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Hi Julia,

Yes, that's right. One of the requirements is that you have proof of basic Portuguese (level A2).

There are often practically free courses for expats (portuguese learning for non native) at some schools. Ask about that at your local council where you live.

@JohnnyPT

Hi JohnnyPT. To my knowledge this isn't a requirement for EU citizens. It might have changed, but I didn't hear anything about it.

@JohnnyPT

Is there actually a requirement to get permanent residency for EU citizens in Portugal?

I understand your questions. Sorry, but I have made a slight confusion....

This requirement is only for EU citizens who want to apply for nationality after 5 years, and extend their rights in this country. 

The ‘Certificate of Permanent Residence for EU Nationals’ does not explicitly mention the requirement for proof of knowledge of Portuguese in the requirements listed.

@JohnnyPT

Thank you.

Julia

I am EU citizen and have been in Portugal for over 3 years, no requirement to know Portuguese to get Certificado de Registo for EU citizens.

I personally did learn Portuguese not because I had to but because it seems normal to me to learn the language of the people among whom one lives. It's a matter of convenience (obviously life is much easier when you can easily communicate with those around you) but also of respect.

I never really understood people who live in a country for a long time and don't bother to learn even the basics of the local language and instead come up with all sorts of silly excuses.

@ctomac

Absolutely right!.  You can't live in a country without speaking the language. You can't expect everyone to speak English. 

While I agree somewhat with Santi2 and ctomac, I also have to say that it depends on the skill level. What does "speaking Portuguese" mean? This could be from being able to say "bom dia" to an official level C2. Thousands of immigrants live happily in Portugal with only a very basic level of Portuguese. I lived in Arab countries and never learnt to read or write Arabic. I know a few phrases and that's it. I still could manage easily.

@juliajonesjy

As an EU citizen, your right to reside in Portugal is based on EU freedom of movement rules, not the Portuguese immigration law applied to third-country nationals.

So, for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens living in Portugal, there is no Portuguese language requirement to apply for permanent residence.