The application period for the organisation of Portuguese Language Courses for Foreigners is now open – interested entities can submit their applications to the Regional Directorate for the Communities until March 31.

The Portuguese Language Courses for Foreigners are an initiative promoted by the Regional Government, through the Regional Directorates for the Communities and Education. They aim to contribute to the full integration of foreign citizens living in the archipelago, through their personal and professional development.

Eligible training entities are public school establishments as well as public, private or cooperative organisations, namely local authorities, companies or business associations, unions, and local, regional or national associations.

These courses are aimed at foreign citizens residing in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, aged 18 or over, who can attest that they do not hold Portuguese nationality. They are also required to hold a valid permanent residence permit in Portugal or proof that they have taken the necessary procedures to obtain, renew or extend it.

The successful completion of these courses certifies trainees with Portuguese language proficiency skills – A2 level, proving their knowledge of the Portuguese language under the terms of the provisions of the Portuguese Nationality Regulations as well as the legal scheme on the entry, permanence and removal of foreigners from the national territory and respective regulations.

In 2023, this initiative registered a record number of enrolments, with three organising entities (Association of Immigrants in the Azores, Cresaçor Migrant Support Office and Horta City Council). Overall, there were six courses, two taught by each entity, in which 111 trainees from 29 countries were enrolled.

Since it began in 2013, a total of 31 courses have been held, taught by six entities on the islands of Faial, Flores, Pico, São Miguel and Terceira, reaching around 600 from 62 countries.

The Portuguese Language Courses for Foreigners are regulated by ordinance no. 49/2012 of April 27, amended and republished by ordinance no. 56/2014 of August 19.

For further information, those who are interested should contact the Regional Directorate for the Communities by telephone 296 204 700 or email to [email protected]. Alternatively, the information on these courses is also available on the Regional Government Portal, via the link https://bit.ly/3ZQhXDQ.

The two courses organised by Cresaçor last year on the island of São Miguel, in working and post-working hours, formally ended this month with the delivery of the respective certificates of achievement.