Lisbon has become one of Europe's hottest international relocation destinations, with families arriving from London, New York, Brazil and across the EU. The international school sector has expanded rapidly to keep up: there are more than 30 verified international school profiles in Greater Lisbon, ranging from established American and British curriculum schools to newer IB and trilingual options.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the 2026 admissions process for Lisbon international schools: timelines, required documents, language assessments, fees and how to maximise your chances at the most competitive year groups.
How the Lisbon admissions calendar works
Most international schools in Lisbon run a rolling admissions process but cluster the bulk of their decisions in two waves:
- Main wave (October to February) for September entry. Apply by January at the latest for the best chance at limited spots in Year 1, Year 7 and IB Diploma start.
- Late wave (March to June) covers families relocating mid-year. Some schools keep waitlists open year-round.
If you are relocating between September and December, expect to enter the late wave; in that case, prioritise schools with multiple year-group sections (TASIS, Carlucci, Redbridge) where the chance of a single spot opening up is higher.
Required documents for Lisbon international schools
Plan to gather these documents at least 60 days before applying:
- Birth certificate (apostilled if issued outside the EU)
- Last two years of school reports translated into English or Portuguese
- Vaccination record matching Portuguese national requirements (PNV)
- Copies of passport and residence visa or D7/Golden Visa application receipt
- Proof of address in Portugal or rental contract
- Recent standardised test scores (MAP, ISEE, CAT4) where requested
- Reference letter from current head teacher for Year 7 and above
Several schools also request a writing sample and a short student-led interview via video call before in-person assessments.
Top international schools in Lisbon and their admissions process
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon
Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) follows an American curriculum from Pre-K through Grade 12 with the IB Diploma in the final two years. Admissions require an English language assessment for non-native speakers and an in-person interview with the principal of the relevant division.
St. Dominic's International School
St. Dominic's International School in Sao Domingos de Rana is one of the most established IB World Schools in Portugal, offering all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP). The school assesses every applicant and requires English-language readiness from Year 3 upward.
TASIS Portugal
TASIS Portugal opened in 2020 in Sintra and follows an American curriculum with IB pathways. Admissions are rolling and the school accepts mid-year transfers more readily than older institutions, making it a strong option for families arriving outside the September window.
St. Peter's International School
St. Peter's International School offers a Cambridge International curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels, alongside the Portuguese national programme for families who want to keep options open in the local university system. Admissions include a Cambridge Checkpoint-style assessment.
Redbridge International School
Redbridge International School follows the British curriculum with IGCSE and A Levels. The school runs entrance assessments in maths, English and reasoning for applicants from Year 3 upward, with results returned within 10 working days.
Language requirements and assessments
Most international schools in Lisbon teach in English but expect children entering from Year 3 onwards to be functional in English. Schools typically use:
- WIDA or Oxford Online Placement for English readiness
- CAT4 or NGRT for cognitive and reading benchmarks
- MAP Growth for maths and reading levels (American curriculum schools)
If your child does not yet have native English, look for schools with embedded EAL support such as Carlucci, TASIS Portugal and Redbridge. They will admit non-native speakers but typically charge an additional €2,000 to €4,000 per year for individualised language support.
Fees and registration costs
Lisbon remains noticeably cheaper than London, Madrid or Paris for international schooling, but expect:
- Application fee: €100 to €350
- Capital levy / enrolment fee: €1,500 to €5,000 (often refundable in part)
- Annual tuition: €13,000 to €22,000 for primary, €18,000 to €30,000 for secondary, with the IB Diploma at the upper end
- Lunch, transport and uniform: €2,000 to €4,500 per year combined
Always ask whether your offer includes the capital fee or if it is invoiced separately at signing.
Practical admissions tips
- Apply to two or three schools in parallel — competition is high but most schools allow withdrawals without penalty before the deposit is paid.
- For families on the D7 or Golden Visa, share the visa application receipt early. Most schools will accept it as proof of intent to reside.
- If you are still abroad, request a virtual school tour and Zoom interview rather than waiting to visit in person — the best schools fill quickly.
- Cascais and Estoril (west of Lisbon) have the densest concentration of international schools and the best expat housing options. Sintra is greener but adds 30 to 45 minutes commuting.
Compare all international schools in Portugal
For the full ranking of international schools in Portugal with verified reviews and fees, see our Best International Schools in Portugal 2026 ranking.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to international schools in Lisbon?
Apply between October and January for September entry. Mid-year applications are accepted by most schools but the best year groups (Year 1, Year 7 and IB Diploma) fill quickly, so apply 9 to 12 months ahead where possible.
What documents do Lisbon international schools require?
Schools typically require an apostilled birth certificate, the last two years of school reports translated into English or Portuguese, vaccination records matching the Portuguese PNV, a passport copy, residence proof and a reference letter from the previous head teacher for Year 7 and above.
Do Lisbon international schools require Portuguese?
No. Lessons are taught in English at all international schools in Lisbon, although Portuguese is offered as a daily language class. Some schools also offer the Portuguese national programme alongside the international curriculum for families wanting to keep options open in the local system.