Market segmentation? Busier people work more and have more money?
1 Like
Just received our certificates from EduSetpt
Our lawyer is good with it
2 Likes
Is it a PLA certificate !?
( PLA Portuguese Lingua de Alcohimento )
There is a pattern template for the certificate
Yes its a PLA certificate
1 Like
We started at 9 am and finished at 22:00 with a long break in between. It is an extremely difficult exam mostly because of the listening comprehension which has an overlay of ambient noise and a lot of crosstalk. I am now at B2 but I would flunk that even today. I passed only because I walk the dog four times a day and have to chit chat with everyone who plays with her (everyone we meet - she is a super friendly lab). I prepared in 40 hours of one on one classes. My wife did not make it and used NIALP for 1250.
I do not recommend the CIPLE at all. The PLA course is actually better as a starter. After that if you are interested you can take conversation classes.
2 Likes
You nailed it right here. The way I am looking at it, regardless of what happens with the citizenship requirements, if I learn the language enough to be able to have everyday conversations my life will be better
1 Like
Hi. My wife and I just went through the process of trying to find schools/classes for the 150 hour requirement.
TLDR: Not an easy process! However, NomadGate and this topic thread here made it much easier. Thank you! After lots of digging, talking with the schools, getting feedback from students at some of the schools and our attorney…we decided that EDUSETPT was the best option for us.
This overview reflects current pricing and structures as of mid-2025 and is intended to assist others conducting their own research into PLA/A2 language course options in Portugal.
QUESTION: IS THIS HOW THE SYSTEM “WORKS”?
While talking with one of the other schools, they seem to imply that this is how the system works… please comment below if this is correct… if so, it seems highly inefficient… but this is what we were told:
- Certification Process:
The Portuguese government authorizes regional agencies and quasi-government entities to issue official course certificates.
- Role of Promoter Schools:
Private schools such as LSBS, EduPro, NIALP ,and others function as “promoters.” They recruit students and coordinate with the approved agencies to provide courses. Payments are collected by the promoter, while certification comes from the partnered agency.
- System Challenges:
• Pricing varies significantly between schools.
• There is no centralized (easy accessible) list of approved institutions or approved promoter schools.
SCHOOLS WE LOOKED AT
Here is our comparison of several A2/PLA Portuguese language courses we looked at. It is intended to help others navigate the available options and understand how the system operates.
Schools & Pricing: Please note you should verify pricing etc on your own with each school.
-
NIALP
• Approx. €1,250 for group classes
• 3–4 hours/day, 5 days/week
• WhatsApp: +351 964 614 204 (Kamal) -
EduSetPT
• €750 for group classes (3 hours/day, 5 days/week)
• Contact them for pricing for private/custom lessons (2x/week, 2 hours/day; flexible schedule)
• WhatsApp: +352 964 176 402 (Joana), email: info@edusetpt.com -
EdPro
• Approx. €1,250 for group classes (2 hours/day, 5 days/week)
• Update: Other members here are saying: a) “700 euros for group classes (4 hours/week, 5 days/week, 8-9 weeks). My dependents started in March, finished in May and received certificate in late June 2025.” and b) “EdPro is now listing a 12-week less-intensive class on their website. So if I put 1 + 1 together, they must still be doing the EUR 700 intensive class, and the 2hr/day-5x/wk is probably the 12-wk class for which they are charging more? I haven’t gotten a response from them on my question on the topic.”
EdPro is now listing a 12-week less-intensive class on their website. So if I put 1 + 1 together, they must still be doing the EUR 700 intensive class, and the 2hr/day-5x/wk is probably the 12-wk class for which they are charging more? I haven’t gotten a response from them on my question on the topic.
-
LSBS (Lisboa School of Business & Science)
• €1,000 + VAT (23%) They have a really nice website and are very transparent about their pricing - but were not good at follow up communication.
• 3 classes/week over ~15 weeks
• WhatsApp: +351 913 360 190 (Antara) -
CipleMaster
• €5,500–6,450 for private lessons (2x/week; flexible schedule) -
Lusa Language School
• Mixed reviews; many people note that Lusa ALWAYS adds a disclaimer to every email regarding certification. This was our experience as well. They do not guaranty that their course will be approved for getting certificate. Seems like the government has accepted in some cases and not in others. Buyer beware?
Group Classes: What we found…
Many students initially consider group classes due to their lower cost and faster path to 150 required hours. However, several factors lead some to choose private or semi-private lessons:
- Flexibility: Private classes often allow custom schedules, which is useful for those who travel or work irregular hours.
- Learning Quality: Group classes typically include 15–20 students. Some reports suggest the focus can shift to “clocking hours” rather than actual language acquisition… driving people crazy who actually want to learn.
- Engagement: With large groups, individual attention is limited. Private lessons provide direct interaction and a pace tailored to the student’s level.
- Teacher quality: Seems like this is really hit or miss - especially for group classes. Its unclear who actually assigns the teachers??? The promoter schools or the agencies that issue the certificate. Love some clarification on this if anyone knows.
- Pricing: Seems like group classes are in the 750-1250 range… not sure why there is a range if they are all offering the same classes. Any clarity in this?
Additional Resources
- AIMA official course information: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/lingua-portuguesa/cursos-de-portugues-lingua-de-acolhimento-pla
9 Likes
Can you please share the price? This would work well for my teenager. He is a fluet spanish speaker but can’t devote so much time to in person classes.
1 Like
@concepts - This is an amazing summary and a great contribution to the group. Thank you for this.
1 Like
Edpro : 700 euros for group classes (4 hours/week, 5 days/week, 8-9 weeks). My dependents started in March, finished in May and received certificate in late June 2025.
EdPro is now listing a 12-week less-intensive class on their website. So if I put 1 + 1 together, they must still be doing the EUR 700 intensive class, and the 2hr/day-5x/wk is probably the 12-wk class for which they are charging more? I haven’t gotten a response from them on my question on the topic.
We signed up and paid a deposit. Every month, they tell me it is delayed a month. Therefore, until we actually start the course I do not recommend NIALP. For us, we plan on applying for citizenship prior to our children’s 18th birthday. My understanding is if you apply prior to age 18, there is no current language requirement.
2 Likes
What we understood is that children can only apply if one of the parents is a citizen already. Otherwise they need to be 18. Ours will turn 18 before parents citizenship comes through. Is that what you have been told as well?
@MM2024 that is correct, you can read it yourself in the Portuguese nationality law. Article 2 is for minor (or mentally disabled) children of citizens.
This is what I was thinking
My attorney is telling us that all of us will apply at the 5 year mark.
1 Like
Why wouldn’t he then just take some 5-10 hours with private tutor and go pass CIPLE exam? I am somewhere between B1 and B2 in Spanish, and 4 hours of classes plus 3 sample tests were sufficient to pass the exam with “Bom” (70-85%) result…
I’ve registered to take the course with NIALP in Lisbon starting in Sept.If anyone else is planning to do the same hope to see you there 
Sep 5th update: The class is yet to begin ! Visited their offices yesterday and they don’t know yet because August was vacation so the don’t have the govt approval on the course and instructor.
This has been frustrating at the least. Since I am currently in Lisbon, if the course doesn’t start by 3rd week of Sept I will request a refund since I can’t attend the course in person.
Something to bear in mind for those that are considering NIALP.
Sept 11 Final Update: After endlessly waiting for this to start I decided I had had enough and cancelled my registration and received a refund. Time to find a different alternative.
I am registered as well but have received no info on potential start date etc.
Can someone please tell me at what age do residents have to have the Portuguese language certificate? Children of 6,7,10,12,14,16 etc… Is it the age you are considered an adult 18 or 16??
Please help to clarify