Lisbon has become one of Europe's most popular relocation cities for tech, finance and remote-working families, and the international school market has expanded with it. Demand at the top schools now outstrips supply, and admissions documents include a few Portuguese specifics (NIF, Atestado de Residência, vaccination boletim) that are easy to miss. This 2026 step-by-step guide covers exactly when to apply, what documents to bring and how the entry assessment works.
Step 1 — Understand the Lisbon school year
The Portuguese academic year runs from early September to mid-June, in three terms. International schools follow the same calendar with small variations: TASIS Portugal and Carlucci American keep the US calendar, while British and IB schools start the first week of September.
Most schools accept three intakes: September (main), January (mid-year) and after Easter (small). Plan around September unless your relocation forces a mid-year start.
Step 2 — Build a shortlist of 4 to 6 schools
Lisbon's most established international schools include:
- St Julian's School — British curriculum and IB Diploma in Carcavelos.
- Carlucci American International School of Lisbon — American curriculum with IB Diploma.
- TASIS Portugal — American curriculum, AP, IB Diploma and boarding.
- The British School of Lisbon — English National Curriculum from EYFS to Sixth Form.
- Deutsche Schule Lissabon — German curriculum with the German International Abitur.
Step 3 — Apply 6 to 12 months before the start date
Top tier schools open their main September window in October of the year before. Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12 are the most contested. For Year 12, schools want to see predicted IGCSE grades by the spring of Year 11.
Step 4 — Prepare your admissions documents
Most Lisbon schools ask for the following package:
- Passport copies (parents and child)
- Portuguese NIF (taxpayer number) for both parents and the child — required for billing
- Atestado de Residência or rental contract proving Portuguese address
- Last two years of school reports, in English or Portuguese, with certified translation if other
- Boletim de Vacinas (vaccination card) updated to Portuguese requirements
- Two passport photos per child
- Birth certificate, apostilled if issued outside Portugal
- Application fee, typically EUR 150 to EUR 300 per child
The NIF is the single most common cause of delay. Apply early through Finanças or via a tax representative if you are not yet resident.
Step 5 — Sit the entry assessment
Assessments differ by year group:
- EYFS to Year 2: 30 to 45 minute play-based observation.
- Year 3 to Year 6: CAT4 or GL Assessment plus a short written task.
- Year 7 to Year 9: CAT4, English and maths papers, plus a teacher interview.
- Year 10 to Year 13: GCSE projected grades and subject-specific interview, sometimes a writing sample.
Strong English is expected from Year 4 onwards, although British and IB schools provide structured EAL support. Carlucci American offers ESL up to Grade 12 with a clear progression path.
Step 6 — Receive the offer and pay the deposit
Offers usually arrive 5 to 15 working days after the assessment. On acceptance, expect a non-refundable enrollment fee of EUR 1,000 to EUR 4,000 plus a tuition deposit equal to one term. Tuition is then billed in three or ten installments.
Step 7 — Register with the Portuguese Ministry of Education
For students entering an officially recognised programme (Portuguese national curriculum or schools authorised by the Ministry of Education), the school files the Aluno enrollment with the DGE. For pure international curricula (British, IB, American), no Portuguese ministry registration is required, but you may still need an equivalence certificate (equivalência) when transitioning to a Portuguese university.
Where to compare ratings, fees and curricula
Use the ISA Portugal ranking to compare verified data on Lisbon's international schools side by side. See the 2026 ranking of international schools in Portugal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to a Lisbon school from abroad?
Yes. Most schools accept overseas applications and run online assessments through Zoom or proctored platforms. Confirm your offer and pay the deposit, then complete the NIF and Atestado de Residência on arrival within 30 days.
Do Lisbon international schools support non-English speakers?
British and IB schools usually require functional English by Year 4. Most offer EAL or ESL programmes, and Carlucci American is particularly strong in this area. Portuguese as a second language is offered at all schools and is compulsory for residents under Portuguese law.
Is the IB Diploma widely accepted in Portuguese universities?
Yes. The IB Diploma is recognised by all Portuguese public and private universities, with a clear conversion table set by the DGES. Most candidates need to take a complementary exam (Prova de Ingresso) for selective courses such as Medicine and Law.