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Is English Spoken In Portugal?
Yes. English is widely spoken in Portugal.
Despite being located in Southern Europe, a region not commonly known for its English skills, it’s increasingly common to hear that Portugal has a population with high English-speaking levels.
The country is often compared to Nordic nations like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, which are mainly recognised for boasting the best English proficiency outside of the Anglosphere.
The comparison, as it turns out, is entirely valid and founded.
The Portuguese Are Among Europe’s Most Proficient Speakers
Every year, examines millions of English speakers between the ages of 18 to 60 from hundreds of regions across the world, including Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. The Index then classifies each assessed country with “proficiency bands,” going from very low to very high.
In 2023, Portugal reached the 8th position in the world. It advanced two spots, getting the 6th spot in 2024. Now, in 2025, painting the broader picture for 2026, Portugal retained its 6th position, meaning the Portuguese have a very high level of English proficiency.
According to EF, this means Portuguese natives can “use nuanced and appropriate language in social situations, read advanced texts with ease; and negotiate contracts with native English speakers.”
