Portugal Golden Visa Language Requirement: CIPLE A2 Complete Guide
Quick Answer
Yes. All Golden Visa applicants must demonstrate Portuguese A2 proficiency. The official test is CIPLE A2. You have up to 2 years from visa approval. Most investors pass in 8-12 weeks of preparation. Exam: 4 sections, 50/100 to pass, min 12.5/25 per section. You can also use a certified translator, but passing the exam is cheaper and faster.
If you're investing EUR 500,000 in Portugal for the Golden Visa, you already know the financial requirements. What you might not know: Portugal also requires a language test. Here's everything Golden Visa investors need to know about the CIPLE A2 exam.
Do Golden Visa Investors Need to Pass CIPLE A2?
Yes, but with flexibility. All Golden Visa applicants must demonstrate Portuguese language proficiency at A2 level (CIPLE A2 exam). This applies to the main applicant and all dependent family members. You have up to 2 years from visa approval. Most investors do it within 6-12 months. Passing the exam is cheaper and faster than hiring a translator for all official documents.
CIPLE A2 Exam Structure for Golden Visa Applicants
Listening (20 min, 25 points), Reading (30 min, 25 points), Writing (25 min, 25 points), Speaking (15 min, 25 points). Total score needed: 50/100 (at least 12.5/25 in each section). Topics: daily life, travel, shopping, services.
How Long to Prepare for CIPLE A2?
If you speak a Romance language (Spanish, Italian, French): 4-6 weeks, 10-15 hours per week. If you speak English or other languages: 8-12 weeks, 15-20 hours per week. Golden Visa reality: most investors study 5-10 hours per week for 12-16 weeks.
CIPLE A2 Exam Dates and Registration for 2026
Winter: February 2026. Spring: April 2026. Summer: June 2026. Autumn: September 2026. Registration through CAPLE centres in Portugal or internationally. Exam cost: EUR 95-120. Results: 4-6 weeks. Available in 50+ countries.
Common Mistakes Golden Visa Investors Make on CIPLE A2
What Happens If You Fail CIPLE A2?
You can retake at the next session (2 months later). Full exam fee again. Typical retake success rate: 80-85%. Your Golden Visa approval gives you 2 years to demonstrate language proficiency.
Read next: CIPLE A2 registration ยท How to pass CIPLE A2 ยท What happens if you fail?
Ready to prepare for CIPLE A2? Start your 8-week study plan with Prep2go