Why Language Requirements Matter If you're planning to obtain residency or citizenship in Portugal , you may have come across Portuguese language requirements  as part of the process. For most residency and visa pathways—such as the Golden Visa, D7 Visa, D2, and D3 permits —knowing the required A1 or A2 proficiency level  can impact your timeline and legal standing. Portuguese law requires that applicants for permanent residency and citizenship  demonstrate basic proficiency