TL;DR

Portugal is making a civic knowledge test a requirement for Portuguese citizenship. The late 2025 approval of broader changes to Portuguese nationality law includes this test. The new test will check how well you know about Portuguese history and culture.

It makes the A2 Portuguese language requirement even harder. Here's all the information you need about this change coming up.

What the Civic Knowledge Test Will Cover?

The Portuguese civic test will look at a few important parts of life in the country. You should expect questions about important events in Portuguese history. You should know a little bit about Portuguese culture and customs.

The test will include questions about national symbols like the flag and the national anthem. Also important is what you know about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen under Portuguese law.

New Civic Knowledge Test Vs. A2 Portuguese Language Test

The A2 Portuguese language test is only about how well you can communicate. To pass, you need to be able to read, write, and speak basic Portuguese. The CIPLE exam checks your vocabulary of about 1,000 words. It includes simple written texts and topics that come up in everyday conversation.

The civic test is different and tests your knowledge of facts instead. You could speak Portuguese perfectly and still fail the civic exam. You will need to take both tests to apply for Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation. You still have to do the other one.

Other Likely Topics Include

• The Portuguese Constitution and democratic principles
• Famous people and events from history
• Portugal's role in the EU
• Basic geography and regional differences

Who Will Need to Take the Test?

Most people who want to become Portuguese citizens through naturalization will need it. This includes people who have a Portuguese Golden Visa and are applying after the required time of residency.

People with D7 Visas and other long-term residents must also get ready. The test applies no matter what your original nationality was.

Possible Exemptions (Not Confirmed Yet)

• Older applicants might get special treatment, just like people who take language tests
• People from CPLP countries may have different requirements
• Kids who go to Portuguese schools might not have to do it

Current Status of the Test

The civic knowledge test does not yet exist officially, as of early 2026. As part of the changes to the Portuguese nationality law, Parliament approved the requirement. The Constitutional Court of Portugal is still looking over some parts, though. The exact format and content are still being worked out. After the law goes into effect, more information about how it will work will be available.

The government still needs to set the standard criteria for the tests. There are no official study guides or practice tests available right now. Once the details are set, officials will probably make preparation materials available. Keep an eye out for news from the Ministry of Justice and AIMA.

Conclusion

The Portuguese civic knowledge test is a big new barrier to getting citizenship after it comes into effect. It will check how well you know history, culture, and your civic duties. As the law waits for final approval, the exact format is still unknown.