Can a language test stand between you and a second passport? Language can be the deciding factor when applying for citizenship through investment. While some programs, particularly in the Caribbean, impose no language test, most European citizenship by investment routes do. Whether you're targeting Portugal, Germany, or another EU member state, understanding exactly what proficiency level they require and how it impacts your timeline is essential.

Portugal, for instance, mandates an A2-level Portuguese proficiency test (CIPLE exam) for naturalization, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. A 2023 article by Portugal News explains that this basic level ensures applicants can handle simple everyday conversations and understand key aspects of life in Portugal, a fair requirement for long-term integration.

Is Language Proficiency Required for Citizenship? What It Means for Investors and Ancestry Applicants

Language requirements are often used by countries as a benchmark for integration. The ability to communicate in the national language is seen as a sign of social commitment, proof that you’re not just investing in a passport but genuinely becoming part of the nation’s fabric. Countries like Germany, Austria, and Portugal require language proficiency (usually A2 or B1 level of the CEFR scale) for naturalization, believing it enables new citizens to better participate in civic life, access services, and contribute to society.

However, these language requirements usually do not apply to applicants claiming citizenship by descent. In most cases, if you're an American reclaiming your European roots through your parents or grandparents, you’re not expected to prove language proficiency. Countries such as Italy, Ireland, Poland, and Hungary treat descent-based applications as a legal restoration of rights, focusing on lineage documentation rather than cultural assimilation.

That said, there are minor exceptions. Countries like Lithuania or Latvia may require basic interviews, but even these are rare and typically not formal language tests.

So while language is a gateway for naturalization in many countries, it’s rarely a hurdle for those applying through ancestry.

Want to know what’s required for your country of origin? Explore our Citizenship by Descent guides for Italy, Ireland, and Greece, Portugal and Poland.

Unlocking Your Roots: European Citizenship by Descent and the Language Test Question

Many people dream of reclaiming their European heritage and securing the benefits of EU citizenship. Citizenship by descent, often known as jus sanguinis (right of blood), is a pathway for many to connect with their ancestral homelands and open up new possibilities for living, working, and studying across the EU. However, a common question arises: Do you need to learn your ancestral language, or can you claim your heritage without a language test? The answer varies.

Where Your Ancestry Speaks for Itself (No Language Test Required)

Fortunately, several European countries offer citizenship by descent without imposing a language proficiency test. This can simplify the process for those whose families may have been away from their ancestral country for generations. Some of the key players in this category include:

• Ireland: For those with Irish grandparents or, in some cases, great-grandparents, the emerald isle offers a relatively accessible path. While English is widely spoken, the official language is Irish. However, demonstrating fluency isn't typically a hurdle for citizenship by descent.
• Italy: Italy stands out for its generous approach to citizenship by descent, with a generally unlimited generational reach, provided lineage can be proven without breaks. There’s no language test requirement for Italian citizenship by descent. However, a recent legal decree (the Tajani Decree) may affect future claims by limiting eligibility to descendants of a parent or grandparent born in Italy, and establishing a centralized application office. Applications filed before March 28, 2025, are processed under the previous rules.
• Poland: With a rich and complex history, Poland allows descendants to reclaim citizenship, often without a language test, by tracing their ancestry back multiple generations, even through ancestors who left during or after World War II. The key challenge often lies in navigating the complexities of border shifts and document retrieval from different archives, but language itself is not typically a barrier.
• Slovakia: Slovakia is another example, extending eligibility to great-grandchildren of Slovak citizens. The process requires thorough documentation and potentially acquiring a permanent residence permit. However, there is no mandate to learn Slovak or pass a cultural knowledge test.
• Germany: Pathways to reclaim citizenship exist for those descending from Germans, particularly those who were forced to flee during the Nazi era, often without a language requirement.
• Croatia: Recent changes have eliminated language tests for descendants. Applicants may need to submit a "motivation letter" and curriculum vitae in Croatian, along with proof of their Croatian affiliation, signifying a connection to the culture.
• Latvia & Lithuania: Both these Baltic nations offer citizenship by descent for those with ancestry from the region before the Soviet occupation in 1940. While requirements can be nuanced, especially regarding dual citizenship in Latvia, language tests are not generally a requirement for descent-based claims.
• Luxembourg: This nation offers a relatively fast path to citizenship (five years of residency) with reasonable language requirements (B1 speaking, A2 listening in Luxembourgish), and allows for dual citizenship.

Where Language Learning is Part of the Journey

Some countries offering citizenship by descent include a language component as part of the application process. These include:

• Hungary: Hungary's naturalization process for those with Hungarian ancestry is attractive, but you'll likely need to pass a basic Hungarian language interview. This might require dedicated study (typically 6–12 months).
• Portugal: If your claim is based on Portuguese grandparents, a basic level of Portuguese, typically A2 as assessed by the CIPLE exam, is required.
• Cyprus: While not strictly by descent, a path exists for those with at least one Cypriot parent. For those pursuing citizenship through the residency route, after 7 years, demonstrating intermediate Greek language proficiency and cultural knowledge is necessary to pass the citizenship test. However, demonstrating B1 Greek proficiency can potentially reduce the residency period to 5 years.
• Greece: For those applying for Greek citizenship by descent via naturalization through a grandparent or great-grandparent (Article 10), a basic knowledge of Greek is not strictly required, but it will bolster your case for citizenship, as it will be adjudicated by consular authorities determining your level of “Greekness.” For those pursuing the standard naturalization route (7 years), a B2 level of Greek is required, alongside a citizenship test covering history, culture, geography, and government.

Remember that citizenship laws and requirements are subject to change. Always consult with the relevant authorities or immigration specialists to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your specific situation. This guide provides a general overview, but your unique family history and the evolving legal landscape will shape your journey to reclaiming your European heritage. The journey to a European passport might involve more than just tracing your family tree; in some cases, it might also involve embracing the language and culture that your ancestors once called their own.

Getting Citizenship-Ready: Language Prep Tips for American Applicants

For Americans seeking citizenship through investment or ancestry, language requirements can feel intimidating especially when applying to countries where English isn’t the official language. But with the right preparation and timeline, passing a basic language proficiency test is both manageable and empowering.

Most countries that require a language test for citizenship ask only for A2 or B1 level fluency under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This means you’re expected to understand everyday phrases, introduce yourself, and engage in basic conversations, not deliver speeches or write essays. Countries like Germany, Italy, and France typically require B1, while others like Portugal often accept A2 for naturalization.

To prepare, Americans can start by choosing structured online learning platforms such as Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur, or Rosetta Stone, which offer courses specifically mapped to CEFR levels. For more personalized progress, many language schools abroad and in the U.S. also offer prep courses designed around citizenship test requirements. Free resources like the BBC Languages Archive and LanguageGuide.org can help reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and listening skills.

It’s also smart to incorporate the language into your daily routine, through podcasts, TV shows, mobile apps, or casual conversations with native speakers via platforms like italki or Tandem.

Importantly, most countries give applicants several years of residency before they’re required to take the test, allowing plenty of time to learn. Some even offer exemptions for older applicants, individuals with disabilities, or those who completed education in the official language.

In short, if your target country requires a language test, treat it not as a hurdle, but as a gateway to deeper cultural integration. With consistent practice, even beginners can meet these requirements well within the citizenship timeline.

Before You Apply: The Importance of Verifying Citizenship Laws

Citizenship regulations evolve frequently driven by political shifts, economic strategy, or public sentiment. For Americans seeking European citizenship, relying on outdated assumptions can be costly. Imagine planning your application based on residency or language rules from a year ago, only to discover midway that the eligibility criteria have changed, or the program itself has been restructured. Staying current isn’t just smart, it’s essential.

A recent Reuters article on Germany’s revised citizenship law highlights how such changes can significantly impact applicants. In 2024, Germany reduced its naturalization residency requirement from eight years to five (or even three for well-integrated individuals), resulting in a record 291,955 new citizens—a 46% increase over the previous year. The law also eased dual citizenship restrictions, directly benefiting many applicants from the U.S. and other countries.

Such landmark policy shifts reinforce why it's critical to verify every detail through official government portals, embassy updates, or reliable legal resources before you apply.

Don’t risk your application on outdated rules. Talk to our team for country-specific guidance that’s 100% up to date.

Is Citizenship by Descent Worth Pursuing If Language Requirements Apply And How Can You Make the Process Smoother?

For many Americans with ancestral ties to Europe, citizenship by descent offers more than just a second passport, it’s a doorway to opportunity, identity, and intergenerational security. Even when language requirements come into play, they shouldn’t be viewed as roadblocks. With early preparation and the right guidance, the process can be smooth, structured, and even enriching.

The key is knowing what your target country expects, starting early, and staying organized. Whether you're eyeing Italy, Ireland, Poland, or elsewhere, expert help can make all the difference.

Ready to find out if you qualify? Book a free consultation with our team and take the first step toward reclaiming your heritage — and your future.