In Portugal the mother tongue is Portuguese, however if you do not speak this language there are some options to consider.
If you want to integrate a student in the education system in Portugal, there are educational policies in support of the Portuguese language, namely the offer of the Portuguese non-mother tongue (PLNM) curriculum area, from the 1st cycle of basic education to secondary education. This measure is intended for migrant students whose mother tongue is not Portuguese and can be requested at any time during the school year. If proven, this course will be assessed in the same way as the Portuguese course, in terms of national tests and exams.
If you are not a student and intend to attend a Portuguese language course, you can do so through the Migrant Support Line (808 257 257 – 218106191). From this line, information will be provided on the places where these courses take place in relation to your area of residence.
There is also the PPT Program – Portuguese for All, which aims to certify Portuguese language courses for foreigners. These are courses implemented by the Directorate-General for School Establishments (DGEstE), in public schools, and by the Employment and Vocational Training Institute (IEFP, I.P.), through employment and vocational training centers. Beneficiaries of this program are all foreign citizens living in Portugal. The certified courses available are:
- Level A2 – Elementary User
- B2 – Independent User
- Technical Portuguese courses (specialized courses in areas such as Commerce, Hospitality, Beauty Care, Construction and Civil Engineering)
Upon obtaining the Level A2 or B2 Certificate you can access: the application for Portuguese nationality; the application for the granting of a permanent residence permit and the application for the granting of long-term resident status.
If there is a preference, you can also use paid courses through private entities specialized in this topic. Prices, duration and certification depends on the conditions of each entity.
Documents to be provided,
PLNM: perform a diagnostic evaluation at school and be positioned at the level of initiation (A1 / A2) or intermediate (B1) of language proficiency.
PPT Program – Portuguese for All:
- Application form;
- BI / Citizen Card (EU citizen);
- Registration with the City Council of the area of residence (EU);
- Valid title of residence in Portugal;
- Taxpayer card;
- NIB – Bank Identification Number (if applicable).
Registration fees:
PLNM: Free.
PPT Program – Portuguese for All: Free.
Duration:
PPT Program – Portuguese for All:
- Level A2 – Elementary User: 150 hours (3 to 9 months)
- B2 – Independent User: 150 hours
- Technical Portuguese courses: 25 hours (up to 3 months)
Appeal procedures:
PPT Program – Portuguese for All: if you are interested in any of the available courses you can enroll in Schools (public network), at IEFP, I.P. or at the National Centers for Supporting Migrants (CNAIM) in Lisbon and the North.
External Link
Aprendizagem da Língua Portuguesa – ACM
Entradas em Programa Português para Todos (PPT) IEFP
