Portuguese Citizenship: CIPLE Test Requirements & Exemptions
The Portuguese government has outlined the requirements and exemptions for the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) test, mandatory for obtaining Portuguese citizenship. The test assesses Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level, with a passing grade of 55% or higher.
The CIPLE test lasts two hours and consists of three sections: Reading & Writing (40%), Listening (30-35%), and Speaking (25-30%). It costs €72, payable via MULTIBANCO or bank transfer, and must be settled at least 24 hours before the exam.
Exemptions apply to individuals married to a Portuguese citizen, eligible for citizenship through naturalization, from Portuguese-speaking countries, or holding higher-level Portuguese certificates. Children under 10 can take an adapted version, while those under 18 studying at a Portuguese school may be exempt. Applicants for the Portuguese Golden Visa are also exempt from the test. Those who fail can still receive a temporary residence permit and retake the exam.
The CIPLE test is a crucial step towards Portuguese citizenship, assessing proficiency in the Portuguese language. Understanding the test format, cost, exemptions, and passing grade is essential for prospective candidates.
