Do I need to speak Portuguese to become a Portuguese citizen?

Portuguese law requires applicants for naturalisation to demonstrate 'sufficient knowledge' of the Portuguese language. This is set at A2 level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

The most common way to prove this is the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira), the A2 exam administered through CAPLE. Some applicants can prove their level in other ways, such as a recognised certificate or schooling in Portuguese, and there are adapted exam versions for younger applicants. Adults generally need to plan for the A2 test as part of their citizenship application.