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Chapter 12 of 21

Language & Culture

Learning Portuguese, customs & integration

Language & Culture

Learning Portuguese, Customs & Integration

This chapter is for informational purposes only. Always consult a professional.

Sources: iefp.pt | caple.ul.pt

Learning Portuguese

  • Free government courses (PPT) — Via IEFP, levels A1-B2, 150-200 hours/level
  • Private language schools — €200–€500 per group course
  • Online — Duolingo (choose European Portuguese!), Practice Portuguese, Preply
  • Citizenship requirement — Minimum A2 (B1 recommended)

Useful Phrases

DutchPortuguese
Good morningBom dia
PleasePor favor / Faz favor
Thank youObrigado (m) / Obrigada (f)
I don’t understandNão compreendo
Do you speak English?Fala inglĂŞs?
How much does it cost?Quanto custa?
The bill pleaseA conta, por favor

Portuguese Culture

  • Meals: lunch 12:30-14:00 (main meal), dinner 19:30-21:00
  • Greeting: two kisses (women/mixed), handshake (men first time)
  • Formality: use Senhor/Senhora with strangers/elders
  • Coffee: espresso (cafĂ©/bica) is a social ritual, cheapest standing at the bar
  • Shops: close 12:30-14:00 for lunch, Saturday afternoon/Sunday closed
  • Punctuality: socially 15-30 min late is normal, business on time

Holidays in Portugal

DateHoliday
January 1New Year
VariableCarnival (Tuesday before Ash Wednesday)
VariableGood Friday
VariableEaster
April 25Freedom Day (Carnation Revolution 1974)
May 1Labour Day
VariableCorpus Christi
June 10Portugal Day
August 15Assumption of Mary
October 5Republic Day
November 1All Saints’ Day
December 1Independence Day
December 8Immaculate Conception
December 25Christmas

Each municipality also has a local holiday. In Fundao: municipal holiday in July.

Food & Drink

  • Bacalhau — Dried cod, 365 recipes (one for each day) • Pasteis de Nata — Famous custard tarts • Francesinha — Porto’s iconic sauce sandwich • Cozido — Stew with meat and vegetables (popular inland) • Queijo da Serra — Mountain cheese from Serra da Estrela (region!) • Vinho — Excellent wines. DĂŁo and Beira Interior local regions • Prato do dia — Daily menu in restaurants: soup + main + drink ~€8-€12

Integration Tip

Learn the language, shop locally (markets and cafes build relationships), visit local festas (the heart of the community), and be patient with bureaucracy. Don’t compare with your home country — embrace the slower pace.

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Glossary
  • NISS (Social Security Number)

    The Portuguese social security number. You need your NISS if you plan to work in Portugal or start as a freelancer. It is also required for access to certain social benefits and allowances.

  • SEF/AIMA (Immigration Service)

    The former Portuguese immigration service SEF was replaced by AIMA in 2023 (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). AIMA handles residence permits, visa applications and all immigration matters. Wait times can be long, so start your application early.

  • IRS (Personal Income Tax)

    Portuguese personal income tax. The IRS return is filed annually between April and June. Rates range from 14.5% to 48% depending on income. Tax residents must declare their worldwide income.

  • ISV (Vehicle Registration Tax)

    Tax when registering or importing a vehicle in Portugal. The ISV amount can be substantial, especially for older or polluting vehicles. EU citizens who relocate may be eligible for exemption under certain conditions.

  • CPCV (Promissory Purchase Agreement)

    The preliminary purchase contract when buying property in Portugal. Upon signing you typically pay a 10-20% deposit (sinal). If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they must repay double the amount.

  • CertidĂŁo de Teor (Property Registry Extract)

    An extract from the Portuguese property registry at the ConservatĂłria. The CertidĂŁo de Teor shows who owns a property and whether there are mortgages or liens on it. Always check before purchasing a property.

  • Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council)

    The local administrative body at neighborhood level, comparable to a Dutch district council. At the Junta de Freguesia you can request an Atestado de ResidĂŞncia (proof of residence) among other things. It is often your first point of contact for local matters.

  • ConservatĂłria (Registry Office)

    The Portuguese registry office for property and civil status. At the ConservatĂłria, property transfers, marriages and births are registered. For property purchases, registration at the ConservatĂłria do Registo Predial is mandatory.

  • TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia (Residence Permit)

    The Portuguese residence permit card, comparable to a Dutch residence permit. After approval of your visa application, you receive a TĂ­tulo de ResidĂŞncia allowing you to legally live and work in Portugal.

  • Multibanco

    The Portuguese payment network and ATM system. Multibanco is not only used for cash withdrawals, but also for paying bills, taxes and even concert tickets. It is an essential part of daily life in Portugal.

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