🇵🇹 Portuguese – The National Language

Portuguese is the native language of nearly 100% of the population. It's used in all official signage, communication, and public life. Visitors will find that even if they don't speak Portuguese, most locals are multilingual and helpful.

🇬🇧 English – Widely Spoken

English is the most commonly spoken foreign language, especially among young people and in the tourism industry. In cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, English is often sufficient for navigating hotels, restaurants, and public transport.

🇪🇸 Spanish – Understood by Many

While Spanish isn't spoken natively, many Portuguese can understand it due to its similarities. Speaking slowly and clearly helps facilitate better communication between the two languages.

🇫🇷 French – Common Among Older Generations

French was once the main foreign language in schools. Many Portuguese over 50 may still understand or speak basic French, especially in smaller towns or rural areas.

🌍 Other Languages

• German: Especially in the Algarve due to German tourism.
• Italian: Understood in cultural contexts or academia.
• Gujarati, Hindi, Mandarin: Present within immigrant and business communities.

💬 Multilingual Services

Tourist-facing businesses, government websites, and signage often provide multilingual content. At InBound Portugal, we ensure professional communication in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Gujarati, and Hindi.