Introduction: Understanding the Timeline to Portuguese Citizenship
For many expats in Portugal, becoming a Portuguese citizen is the ultimate goal. However, the process takes time, requiring at least five years of legal residency before applying for nationality. One of the key requirements for Portuguese citizenship is proving A2 proficiency in the Portuguese language, which is where the 150-hour PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) course plays a crucial role.
If you’re planning your path to Portuguese citizenship, understanding when and how to complete the required language course will help you avoid unnecessary delays. In this guide, we will break down:
✔️ When you need to start preparing for language certification
✔️ How long the 150-hour PLA course takes and scheduling options
✔️ What happens after finishing the course
✔️ How to prevent delays in your citizenship timeline
At Edpro Association, we offer a government-recognized PLA course in Lisboa, Portugal, designed to help you meet the A2 Portuguese requirement for citizenship.
👉 Start Your Portuguese Language Journey Today!
Milestone 1: When Do You Need Language Certification for Portuguese Citizenship?
The Portuguese citizenship timeline follows a structured process:
Step 1: Obtain Residency (Year 1-2)
You must first secure a valid residency permit (Golden Visa, D7, D2, etc.).
There are no language requirements at this stage.
Step 2: Maintain Residency (Year 3-4)
Continue meeting the minimum stay requirements.
It’s advisable to start learning Portuguese early to prepare for citizenship.
Step 3: Prepare for Citizenship (Year 5)
After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
You must provide proof of A2 Portuguese proficiency.
This is the ideal time to enroll in a PLA course if you haven’t already.
🔎 Don’t wait until the last minute! Start your PLA course early to avoid delays.🔗 Join a PLA Course Today
The 150-Hour PLA Course: Duration & Study Plan
The PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) course is a structured, government-approved program that allows students to achieve A2 proficiency in Portuguese. Completing this course eliminates the need to take the CIPLE exam, as the course certificate is directly accepted for nationality applications.
How Long Does the 150-Hour Course Take?
Your study timeline depends on how many hours per week you commit:
Study Format | Hours Per Week | Completion Time |
Intensive Course | 15 hours/week | 10 weeks (2.5 months) |
Standard Course | 8-10 hours/week | 15-18 weeks (4-5 months) |
Part-Time Course | 5 hours/week | 30 weeks (7-8 months) |
Which Option Is Best for You?
✅ If you need citizenship quickly, the intensive course (10 weeks) is ideal.
✅ If you have a busy schedule, a part-time approach may be better.
👉 Find a schedule that works for you!
Post-Course Steps: Using Your Certificate for Citizenship
Once you complete your PLA course, here’s what happens next:
Step 1: Receive Your Official A2 Certificate
After finishing the 150-hour course, you’ll receive an official certificate proving your A2 proficiency.
This document is accepted by Portuguese authorities for residency and citizenship applications.
Step 2: Attach the Certificate to Your Citizenship Application
When applying for Portuguese nationality, submit the language certificate along with other required documents.
The Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) processes citizenship applications.
Step 3: Citizenship Processing Time
Citizenship applications can take 6-12 months for approval.
If any documents are missing, delays can occur—so make sure everything is submitted correctly!
👉 Need help navigating the process? Our team is here to assist you!
Potential Delays & How to Avoid Them
1. SEF Backlogs & Slow Processing
Residence permit renewals and SEF appointments are often delayed.
Ensure that your residency remains valid while waiting for citizenship.
2. IRN Citizenship Application Scheduling
Appointments for submitting citizenship applications may take months to secure.
Book your appointment as soon as your language certificate is ready.
3. Last-Minute Language Certification Rush
Many applicants delay taking the PLA course until year 5, leading to unnecessary stress.
Start learning Portuguese early to avoid being rushed.
🔎 Pro tip: Enroll in the PLA course before your fifth year of residency to stay ahead of the process.
Conclusion: Your Path to Portuguese Citizenship Starts Today
Planning your Portuguese citizenship journey in advance will save you time, stress, and delays. The 150-hour PLA course is an essential part of the process, and taking it at the right time ensures a smooth application.
✔️ After five years of legal residency, you need A2 Portuguese certification.
✔️ The PLA course takes 10 weeks (intensive) or 4-8 months (part-time).
✔️ Completing the course provides an official certificate—no exam required.
✔️ Start early to avoid SEF and IRN processing delays.
👉 Ready to begin your journey to Portuguese citizenship?
Comments