Official Decrees addressing requirements for Portuguese Citizenship: Decree No. 851/2010, of September 6 & Decree-Law No. 237-A/2006, of 14 December.
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?
| 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) |
Your study timeline depends on how many hours per week you commit:
What are the Requirements?
- Must be 16 years or older
- Must be holders of a residence permit or must present proof that the procedure for the extension of the stay in national territory or for the granting or renewal of a residence permit has been initiated
- Must provide NIF number
Where Can I Take the Course?
- Public School
- Registration:
- The registration form is available online here. Simply fill out the form & take it to Dr. Jorge Augusto Correia (Secondary School). When you enter the school, there is a door on the right for the administrative offices. Enter there to drop off your form.
- Website: Dr. Jorge Augusto Correia – PLA Courses
- Cost: 8.70€ administrative fee. This is typically paid within the first couple weeks of classes.
- Class Schedule:
- Begins end of Sept/beg of Oct & Ends in June
- Are typically held twice a week for 2.5 hours each night.
- Although, you are initially assigned a class schedule and shift, there is some availability to switch your schedule and/or shift.
- Registration:
- Online – Several of my friends have opted for the online classes and recommend the two options below. There are other options available.
- EdPro Associção
- Cost: Not provided without inquiry, but reportedly around 700€.
- Class Schedule:
- Offer 8-9 week OR 13-15 week options
- Morning, Afternoon & Evening classes offered
- EduSetPT
- Cost: Not provided without inquiry, but reportedly around 750€
- Approximately 12 weeks/ 5 days per week
- Morning, Afternoon classes offered (based on limited information on the website)
- EdPro Associção
