Do you need Portuguese to live in Portugal?

Many people in Portugal speak good English, so you can get by. But “getting by” and feeling at home are two different things.

Where English is enough

In Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve, especially with younger people, in shops, restaurants and many workplaces, you can often manage in English. Portuguese people are generally patient and happy to switch languages.

Where you'll want Portuguese

Paperwork: the tax office (Finanças), social security, residence permits and many official letters are in Portuguese. Health: explaining symptoms to a doctor or pharmacist is easier and safer in their language. Neighbours and local life: outside the big cities, and with older people, English is much less common. Children's school: meetings and messages from teachers.

Nationality

If you're thinking of Portuguese nationality, the law requires knowledge of the language, proved by a test or a certificate. The rules changed in 2026, so check the current requirements before you apply. Our guide to the CIPLE (A2) exam explains the best-known certificate.

Start with what you'll use