Learn Portuguese in 90 Days

Diverse expats practicing European Portuguese with a teacher at a Lisbon café.

Why Learning Portuguese Matters for Expats

Moving beyond “Bom dia” changes everything. With A2 Portuguese you can handle appointments, rentals, banking, school and healthcare basics—and you meet a formal requirement for long-term residency/nationality. Confidence in daily life also protects your budget and time (fewer translator fees, smoother bureaucracy) and unlocks community—neighbours, markets, and local opportunities. AIMA

How the 90-Day Framework Works (EdPro’s Phased Approach)

Goal: reach A2 in ~90 days (12–13 weeks) with ~150 guided hours + autonomous practice, aligned to CEFR and PLA outcomes. (Typical certified PLA A1+A2 tracks around 150h.) Edpro Association

Phase 1 — Basic (Weeks 1–4)

• Survival Portuguese: greetings, numbers, directions, essentials

• Micro-drills: pronunciation, rhythm, nasal vowels

• Task goals: order coffee, top up transport card, introduce yourself

Phase 2 — Interactive (Weeks 5–8)

• Forms, appointments, rentals, SEF/AIMA portals basics

• Role-plays: pharmacy, clinic, Finanças ticketing

• Task goals: book a service, clarify a bill, read official SMS/email

Phase 3 — Conversational (Weeks 9–12/13)

• Small talk with locals, workplace basics, school contact

• Documents: confirmations, declarations, common templates

• Task goals: manage a landlord call, renew a service, give/ask directions

Weekly cadence (example):

• 3 × live instructor sessions (Zoom/classroom)

• 2 × platform practice sprints (listening + speaking)

• 1 × community conversation circle

• A2 check-ins + mock assessments (speaking/writing)

Lisbon street with yellow tram—Portuguese learning guide cover.

Everyday Phrases You’ll Use from Day One

At the café

• Queria um café e um pastel de nata, por favor. — I’d like a coffee and a custard tart, please.

• É para comer aqui ou levar? — Eat in or take away?

At the market

• Quanto custa ao quilo? — How much per kilo?

• Pode pesar dois? — Can you weigh two?

Healthcare

• Tenho marcação às dez. — I have an appointment at ten.

• Dói-me a garganta desde ontem. — My throat has hurt since yesterday.

Transport

• Onde compro o passe? — Where do I buy the travel pass?

• Desculpe, esta paragem é para o…? — Sorry, does this stop go to…?

These dialogues map to A2 “can-do” descriptors (simple transactions, short exchanges, basic information). For exam-equivalent context, see CAPLE’s CIPLE A2 scope.

EdPro’s Learning Method: Friendly, Flexible, and Practical

• Instructor-led: Native teachers guide you through real-life tasks (not just grammar).

• Online platform: Bite-size drills, pronunciation feedback, and scenario missions.

• Community: Conversation circles + accountability.

• Assessment: Continuous checks mapped to A2 outcomes; final PLA evaluation with a recognized certificate issuer.

(Note: PLA certificates must be issued by recognized entities—public schools, IEFP centers, or Centros Qualifica—to count for residency/nationality. EdPro partners with approved providers in this network.)

PLA A2 Portuguese certificate used for residency applications.

Your Certification and Residency Pathway

• What counts legally? An A2 PLA certificate (or CIPLE A2 exam pass) proves language knowledge for permanent residency, long-term resident status, and nationality.

• Who recognizes it? AIMA (successor to SEF) specifies A2 PLA completion from approved institutions as valid proof.

• CIPLE vs PLA: CAPLE’s CIPLE A2 is the official exam; PLA offers a course-based route culminating in a recognized certificate—useful if exam slots are scarce.

• Policy watch: Government proposals in 2025 discuss tighter citizenship criteria (e.g., residency years, civic knowledge), but A2 language proof remains in force as of October 26, 2025.

How to Enroll in the PLA Course

1. Check eligibility & seats (an EdPro advisor confirms the nearest/online partner center).

2. Choose your track: Intensive (8–9 weeks) or Standard (12–13 weeks).

3. Submit documents (ID, NIF if available, address).

4. Start learning (orientation + placement warm-up).

5. Certification (A2 evaluation + certificate issued by an approved entity).

Start your journey today — Enroll now in the PLA Course

FAQ

What level of Portuguese does the PLA course cover?

EdPro’s 90-day pathway targets A2 (CEFR), the minimum accepted for permanent residence/long-term resident status and nationality when issued by approved entities.

How long does it take to complete?

Typical A1+A2 certified tracks run ~150 hours; EdPro’s intensive plan completes in about 8–13 weeks depending on pace.

Is the PLA certificate valid for residency applications?

Yes—A2 or higher PLA certificates from approved institutions are accepted by AIMA for permanent residency/long-term resident status and for nationality.

Can I join from outside Portugal?

Yes—delivery can be online; what matters is the recognized issuer and completion of A2 as per AIMA guidance.

Internal Links

• PLA course overview page

• D1 Visa guide

• Life in Portugal articles