Somewhere between a quarter and a third of Portuguese people speak English and the younger they are, the more likely it is they will speak the lingua franca. However, if you find yourself unable to get by without some Portuguese, then you'll be joining 240 million Portuguese speakers in the world.

English is very widely spoken in Portugal in 2026, especially in the major urban centers of Lisbon and Porto, and throughout the tourist-heavy Algarve region. According to recent proficiency indices, Portugal consistently ranks as one of the top non-native English-speaking countries in the world. Most hospitality staff, shopkeepers, and younger residents are fluent or highly proficient. Unlike some European neighbors, Portugal does not typically dub international television or films, meaning most residents grow up with significant exposure to English media. While it is always culturally respectful to learn basic Portuguese phrases like "Obrigado" (Thank you), you can comfortably navigate most of the country—from high-end restaurants to public transportation—using only English.