You’ve probably been hearing tons of great things about Portugal and Lisbon in particular. You’ve heard about the great weather, prices, and if you have been following Madonna’s Instagram account (or mine), you know that it’s “the” place to live. Now you’re starting to research how to get your Portuguese residency and you’re really starting to think seriously about moving here. Suddenly you ask yourself, “do I need to speak Portuguese when I come to Lisbon?” The answer…not really, but it will help – a lot, so if you decide to learn (and you should, particularly if you’re looking to get permanent residency – you need to take the CIPLE exam in order to apply) it’s nice to know that the best Portuguese classes in Lisbon are pretty cheap.
Do I Need to Speak Portuguese When I Come to Lisbon?
Before I give you the answer, I must tell you that I’m a huge fan of language learning. I encourage everyone to at least learn a bit of the language when visiting any country. Even if you sound like an idiot, locals will appreciate the fact that you tried. This small gesture of trying will open many doors in many countries whether you are a tourist or a soon to be expat. Seriously, take the time to learn some of the language. It is a beautiful sign of respect. When you come to Lisbon as a tourist, it is not truly necessary to learn Portuguese. It is a very popular city. Most people under 40 will speak English incredibly well. When you ask them “fala ingles?” most people will answer with a humble “a little”. That means they’re pretty much fluent. Alfacinhos are super friendly and really nice, so don’t be shy to ask. This is pretty much the truth if you are in the most popular neighborhoods in Lisbon. If you’re in Principe Real or Bairro Alto, pretty much every waiter in a restaurant will speak English. Once you head out to Benfica or Odivelas, not so much.
When Will I Need to Learn Portuguese?
Wondering if it is absolutely necessary that you speak Portuguese when you visit Lisbon? Not really, but it helps I would highly recommend learning Portuguese if you’re coming here for the long term. For example, if you’re an Erasmus student and will be here for 6 months. Or if you’re a digital nomad and you’re spending your 3 months in the Schengen area in Portugal. Or, if like me, you’re here on an extended residency visa. Why? Most older people don’t speak English. That means that communicating with the upholsterer in your neighborhood will be close to impossible unless you learn. Public Services: If you have to go to any governmental office you need to speak Portuguese. You’d think that the SEF (The Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – basically the immigration office) would be staffed with English speakers…it is not. It’s the same thing when you go to the EDP or EMMEL…you’ll have a better chance depending on what office you visit, but I would not chance it. If you don’t learn Portuguese, you’ll either have to hire a lawyer (I can recommend a very good one if you need one) or use a translation service (my Portuguese teacher is awesome – so if you need someone – ask me). To get Permanent Residency: If you are applying for permanent residency in Portugal, you will need to take a test that shows you have a basic understanding of Portuguese. This can be fulfilled with a certificate that shows you have A2 level proficiency. If this is what your goal is, start early. I am an avid language learner and speak 4 languages. Portuguese is a complicated language to learn.
Can I Speak Spanish in Portugal?
Sure, you can. But you will come off like a complete jerk. Portuguese people understand Spanish better than Spanish speakers understand Portuguese. That being said, there’s a weird relationship between both countries and it just comes off as rude and insensitive. You’re better off speaking English in this case.
38 thoughts on “Do I Need to Speak Portuguese When I Come to Lisbon?”
Emmanuel Damian
I think wherever you go, you need to speak basic words to be able to immerse yourself with the local culture. It can be an advantage. I haven’t been to Portugal. Hope to visit soon!
That is odd that the government agencies don’t support other languages. Here in the U.S., even our driving tests come in more than 50 languages!
Blanca Valbuena
They have signs in English and a few other languages, but definitely, don’t expect the staff to speak your language. It’s really pushed me to practice my Portuguese 😉
This is really interesting to know, I have to admit it always worries me going to another country and not being able to communicate with other people. For me I have enough issues with English thanks to my dyslexia that I struggle a lot of with other languages, which makes me feel sad in some ways.
Sudipta
I have always wanted to visit Portugal. Have heard so much about your beautiful country. Your post provides a lot of interesting information. Thank you.
Blanca Valbuena
I totally agree. Even if it is just the basics, it shows that you have respect and caring. A few words go a long way
Blanca Valbuena
If you travel to Europe, it will be fairly easy in most of the larger cities like Paris and Rome where most young people speak English. But, if worst comes to worst, there are some awesome free translation apps. Make sure you download Google Translate – it’s a gift from the language gods. My significant other has dislexia and he definitely has a hard time with reading, but he gets the spoken language through practice. Wishing you very happy travels!
Blanca Valbuena
Portugal is wonderful. Mild weather, sweet people, great food. Definitely make it a priority to visit. I think you’ll love it.
That is always a plus to know some basic expressions in the language of the country you are visiting. In plus, learning new language is beneficial for personal development.
Blanca Valbuena
Absolutely. I always start off by learning restaurant words, I figure that way I’ll always be able to get food and wine 😀
Toughcookiemommy
I actually visited Portugal years ago when I was visiting Spain. I was able to get by on the Spanish that I speak but I guess you would have to already be bilingual at that point.
You can speak spanish in portugal but it’s not the Language. It’s like speaking German to English speakers. They will understand you in part but it’s better to get the language. Also there are lots of items that in Spanish mean one thing and in Portuguese mean a totally different thing. They will nod there head but 99% of time just think you’re a foreigner so be nice to you.
I think if you are planning to live there, it would be to your advantage to learn the language. I wonder how hard it would be to learn Portuguese though. If I was to travel there for even a few days, I would want to learn the basics just to get by 🙂
I think as much of a language you can learn of the place you are visiting is a good thing. I don’t know when I would be planning to go there, but I really do hope to make it to Portugal sometime.
Blanca Valbuena
Yeah, when you travel a lot, it’s hard to fully get to know a language…but locals always appreciate it if you try (and definitely put Portugal into your rotation – it’s wonderful here)
Blanca Valbuena
Funny enough, I’ve met expats who have been here years and haven’t learned the language…but I’m one of those who geeks out over language learning, so I always recommend at least learning the basics – just like you suggested 😀
Blanca Valbuena
It absolutely does. At least the minimum (I’m lost, how do I get to xyz, where’s the police station, I’d love a glass of wine 😉
I loved this post, I learned a lot! I didn’t know speaking Spanish can come across as insensitive in Lisbon. My daughter loves to learn languages, and I encourage it completely. Currently shes learning Spanish and Sign Language.
It’s good to learn the language if you are traveling to a new location even if it’s the basic words. I was already speaking basic french before I travelled to a French speaking country here in Africa to learn more french. Thanks for sharing.
I always learn a few basic words before traveling to country where English is not the primary language. I’ve actually seen a citcom “India Love Story” which was originally produced in Portuguese and loved that language. Some words sound Spanish to me.
Rosey
One of my grown sons has been learning Portuguese for quite awhile now. He’s getting really good at natural conversations now. I’m proud of him.
I have never been to a place where I need to speak another language. But I think it would be an amazing experience!
Blanca Valbuena
Yeah, the Portuguese people are often thought of as a subsector of Spain and they don’t like that too much. Heck, I’m from NY and I get upset if they say I’m from the wrong borough (just kidding – I’m from NJ). Kudos to your daughter. Language learning is so powerful. It’s opened tons of doors for me and I’ve been able to do business with tons more people because I can speak with them.
Blanca Valbuena
You’re so right. Knowing French is so helpful whenever you go to any country that speaks a Latin-based language. For me, speaking Spanish has been a huge help.
Blanca Valbuena
Way too cool. Why did he pick Portuguese?
Blanca Valbuena
I do the same. It makes me feel way more confident. I’m going to absolutely check out the sitcom. I can use more listening practice!
Blanca Valbuena
I think you need to schedule a trip soon. How about Portugal…or France 😀
Blanca Valbuena
This is a great idea. That way if your smartphone dies, you always have the book handy.
I love the idea of learning a little of a country’s language. It is additional knowledge and like embracing the country’s culture too.
Blanca Valbuena
Exactly. It’s pretty easy to learn the basics as well. The only language I’ve truly had a hard time with was Hungarian.
Rita
Expats living here and not speaking a word of our language is the biggest pet peeve and a total lack of respect. And anyone coming here even for tourism and not using at least an electronic translator with a Portuguese voice is rude. People must understand that the sole act of coming into a country asking people if they speak English is all levels of rude, be it in Portugal, Czech Republic or Thailand. You are in someone else’s home, most of the time these expats don’t even have a lot of Portuguese friends. But some do because there is some level of subservience even among youngsters, who think English is cool. What they are doing only adds fuel to the fire.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Rita,
I’m a big fan of people learning the language of the place where they live. I always try to learn the basics of the languages of the countries I travel to…and like I mentioned, I have no qualms about looking like an idiot when ordering my meals. Since I am lucky enough to live in Portugal, I am currently taking C-level courses, read my first Pessoa book, and I am now reading Alves Redol in Portuguese (who is AMAZING).
I will give people some slack, some people are just not good with languages – just like others who are not good at Math…but as I said, people should at least try…regardless of whatever country they are coming from. In my experience, a lot of the ‘expats’ I meet and who come to this website are trying and a lot of people moving to Portugal ask me for recommendations on places to learn.
I have been lucky that I had traveled to Portugal on many occasions before moving here, so I had made friends, but I think some ‘expats’ are timid when it comes to seeming dumb when trying to speak. A lot of the time it is a fear of that; particularly when it comes to the US. It is also a very challenging language. I found it significantly more difficult than French or Italian (and this is counting that I am a native Spanish speaker).
Have you tried opening up a conversation with an American living in your city and bringing up the subject? It may be that they need someone to open the door to helping them feel comfortable in trying.
And I get it, Portugal is the host country and it is absolutely our responsibility as immigrants to learn, but I would say that it may not always be a case of lack of respect, but maybe opening the door to them can help those who are timid make that leap.
I do see a HUGE difference from the Lisbon area when compared to the Algarve where mostly English is spoken. Have you seen a regional difference in the lack of ex-pats not speaking Portuguese? Is this your experience throughout Portugal? Do you feel it is only Americans? The last data I got was that there were 6,600 Americans living in Portugal as of 2020 compared to 35,000 UK nationals so I’d be curious to see if you have noticed a difference.
I think wherever you go, you need to speak basic words to be able to immerse yourself with the local culture. It can be an advantage. I haven’t been to Portugal. Hope to visit soon!
That is odd that the government agencies don’t support other languages. Here in the U.S., even our driving tests come in more than 50 languages!
They have signs in English and a few other languages, but definitely, don’t expect the staff to speak your language. It’s really pushed me to practice my Portuguese 😉
I think when you travel you should try your best to speak the language. If you’re terrible maybe stick with the basics.
This is really interesting to know, I have to admit it always worries me going to another country and not being able to communicate with other people. For me I have enough issues with English thanks to my dyslexia that I struggle a lot of with other languages, which makes me feel sad in some ways.
I have always wanted to visit Portugal. Have heard so much about your beautiful country. Your post provides a lot of interesting information. Thank you.
I totally agree. Even if it is just the basics, it shows that you have respect and caring. A few words go a long way
If you travel to Europe, it will be fairly easy in most of the larger cities like Paris and Rome where most young people speak English. But, if worst comes to worst, there are some awesome free translation apps. Make sure you download Google Translate – it’s a gift from the language gods. My significant other has dislexia and he definitely has a hard time with reading, but he gets the spoken language through practice. Wishing you very happy travels!
Portugal is wonderful. Mild weather, sweet people, great food. Definitely make it a priority to visit. I think you’ll love it.
That is always a plus to know some basic expressions in the language of the country you are visiting. In plus, learning new language is beneficial for personal development.
Absolutely. I always start off by learning restaurant words, I figure that way I’ll always be able to get food and wine 😀
I actually visited Portugal years ago when I was visiting Spain. I was able to get by on the Spanish that I speak but I guess you would have to already be bilingual at that point.
You can speak spanish in portugal but it’s not the Language. It’s like speaking German to English speakers. They will understand you in part but it’s better to get the language. Also there are lots of items that in Spanish mean one thing and in Portuguese mean a totally different thing. They will nod there head but 99% of time just think you’re a foreigner so be nice to you.
I think if you are planning to live there, it would be to your advantage to learn the language. I wonder how hard it would be to learn Portuguese though. If I was to travel there for even a few days, I would want to learn the basics just to get by 🙂
I always try to learn a few words if I am travelling solo to any country. I find that it truly helps.
I think as much of a language you can learn of the place you are visiting is a good thing. I don’t know when I would be planning to go there, but I really do hope to make it to Portugal sometime.
Yeah, when you travel a lot, it’s hard to fully get to know a language…but locals always appreciate it if you try (and definitely put Portugal into your rotation – it’s wonderful here)
Funny enough, I’ve met expats who have been here years and haven’t learned the language…but I’m one of those who geeks out over language learning, so I always recommend at least learning the basics – just like you suggested 😀
It absolutely does. At least the minimum (I’m lost, how do I get to xyz, where’s the police station, I’d love a glass of wine 😉
I loved this post, I learned a lot! I didn’t know speaking Spanish can come across as insensitive in Lisbon. My daughter loves to learn languages, and I encourage it completely. Currently shes learning Spanish and Sign Language.
It’s good to learn the language if you are traveling to a new location even if it’s the basic words. I was already speaking basic french before I travelled to a French speaking country here in Africa to learn more french. Thanks for sharing.
I always learn a few basic words before traveling to country where English is not the primary language. I’ve actually seen a citcom “India Love Story” which was originally produced in Portuguese and loved that language. Some words sound Spanish to me.
One of my grown sons has been learning Portuguese for quite awhile now. He’s getting really good at natural conversations now. I’m proud of him.
I always get a phrasebook before I travel abroad and I try to learn the main words and phrases. This is very interesting for me.
I have never been to a place where I need to speak another language. But I think it would be an amazing experience!
Yeah, the Portuguese people are often thought of as a subsector of Spain and they don’t like that too much. Heck, I’m from NY and I get upset if they say I’m from the wrong borough (just kidding – I’m from NJ). Kudos to your daughter. Language learning is so powerful. It’s opened tons of doors for me and I’ve been able to do business with tons more people because I can speak with them.
You’re so right. Knowing French is so helpful whenever you go to any country that speaks a Latin-based language. For me, speaking Spanish has been a huge help.
Way too cool. Why did he pick Portuguese?
I do the same. It makes me feel way more confident. I’m going to absolutely check out the sitcom. I can use more listening practice!
I think you need to schedule a trip soon. How about Portugal…or France 😀
This is a great idea. That way if your smartphone dies, you always have the book handy.
I love the idea of learning a little of a country’s language. It is additional knowledge and like embracing the country’s culture too.
Exactly. It’s pretty easy to learn the basics as well. The only language I’ve truly had a hard time with was Hungarian.
Expats living here and not speaking a word of our language is the biggest pet peeve and a total lack of respect. And anyone coming here even for tourism and not using at least an electronic translator with a Portuguese voice is rude. People must understand that the sole act of coming into a country asking people if they speak English is all levels of rude, be it in Portugal, Czech Republic or Thailand. You are in someone else’s home, most of the time these expats don’t even have a lot of Portuguese friends. But some do because there is some level of subservience even among youngsters, who think English is cool. What they are doing only adds fuel to the fire.
Hi Rita,
I’m a big fan of people learning the language of the place where they live. I always try to learn the basics of the languages of the countries I travel to…and like I mentioned, I have no qualms about looking like an idiot when ordering my meals. Since I am lucky enough to live in Portugal, I am currently taking C-level courses, read my first Pessoa book, and I am now reading Alves Redol in Portuguese (who is AMAZING).
I will give people some slack, some people are just not good with languages – just like others who are not good at Math…but as I said, people should at least try…regardless of whatever country they are coming from. In my experience, a lot of the ‘expats’ I meet and who come to this website are trying and a lot of people moving to Portugal ask me for recommendations on places to learn.
I have been lucky that I had traveled to Portugal on many occasions before moving here, so I had made friends, but I think some ‘expats’ are timid when it comes to seeming dumb when trying to speak. A lot of the time it is a fear of that; particularly when it comes to the US. It is also a very challenging language. I found it significantly more difficult than French or Italian (and this is counting that I am a native Spanish speaker).
Have you tried opening up a conversation with an American living in your city and bringing up the subject? It may be that they need someone to open the door to helping them feel comfortable in trying.
And I get it, Portugal is the host country and it is absolutely our responsibility as immigrants to learn, but I would say that it may not always be a case of lack of respect, but maybe opening the door to them can help those who are timid make that leap.
I do see a HUGE difference from the Lisbon area when compared to the Algarve where mostly English is spoken. Have you seen a regional difference in the lack of ex-pats not speaking Portuguese? Is this your experience throughout Portugal? Do you feel it is only Americans? The last data I got was that there were 6,600 Americans living in Portugal as of 2020 compared to 35,000 UK nationals so I’d be curious to see if you have noticed a difference.
Blanca