Lisbon has become one of Europe's busiest relocation destinations for international families, drawn by the climate, the D7 and Golden Visa programmes, and the easy fit between Portuguese and English. Securing a place at an international school in Lisbon for 2026 still requires planning. This guide walks expat parents through the admissions process — what schools look for, when to apply, the documents you must gather and how the language profile of each campus shapes the offer your child will receive.
The Lisbon international school sector in 2026
Greater Lisbon hosts around forty international and bilingual schools across the city centre, Cascais, Estoril and the southern Margem Sul. The pull from incoming families remains high, particularly in Oeiras, Cascais and Sintra. Expect priority year groups such as Reception, Year 7 and the IB Diploma intake to fill 9 to 12 months ahead.
Most international schools follow either the IB continuum, the English National Curriculum (IGCSE plus A Level) or a Portuguese-bilingual track. American programmes are smaller in number but well established, particularly in the Cascais corridor.
Step 1: Build your shortlist
Start with five to seven candidate schools matched to where you intend to live. Lisbon traffic on the A5 to Cascais and the 25 de Abril bridge is the single biggest reason families switch schools after a year. Cross-check curricula against your medium-term plans — IB and English National Curriculum are the most portable, while Portuguese-bilingual schools fit families who plan to stay through secondary.
St Dominic's International School (São Domingos de Rana)
An IB World School running PYP, MYP and DP, well-known for its inclusive ethos and strong university outcomes. Apply 9 to 12 months ahead for Year 7 and Year 11.
International Sharing School (Taguspark)
An IB continuum school with a tech-forward campus in Oeiras. A favourite for families working at Taguspark and the Cascais line companies.
View International Sharing School profile
Prime School International (Estoril)
A British-curriculum school covering Reception to Year 13 with IGCSE and A Level pathways. Convenient for families along the Cascais coastal line.
View Prime School International profile
International Christian School of Cascais
An American-curriculum school with strong pastoral care, well-suited for families relocating from the US who want a familiar academic structure.
View International Christian School of Cascais profile
L'École Trilingue
A trilingual French-Portuguese-English school, increasingly popular with French and dual-national families settling in central Lisbon.
View L'École Trilingue profile
Step 2: Understand the admissions calendar
Most Lisbon international schools open priority applications between October and January for the following August. The two windows that matter most are:
October to December 2025 — priority window for September 2026. Most early years places are decided here.
January to April 2026 — second window with limited availability for popular year groups. Expect waitlists and assessments scheduled at short notice.
Schools will continue to enrol after April for any remaining places, but choice narrows quickly. If you are relocating mid-year, contact admissions offices directly with proof of relocation date — many schools handle relocation cases outside the standard cycle.
Step 3: Prepare the documents
Every school will ask for the same core pack. Get this organised before contacting admissions:
Last two academic years of school reports, translated into English or Portuguese where required. Birth certificate, child's passport and parents' passports. Proof of address in Portugal (or proof of relocation). Vaccination record (Boletim de Vacinas). Most schools also ask for a teacher reference and a writing sample for older children.
Standardised tests are usually optional but useful: MAP, CAT4 or recent IGCSE / A Level mocks help schools place older students confidently. For DP candidates, last year's predicted grades are essential.
Step 4: Plan the assessment
Most international schools in Lisbon assess in English. Expect a 60 to 90 minute screen for Year 3 and above, covering English reading and writing, Mathematics and a short interview. For Year 11 and IB Diploma candidates, the school may add a subject-specific test, particularly in Mathematics and Sciences.
Schools differ in how they handle non-native English speakers. Several offer EAL or Portuguese-as-an-additional-language support; others require a minimum English level. Confirm directly with admissions whether your child will need additional language support and whether there is a fee.
Step 5: Sort the visa and registration
The school's letter of acceptance is required for the D7, D8 (digital nomad) or Golden Visa application that brings the family to Portugal. Once in Portugal, the child must be registered with SEF/AIMA for residence and assigned a Portuguese tax number (NIF). The school will register the child with the Portuguese Ministry of Education to formalise enrolment.
Compare Lisbon options at a glance
For a curated city ranking with curricula, fees and contact details: ISA — Best Schools in Portugal.
FAQ
When should I apply to international schools in Lisbon for September 2026?
The priority window opens October to December 2025. Aim to submit by mid-January 2026 for the widest choice of schools and year groups.
Do international schools in Lisbon accept students who do not speak English yet?
Many do, but most cap how many EAL spots they offer per year group. Bilingual and trilingual schools are usually a better fit if your child has no English. Always confirm in writing what language support is included.
What documents do I need before contacting Lisbon schools?
Two years of school reports, the child's passport, parents' passports, vaccination record, proof of address and a teacher reference. Translations into English or Portuguese are required for non-Latin alphabets and welcome elsewhere.