foreign residents will likely increase due to reunification applications.

    The Portuguese government stated that such requests will be assessed based on the country’s capacity to integrate newcomers, which may lead to restrictions—even without a formal suspension in place.

    How to prepare for the suspension of family reunification in Portugal

    Given the possibility of the suspension of family reunification, it is essential for immigrants to act proactively:

    • Stay informed on legal developments;

    • Prepare documentation and submit applications as soon as possible;

    • Consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to evaluate your case and ensure compliance with all requirements.

    Proper legal guidance can help you confirm eligibility, understand the process, and navigate potential delays or refusals.

    Final Thoughts

    The proposed suspension of family reunification is not yet in effect, but it may influence immigration policies and decisions in the near future.

    If you’re planning to bring your children, spouse, or dependent parents to live with you in Portugal, now is the time to gather reliable information and prepare your application with professional support.

    📞 Have questions about family reunification?

    Contact our legal consultancy for expert advice tailored to your situation.

    —

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • Family Reunification in Portugal: how it works

    Family Reunification in Portugal: how it works

    Family Reunification in Portugal: how it works

    Family Reunification in Portugal is a legal right that allows foreign nationals legally residing in the country to request the reunification of close family members. The goal is to preserve family unity, promote integration, and ensure dignified cohabitation between parents, children, and spouses.

    Who can be reunited?

    In Portugal, Family Reunification may be requested for various family members, provided that the foreign resident meets the legal requirements. The most common cases include:

    ✅ Spouses: A valid and legally recognized marriage is required, along with proof of shared life.

    ✅ Minor children under 18: Children of the resident and/or their spouse may be reunited, provided they are financially dependent and unmarried.

    It is also possible to request family reunification for:

    ✅ Adult children, if they are financially dependent or face health-related issues;

    ✅ Ascendants (such as parents or grandparents), when they depend on the resident and lack support in their country of origin;

    ✅ Other specific cases, which may be assessed individually.

    General requirements for the application

    To request Family Reunification, the applicant must submit the appropriate documents and meet several essential conditions, including:

    • A valid residence permit in Portugal;

    • Proof of the family relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificate, guardianship);

    • Adequate housing that suits the size of the family;

    • Sufficient financial resources to support the family members without relying on public aid.

    In addition, the process may require proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory, a clean criminal record, and other specific documents.

    Key principles of family reunification in Portugal

    The entire Family Reunification process must comply with core legal principles, such as:

    • Family unity;

    • Best interests of the child;

    • Proportionality, especially when evaluating grounds for refusal.

    Conclusion

    Family Reunification in Portugal is a valuable opportunity for keeping families together and fostering the stability of immigrants living in the country. However, it is a process that demands careful attention to legal details, deadlines, and documentation.

    Each situation is unique. To ensure a successful application, the best course of action is to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your case.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • Voluntary Departure in Portugal: What It Means and What to Do

    Voluntary Departure in Portugal: What It Means and What to Do

    Introduction

    Voluntary departure is one of the most concerning issues for immigrants in Portugal. Recently, many foreign nationals have been notified by AIMA to voluntarily leave the country within a short deadline and under the risk of expulsion.

    In this article, we explain what voluntary departure means, how the legal procedure works, what happens if the order is ignored, and most importantly, the legal alternatives to prevent expulsion and regularize your immigration status in Portugal.

    What Is Voluntary Departure?

    Voluntary departure is a legal measure under the Portuguese Immigration Law, applied to foreign nationals who:

    • Entered Portugal without a valid visa;

    • Remained in the country after their visa expired;

    • Had their residence permit cancelled.

    In such cases, AIMA issues a voluntary departure notice, granting the person a deadline of 10 to 20 days to leave the country by their own initiative.

    Consequences of Ignoring a Voluntary Departure Notice

    Failing to comply with a voluntary departure notice can result in serious consequences, such as:

    • Forced removal by the authorities;

    • A ban on re-entering Portugal or other Schengen countries;

    • Registration in the Schengen Information System (SIS);

    • Blocking of future regularization attempts.

    It’s crucial to understand that voluntary departure is not merely a warning — it is a legal action with real consequences.

    Alternatives to Voluntary Departure: Legalization Options

    Many people who receive a voluntary departure notice may still be eligible for legal residence in Portugal. Possible alternatives include:

    • Residence permit for students;

    • Contract as a highly qualified professional;

    • Family reunification;

    • Parents of Portuguese minor children;

    • Spouse or close relative of a Portuguese or EU citizen.

    In all cases, it is essential to act quickly and seek assistance from an experienced immigration lawyer.

    Challenges in the Regularization Process

    Immigrants trying to avoid voluntary departure often face practical difficulties, including:

    • Lack of available appointments at AIMA;

    • Trouble gathering required documents;

    • Entries in the SIS system;

    • Confusion or misinformation about legal pathways.

    Despite these obstacles, it is still possible to submit a well-founded request for a residence permit to AIMA based on personal, family, or work circumstances.

    How to Respond to a Voluntary Departure Notice

    If you have received a voluntary departure notice, take these steps immediately:

    1. Contact a qualified immigration lawyer;

    2. Check if any legal alternatives apply to your situation;

    3. Act before the deadline expires.

    Ignoring the notice will make your situation worse. But with proper legal support, reversing the process may be possible.

    Conclusion

    Voluntary departure is a delicate situation, but one that can be reversed with the right legal strategy. If you or someone you know is facing this issue, don’t delay seeking help.

    Speak to an experienced immigration lawyer to evaluate your case. With knowledge and swift action, you can secure your legal stay in Portugal.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • SIS Alert: What It Is and How It Affects Your Residence Permit in Portugal

    SIS Alert: What It Is and How It Affects Your Residence Permit in Portugal

    SIS Alert: What It Is and How It Affects Your Residence Permit in Portugal

    If you are in Portugal and have submitted your residence permit application, but suddenly your process was stopped by AIMA, it is possible that the reason is a SIS alert.

    In this article, I explain what that means, why a SIS alert can completely block your application, and why it is essential to act as soon as possible.

    What is a SIS alert?

    The Schengen Information System (SIS) is a shared database used by all countries in the Schengen Area. When a SIS alert is issued, it means there is a restriction or warning registered against the foreign citizen — usually issued by another European country — that prevents or limits their entry or stay in Portugal and other EU countries.

    This type of alert can be issued for several reasons, such as:

    • Illegal entry into a Schengen country;

    • Criminal conviction in another Schengen country;

    • Previous expulsion;

    • Administrative removal decision.

    🚫 What happens if you have a SIS alert?

    If your name is listed with a SIS, your residence permit process in Portugal will be blocked.

    Many foreigners only discover the problem after submitting documents and completing biometric data with AIMA. Days or weeks later, they are notified that their application cannot move forward due to the SIS alert.

    ⚠️ Even worse: if the SIS alert is not resolved, your application will be definitively denied, and you may receive a removal order from Portugal.

    Can a SIS alert be resolved?

    Yes. In many cases, it is possible to:

    • Request access to the personal data recorded;

    • Request the correction or deletion of the alert.

    ⚠️ Important: Neither AIMA nor SEF (now extinct) can resolve or remove the SIS alert.

    Our law firm can help

    We are lawyers registered with the Portuguese Bar Association, and we assist clients from any region of Portugal.

    We have experience helping foreigners whose residence permit applications were blocked by a SIS. We analyze each case individually, identify the source of the problem, and take legal action to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

    📞 Contact us today

    If you have been informed that you are subject to a SIS Alert, do not wait for a final refusal or a removal order from Portugal.

    Contact us now and see how we can help:

    ✅ WhatsApp: +351 91 543 1234 (text only – no calls)
    ✅ Online legal service available nationwide

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, lawyer in Portugal

  • How to Start an Association in Portugal – Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Start an Association in Portugal – Step-by-Step Guide

    Knowing how to start an association in Portugal is the first step to giving legal legitimacy to your collective project. Having a formally registered association allows you to obtain a NIPC (Corporate Tax Identification Number), sign legal contracts, open a bank account, and apply for public support.

    Benefits of Starting an Association in Portugal

    Creating an association provides immediate and essential advantages:

    • Assignment of a NIPC, necessary for banking and contractual activity;

    • Ability to sign legal agreements, such as lease contracts or partnerships with institutions;

    • Access to public funding and grants, through formal applications;

    • Ability to open a bank account in the association’s name;

    • Legal and institutional recognition, crucial for representing causes or community interests;

    • Access to free digital tools, such as a .pt domain and website creation in the first year.

    How a Lawyer Can Help You Start an Association

    If you’re unsure how to start an association in Portugal, a lawyer can handle the entire process for you — with a simple power of attorney signed by 2 or 3 founding members (depending on the chosen bylaws model).
    This enables the association to be set up quickly and remotely, without the founders needing to travel.

    A lawyer can:

    • Choose and tailor the most suitable model of bylaws;

    • Register the association with the competent authorities;

    • Handle all legal and tax formalities involved.

    📞 CONTACT US | CLICK HERE

    Final Documents and Advantages

    At the end of the process, the founders receive:

    • A Corporate Identification Card (physical and free of charge);

    • A certificate of incorporation and bylaws;

    • The association’s Social Security number;

    • Access code to the Electronic Corporate Card;

    • A free digital package, including a .pt domain and institutional email.

    Summary: How to Start an Association in Portugal

    Starting an association in Portugal is straightforward when you have professional support. With the help of a lawyer, you can complete the process legally, securely, and efficiently, with all essential documents issued on the same day.

    If you’re ready to legalize your project, start today. Knowing how to start an association is the first step toward empowering and legitimizing your cause.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • Apostille de La Haye : qu’est-ce que c’est et comment ça fonctionne

    Apostille de La Haye : qu’est-ce que c’est et comment ça fonctionne

    L’apostille de La Haye est un certificat délivré par une autorité compétente d’un pays signataire de la Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961. Ce certificat authentifie l’origine d’un document public, lui conférant une validité juridique dans un autre pays membre. Le processus d’apostille remplace la légalisation consulaire traditionnelle et simplifie la reconnaissance internationale des documents officiels.

    Processus d’apostille de La Haye au Portugal

    Au Portugal, l’apostille de La Haye est délivrée par les Procureurs Généraux Régionaux du Ministère Public. Le processus commence par l’obtention du document auprès de l’autorité émettrice, et se termine par l’apposition de l’apostille.

    Apostille des certificats de naissance, mariage ou décès

    Ces documents sont émis par l’Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Une fois le certificat obtenu, il doit être présenté à une Procure générale régionale (par exemple à Lisbonne ou Porto), où l’apostille de La Haye est appliquée et jointe au document.

    FAITES VOTRE APOSTILLE AVEC NOUS

    Apostille des certificats de casier judiciaire

    Le certificat de casier judiciaire est émis par la Direction Générale de l’Administration de la Justice (DGAJ), accompagné d’un code de vérification en ligne. Ce document doit ensuite être présenté au Ministère Public pour recevoir l’apostille de La Haye, qui valide son usage à l’international.

    Une fois apostillé, le certificat est reconnu dans tous les pays signataires de la Convention de La Haye.

    À quoi sert l’apostille de La Haye ?

    L’apostille permet aux documents publics d’être reconnus officiellement dans d’autres pays, sans devoir passer par une légalisation consulaire ou diplomatique. Cela facilite les démarches juridiques, administratives et académiques à l’étranger.

    Documents couramment apostillés :

    • Certificats de naissance : pour les démarches de nationalité, de résidence ou de mariage ;

    • Certificats de mariage : pour la réunion familiale ou l’enregistrement ;

    • Certificats de décès : pour les successions ou pensions internationales ;

    • Certificats de casier judiciaire : exigés pour les demandes de visa, de travail ou de résidence.

    Peut-on apostiller un document dans un autre pays que celui d’émission ?

    Non. Le document doit être apostillé dans le pays où il a été émis. Un certificat portugais doit être apostillé par les autorités portugaises. Il en va de même pour les documents émis dans d’autres pays.

    Pourquoi chaque pays doit-il apostiller ses propres documents ?

    L’apostille de La Haye certifie l’authenticité de la signature, de la fonction du signataire et du sceau officiel. Seul le pays émetteur est compétent pour valider officiellement ces éléments.

    L’apostille a-t-elle remplacé la légalisation consulaire ?

    Oui. Dans les pays signataires de la Convention de La Haye, l’apostille remplace totalement la légalisation consulaire. Un document portugais apostillé est reconnu directement dans des pays comme le Brésil, la France, l’Allemagne ou l’Espagne. Si le pays de destination n’est pas signataire, la légalisation consulaire reste requise.

    Besoin d’une apostille de La Haye pour des documents portugais ?

    Nous proposons un service professionnel d’apostille au Portugal, pour les certificats de naissance, mariage, décès, casier judiciaire, et d’autres documents. Nous prenons en charge l’ensemble de la procédure et expédions les documents apostillés par courrier international vers n’importe quel pays.

    Contactez-nous dès aujourd’hui et simplifiez votre démarche d’apostille avec rapidité, fiabilité et sécurité.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Avocat au Portugal

  • Apostilla de La Haya: qué es y cómo funciona

    Apostilla de La Haya: qué es y cómo funciona

    La Apostilla de La Haya es un certificado emitido por una autoridad competente de un país firmante del Convenio de La Haya del 5 de octubre de 1961. Este certificado autentica el origen de un documento público, otorgándole validez legal en otro país miembro. El proceso de apostilla reemplaza la legalización consular tradicional y simplifica el reconocimiento internacional de documentos.

    Proceso de apostilla de La Haya en Portugal

    En Portugal, la Apostilla de La Haya es emitida por los Procuradores Generales Regionales del Ministerio Público. El proceso comienza con la obtención del documento oficial en la entidad emisora y finaliza con la colocación de la apostilla.

    Apostilla de certificados de nacimiento, matrimonio o defunción

    Estos documentos son emitidos por el Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Una vez obtenida la certificación, debe presentarse ante una Procuraduría General Regional (por ejemplo, en Lisboa o Porto), donde se aplica la Apostilla de La Haya y se adjunta al documento.

    REALIZA TU APOSTILLA CON NOSOTROS

    Apostilla de certificados de antecedentes penales

    El certificado de antecedentes penales es emitido por la Dirección General de la Administración de Justicia (DGAJ) y contiene un código para verificación en línea. Con el documento en mano, debe presentarse ante el Ministerio Público para aplicar la Apostilla de La Haya, validando su uso en el extranjero.

    Una vez apostillado, el certificado es válido en todos los países firmantes del Convenio de La Haya.

    ¿Para qué sirve la Apostilla de La Haya?

    La apostilla permite que documentos públicos sean reconocidos legalmente en otros países sin necesidad de legalización en consulado o embajada. Esto facilita trámites legales, académicos y administrativos en el extranjero.

    Documentos comunes que requieren la Apostilla:

    • Certificados de nacimiento: para procesos de nacionalidad, residencia o matrimonio;

    • Certificados de matrimonio: para reagrupación familiar o inscripción matrimonial;

    • Certificados de defunción: en trámites de herencia o pensiones;

    • Certificados de antecedentes penales: solicitados para visados, trabajo o residencia.

    ¿Se puede apostillar un documento en un país diferente al de emisión?

    No. El documento debe ser apostillado en el mismo país donde fue emitido. Un certificado portugués debe ser apostillado por autoridades portuguesas. Lo mismo aplica para documentos de otros países.

    ¿Por qué cada país debe emitir su propia apostilla?

    La Apostilla de La Haya certifica la autenticidad de la firma, el cargo del signatario y el sello oficial. Solo el país emisor tiene competencia para verificar y validar oficialmente estos elementos.

    ¿La apostilla reemplazó la legalización consular?

    Sí. En los países que forman parte del Convenio de La Haya, la apostilla reemplaza por completo la legalización consular o diplomática. Un documento portugués apostillado es válido en países como Brasil, Francia, Alemania y España. Si el país de destino no es parte del convenio, aún se requiere legalización consular.

    ¿Necesitas una Apostilla de La Haya para documentos portugueses?

    Ofrecemos un servicio profesional de apostilla en Portugal, incluyendo certificados de nacimiento, matrimonio, defunción, antecedentes penales y otros documentos oficiales. Nos encargamos de todo el proceso de forma segura y enviamos los documentos apostillados por correo internacional a cualquier país.

    Contáctanos hoy mismo y simplifica tu trámite de apostilla con rapidez y confianza.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Abogado en Portugal

  • Hague apostille: what is it and how does it work?

    Hague apostille: what is it and how does it work?

    The Hague apostille is a certificate issued by a competent authority of a country that is part of the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. It authenticates the origin of a public document, making it legally valid in another member country. This process, called apostille, simplifies the legalization of public documents for international use, replacing the traditional consular route.

    How is the Hague apostille done in Portugal?

    In Portugal, the Hague apostille is issued by the Regional Prosecutors General of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The process begins with obtaining the document from the issuing entity and ends with the apostille being affixed.

    Example 1: Apostille of birth, marriage or death certificates

    These certificates are issued by the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN). Once issued, the applicant must go to one of the Regional Prosecutors General Offices (e.g., Lisbon or Porto), where the Hague apostille is attached to the document.

    GET YOUR DOCUMENTS APOSTILLED WITH US

    Example 2: Apostille of criminal record certificates

    The criminal record certificate is issued by the criminal identification services of the Directorate-General for the Administration of Justice (DGAJ) and includes an access code for online verification. The document must then be taken to a Regional Prosecutor General Office for apostille, confirming its origin for international recognition.

    Once apostilled, the criminal record certificate is valid in all countries under the Hague apostille convention.

    What is the Hague apostille used for?

    The apostille allows public documents to be recognized in other countries without consular or embassy legalization. It streamlines legal, administrative, academic, and professional procedures abroad.

    Common apostilled documents:

    • Birth certificates: for nationality, residence, or marriage abroad;

    • Marriage certificates: for family reunification or registration;

    • Death certificates: in inheritance or pension matters;

    • Criminal record certificates: required for visas, work, or residency.

    Can a document be apostilled in a different country?

    No. A document must be apostilled in the same country where it was issued. A Portuguese certificate, for example, must be apostilled by Portuguese authorities. The same rule applies globally.

    Why must each country issue its own apostille?

    The Hague apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, role of the signatory, and official seal. Only the country that issued the document has the authority to verify and certify these elements.

    Did the apostille replace consular legalization?

    Yes. In countries that are signatories of the Hague Convention, the Hague apostille replaces consular or diplomatic legalization. Apostilled documents from Portugal are valid in countries like Brazil, France, Germany, and Spain. If the destination country is not a member, consular legalization may still be required.

    Need a Hague apostille for documents from Portugal?

    We provide professional apostille services in Portugal for birth, marriage, death certificates, criminal record certificates, and more. We handle the full process securely and ship apostilled documents internationally by mail.

    Contact us today and simplify your apostille process with confidence and convenience.

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, Lawyer in Portugal

  • CIPLE for Portuguese Nationality – Complete Guide

    CIPLE for Portuguese Nationality – Complete Guide

    The CIPLE for Portuguese nationality is the A2 level language exam required by Portuguese law as a condition for naturalization. CIPLE stands for Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira, and it evaluates your basic Portuguese communication skills.

    If you are a foreign national aiming to apply for Portuguese nationality, passing the CIPLE is often mandatory, as outlined in Article 25 of the Nationality Regulation (Decreto-Lei n.º 237-A/2006).

    What Does the CIPLE Exam Include?

    The CIPLE exam (level A2 of the CEFR) measures basic proficiency in the Portuguese language. It covers:

    • Reading comprehension

    • Listening comprehension

    • Written interaction

    • Oral interaction

    These are tested through three sections that simulate real-life communication scenarios. The goal is to show that you can handle simple, everyday Portuguese conversations and situations.

    Who Should Take the CIPLE for Portuguese Nationality?

    Anyone applying for:

    • Portuguese nationality

    • Permanent residence in Portugal

    …may need to prove their language ability with the CIPLE for Portuguese nationality, unless they are exempt (e.g., citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries).

    Exams are open to people aged 16 or older, regardless of how or where they learned Portuguese.

    When and Where to Take the CIPLE Exam?

    The CIPLE exam is offered in May, July, and November, both in Portugal and abroad. You can take it at certified exam centers associated with CAPLE (Centro de Avaliação de Português Língua Estrangeira).

    CIPLE-P is the version offered specifically in Portugal.

    To register, visit:
    🔗 https://caple.letras.ulisboa.pt

    ✅ Talk to a lawyer – Click here

    Why the CIPLE for Portuguese Nationality Matters

    Failing to provide a valid language certificate can lead to your nationality request being rejected — sometimes two years after submission. And if you used a non-recognized course, it may be too late to act.

    That’s why it’s critical to choose official pathways, such as:

    • Public Portuguese universities

    • Camões Institute centers abroad

    • IEFP and Qualifica Centres

    • CAPLE-authorized institutions

    Most Reliable Options to Meet the Language Requirement

    To ensure your certificate is valid for Portuguese nationality, prefer these:

    1. CIPLE (A2) exam by CAPLE

    2. Certified courses from public education institutions or IEFP/Qualifica

    3. Camões Institute-approved centers (especially for those abroad)

    Avoid private institutions unless they have a protocol with public entities, as required by law (Portaria n.º 183/2020).

    Final Tips

    • Always check if the course or certificate provider is listed by IEFP or CAPLE.

    • Don’t assume all Portuguese courses are valid — verify before enrolling.

    • Keep proof of enrollment and certification in safe digital format.

    If you’re unsure whether the course you found qualifies for CIPLE for Portuguese nationality, reach out to:

    • Instituto Camões

    • CAPLE

    • IEFP (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional)

    • Centro Qualifica in your area

    Adriano Martins Pinheiro, lawyer in Portugal

    • Always check if the course or certificate provider is listed by IEFP or CAPLE.

     

  • How to Safely Prove Your Portuguese Language Skills for Nationality or Residency

    How to Safely Prove Your Portuguese Language Skills for Nationality or Residency

    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