How to learn Portuguese: best courses, apps and free options

Learning Portuguese is one of the best things you can do if you live in Portugal or plan to move. It makes bureaucracy easier, opens up friendships with locals, and is required for Portuguese citizenship.

But there's a catch: most apps and courses teach Brazilian Portuguese. If you're living in Portugal, you'll want European Portuguese, which sounds very different. This guide explains how to learn Portuguese effectively, the best European Portuguese courses (paid and free), and how to prepare for the A2 language exam.

Quick answer – the best way to learn Portuguese:

1. Start with a structured European Portuguese course (online or in a school).
2. Practise listening every day with podcasts and TV.
3. Get conversation practice with a tutor or language exchange.
4. Use apps only as a supplement.
5. Take advantage of free government classes if you live in Portugal.

European vs Brazilian Portuguese: Which Should You Learn?

Both are the same language and mutually intelligible in writing, but the differences in speech are big.

If you live in Portugal, learn European Portuguese. Locals understand Brazilian Portuguese, but you'll struggle to understand them if your ear is trained on Brazilian accents.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Portuguese?

For English speakers, Portuguese is considered a relatively accessible language. As a rough guide:

• A2 (basic, enough for citizenship): 4–8 months of regular study
• B1 (independent, everyday conversations): 9–15 months
• B2 (comfortable at work and socially): 1.5–2.5 years

Speakers of Spanish, Italian or French will progress faster with reading and grammar but still need time for pronunciation.

Free Portuguese Classes in Portugal

If you're a resident, you may be able to study Portuguese for free.

Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA)

Government-funded "Portuguese as a Host Language" courses for foreign residents, offered by the IEFP (employment institute) training centres and many public schools. Courses typically cover levels A1–A2 and B1–B2, and successful students receive a certificate that can be used for citizenship applications.

How to apply: contact your local IEFP centre, Centro Qualifica, or ask at a public secondary school (escola secundária) near you. Places fill quickly, so register early.

Municipal and parish courses

Many câmaras municipais (city councils) and juntas de freguesia offer free or low-cost classes for immigrants. Check your council's website.

Universities and associations

Some universities run subsidised courses, and migrant associations and NGOs often organise free conversation groups.

Free online resources

• RTP Play – Portuguese TV and radio for listening practice (with Portuguese subtitles on many shows)
• Podcasts aimed at learners of European Portuguese
• YouTube channels focused on European Portuguese
• Libraries (bibliotecas municipais) – free books and audiobooks

Best European Portuguese Courses Online

When choosing among Portuguese courses online, check:

• That it's European, not Brazilian, Portuguese
• That it includes native audio from Portugal
• Whether it prepares you for CIPLE/A2 if you need citizenship
• Whether there's speaking practice

What about Duolingo and Babbel?

Popular apps like Duolingo and Babbel teach Brazilian Portuguese. They're fine for basic vocabulary but won't prepare your ear for Portugal.

Language Schools in Portugal

If you prefer in-person learning, Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra and the Algarve have plenty of language schools. Options include:

• Intensive courses (3–4 hours a day for several weeks)
• Evening classes for working people
• University courses for foreigners – the University of Lisbon, University of Porto and University of Coimbra all have well-known Portuguese-for-foreigners programmes, including summer courses

Group courses typically cost from a few hundred euros per month for intensive study.

The A2 CIPLE Exam (For Citizenship)

To apply for Portuguese nationality, you generally need to prove A2-level Portuguese. The most common way is the CIPLE exam (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira), run by CAPLE at the University of Lisbon and offered at exam centres in Portugal and abroad.

The exam tests:

• Reading and writing
• Listening
• Speaking

Alternatives may include a PLA course certificate or proof of education in a Portuguese-speaking country. Check current nationality rules before booking, as requirements can change. Check

10 Tips to Learn Portuguese Faster

1. Learn pronunciation early. European Portuguese drops many vowels; get used to it from day one.
2. Listen every day. Even 15 minutes of podcasts or TV makes a huge difference.
3. Speak from week one. Order your coffee in Portuguese – um café, por favor.
4. Don't let locals switch to English. Politely ask: Podemos falar em português? Estou a aprender.
5. Learn useful phrases first – greetings, numbers, shopping, bureaucracy.
6. Use spaced repetition (flashcards) for vocabulary.
7. Watch Portuguese TV with Portuguese subtitles.
8. Join a language exchange – many cities have regular meetups.
9. Learn slang and expressions to understand everyday speech (fixe, bué, pá).
10. Be consistent – 30 minutes daily beats 4 hours once a week.

Useful Portuguese Phrases to Start With

And one word every learner should know: saudade – a deep, nostalgic longing for something or someone, often described as untranslatable.

Final Thoughts

The best way to learn Portuguese is a mix: one structured European Portuguese course, daily listening, and as much real conversation as you can get. If you live in Portugal, start with free PLA classes, add a tutor for speaking, and practise every time you order a coffee or go to the market. Boa sorte!