Language and Citizenship: Why It Matters for Investors
For investors pursuing EU citizenship through a Golden Visa pathway, the language requirement is often encountered late in the planning process — and sometimes too late. An investor may spend five years in the Portugal Golden Visa programme, maintaining the investment, satisfying the minimal presence requirements, and then discover that the Portuguese language test is a genuine obstacle.
Understanding the language requirements upfront — and building preparation time into the plan — is far preferable to discovering the requirement at the citizenship application stage.
The European Framework: CEFR Levels Explained
All EU member state language requirements reference the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which defines language proficiency in six levels:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner — basic phrases, introductions, simple questions |
| A2 | Elementary — familiar topics, routine tasks, simple descriptions |
| B1 | Intermediate — clear standard input, familiar situations, simple connected text |
| B2 | Upper intermediate — main ideas of complex text, fluency with native speakers |
| C1 | Advanced — demanding texts, implicit meaning, spontaneous expression |
| C2 | Mastery — understands virtually everything; expresses spontaneously with precision |
For reference, most EU citizenship naturalisation language requirements for long-term residents fall in the A2–B1 range. Professional language users (journalists, lecturers, diplomats) typically operate at B2–C2.
Portugal: A2 CIPLE
The Requirement
Portuguese citizenship through the Golden Visa pathway requires passing the CIPLE exam (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira — Initial Certificate of Portuguese as a Foreign Language) at A2 level.
A2 is explicitly a beginner-to-elementary standard. At A2, a candidate should be able to:
- Understand frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate personal relevance
- Communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring a direct exchange on familiar topics
- Describe their background, immediate environment, and matters of immediate need in simple terms
This is a genuine but achievable target. Most people with no prior Portuguese who begin structured study can reach A2 in three to six months of consistent effort (approximately four to six hours per week of study and practice).
The Exam
Administered by: Camões, Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua (Camões Institute), the Portuguese government body responsible for language promotion internationally
Format: Reading comprehension, written production, oral comprehension, oral production. Each component is separately graded.
Where to sit it: Camões Institute examination centres globally, including in London, Manchester, and other UK cities; also in Lisbon and other Portuguese cities if you choose to travel.
Frequency: Exams are typically available several times per year. Check the Camões Institute website for current schedules.
Cost: Approximately €90–€150 per sitting (check current fees)
Preparation resources: Numerous online courses, textbooks, and face-to-face classes. Babbel, Duolingo, and similar apps can supplement but are not sufficient on their own for exam preparation. Structure your preparation around exam-format practice materials.
Exemptions
Certain categories of applicant are exempt from the language test:
- Descendants of Portuguese nationals (certain cases)
- Individuals who attended Portuguese-medium schools for a significant period
- Check current exemption rules with your immigration lawyer at the point of application
Our Observation
A2 is achievable with genuine effort. We consistently advise Golden Visa clients to begin Portuguese language study no later than three years into the five-year pathway — this allows two years to reach A2 before the citizenship application window opens. Many clients wait until year four or five, which creates unnecessary pressure.
Greece: B1 Greek
The Requirement
Greek citizenship through naturalisation (the route available after seven years of Golden Visa residency) requires at least a B1 level in the Greek language, assessed through a formal examination. Since 2021, applicants must sit the Panhellenic Naturalisation Examination (PEGP) — a written test of Greek language plus Greek history, geography, culture and the functioning of the Greek parliamentary system, followed by an oral component.
B1 is intermediate. It is a meaningfully higher standard than Portugal's A2. At B1, a candidate should be able to:
- Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
- Deal with most situations likely to arise while in Greece
- Produce simple connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events, dreams, and briefly give reasons for opinions
Most people with no prior Greek who begin structured study can reach B1 in twelve to twenty-four months of consistent effort (four to eight hours per week). Greek script (the Greek alphabet) adds an initial learning curve that Latin-script languages do not have.
The Evaluation
Since 2021, Greek naturalisation is assessed through the Panhellenic Naturalisation Examination (PEGP), a formal written and oral exam administered by the Ministry of the Interior and held twice a year at examination centres in Greece. The written paper combines Greek language with civics (history, geography, culture and the parliamentary system); candidates must reach the required standard in the written paper before proceeding to the oral component. The exam is conducted entirely in Greek. A separate interview before the naturalisation committee may also form part of the wider process.
Preparation: Greek language courses are widely available in Greece and internationally. The Hellenic Culture Centre and various language schools in major UK cities offer structured Greek language tuition. Online resources include Duolingo, Pimsleur, and dedicated Greek learning platforms. The Ministry of the Interior publishes an official PEGP resource book.
Our Observation
Seven years is a generous timeline for reaching B1 Greek. Investors who begin language study in year one or two of their Golden Visa have sufficient time to progress at a manageable pace. Those who leave it until year six or seven will find the requirement genuinely challenging.
Spain: A2 Spanish and CCSE Civic Test
The Requirements
Spanish citizenship by naturalisation (available after ten years of residence for most nationalities) requires:
- DELE A2 or higher: Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera at A2 level, administered by the Instituto Cervantes
- CCSE exam: Conocimientos Constitucionales y Socioculturales de España — a civic knowledge test covering Spanish history, constitution, culture, and society
Both exams must be passed; neither can substitute for the other.
Administered by: Instituto Cervantes (DELE) and Instituto Cervantes on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (CCSE)
Where to sit: Instituto Cervantes examination centres worldwide, including London, Manchester, Dublin, and many other cities
Important note on the Spain Golden Visa: Spain closed its Golden Visa (residency-by-investment) programme to new applicants on 3 April 2025. New investors can no longer obtain Spanish residency by property or capital investment; existing holders' permits continue under transitional arrangements. The Spanish language and CCSE requirements above remain relevant to anyone on an ordinary residence pathway to naturalisation.
Malta: English
Malta requires English as a basic proficiency for naturalisation purposes (Malta is predominantly English-speaking, with Maltese as co-official language). For most applicants from the UK, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries, this is not a barrier. For applicants whose first language is not English, there is a basic English language requirement, though the standard is generally lower than a formal language exam.
Additionally, Malta has a Maltese language that applicants may encounter in naturalisation proceedings, though English is fully functional in Malta's legal and administrative systems.
Programmes with No Language Requirement
Caribbean CBI (All Five Programmes)
Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia — all five Caribbean CBI programmes grant citizenship with no language requirement. English is the official language of all five countries, and no language test is required.
Vanuatu
No language requirement. French and English are both official languages; the national language is Bislama.
Turkey
No language requirement for citizenship by investment. Turkish citizenship through property investment grants full citizenship without a language test.
UAE
UAE Golden Visa grants residency, not citizenship. UAE citizenship is not generally available through investment and not covered here. The Golden Visa (residency) has no language requirement.
Jordan
No language test for the citizenship by investment programme.
Planning Your Language Preparation
For investors pursuing EU citizenship through a multi-year residency pathway, we recommend:
| Programme | Language Required | Level | Timeline Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Portuguese | A2 | Begin year 2–3 of Golden Visa |
| Greece | Greek | B1 | Begin year 1–2 of Golden Visa |
| Spain | Spanish | A2 | Begin year 3–4 of residency |
| Malta | English | Basic | Usually no action required for UK/Irish applicants |
The earlier language preparation begins, the lower the pressure at the citizenship application stage. A2 Portuguese is genuinely achievable by most people within six months of focused study. B1 Greek requires a longer commitment and is best treated as an ongoing project throughout the Golden Visa period rather than a last-minute intensive.
Recommended Preparation Resources
Portuguese (A2):
- Pimsleur Portuguese (audio-based, good for oral proficiency)
- Portuguese CIPLE exam preparation books (Lidel publisher)
- Language exchange partners via apps such as Tandem or HelloTalk
- Language schools in London and major UK cities (face-to-face tuition recommended for the oral exam component)
Greek (B1):
- Hellenic Culture Centre (London)
- "Ellinika Tora" (Greek Now) textbook series (designed for learners from abroad)
- Online tutors via Preply or iTalki (many native Greek tutors available)
Spanish (A2):
- DELE A2 preparation textbooks (ELE editorial)
- Instituto Cervantes resources
- Language school tuition widely available in the UK
Compliance Note
Language requirements and exam procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with your immigration lawyer and the relevant examination body before planning. Exam schedules and fees are subject to change.
How Global Investments Can Help
We advise our Golden Visa clients on language requirements from the outset and can recommend specialist language tutors and schools for the specific exams required in each jurisdiction. We also monitor regulatory changes in citizenship naturalisation requirements and alert our clients if the rules affecting their pathway change. Contact us to discuss your citizenship timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Portugal require a language test for citizenship?
Yes. Portuguese citizenship requires passing the CIPLE exam at A2 level (basic user). A2 is a relatively low threshold — it tests basic comprehension and communication — but it does require genuine preparation. The exam is administered by the Camões Institute. It cannot be skipped or substituted.
What level of Greek is required for citizenship in Greece?
Greece requires a B1 level of Greek for naturalisation. B1 is an intermediate level — the applicant should be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar subjects, deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in Greece, and produce simple connected text. This is a more demanding requirement than Portugal's A2.
Which citizenship programmes have no language requirement?
Caribbean CBI programmes (Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia) have no language requirement. Vanuatu has no language requirement. Turkey has no language requirement for citizenship by investment. UAE Golden Visa gives residency, not citizenship, and has no language test. Malta naturalisation has an English language requirement, but Malta is predominantly English-speaking and the standard required is generally met by most applicants.
Can I take the Portuguese A2 exam in the UK?
Yes. The CIPLE exam is administered at Camões Institute centres and partner institutions worldwide, including in London and other UK cities. You do not need to travel to Portugal to sit the exam.
Does Spain require a Spanish language test for citizenship?
Yes. Spain requires proof of Spanish language proficiency (DELE A2 or higher) and passing a civic knowledge test (CCSE) for most nationality applicants. These requirements apply to naturalisation by residence, which is the standard route for Golden Visa holders seeking Spanish citizenship.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial or immigration advice. Programme details change; verify current requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer before making any investment or application. Investment values can fall as well as rise.