Lisbon's international school admissions process is friendlier than London's or New York's, but it still rewards families who plan well. Most schools manage admissions on a rolling basis, with a clear preference for applicants who apply by January for the following September intake. This 2026 step-by-step guide explains how to apply to international and private schools in Lisbon, what documents you need, what assessments to expect and how language support works for English-speaking children arriving without Portuguese.
The Lisbon admissions calendar at a glance
The Portuguese academic year runs from mid-September to late June. Most international schools open formal admissions for the following September from October to January, with offers issued from February onwards. Reception (age 3-4) and Year 7 (age 11-12) are the largest entry points and tend to fill up first. Schools also accept applications throughout the year for mid-year arrivals, subject to space.
If you are relocating to Lisbon on a fixed timeline, contact your shortlisted schools as soon as you have a confirmed move date. Admissions teams in Lisbon are used to handling moves driven by D7, D8 (digital nomad), Golden Visa and corporate relocations.
Step 1 – Shortlist three to five schools
Decide on your priorities first: curriculum, language balance, location, fees and the sort of community you want around your child. From there, build a shortlist of three to five schools that you can realistically visit. Top options for English-speaking families in Lisbon include:
The British School of Lisbon for the British curriculum in central Lisbon, International Sharing School Taguspark for the IB programme in the western tech corridor, St. Dominic's International School for IB on the Cascais line, Colégio Monte Maior for bilingual education in Odivelas, and Colégio Vasco da Gama for a bilingual school in the Sintra area.
Step 2 – Submit the online application
Most Lisbon international schools use an online enquiry form followed by a formal application. You will need:
Birth certificate or passport copy of the child, parents' passport or residence permit copies, the most recent two years of school reports translated into English or Portuguese, a teacher reference (often a school confidential form), proof of address in Portugal or evidence of a relocation, vaccination record (Boletim de Vacinas after arrival), and a non-refundable application fee of €100 to €300 per child.
Step 3 – Assessment and interview
Children typically sit a short age-appropriate assessment to check English literacy and numeracy. For older students, this often includes a writing task and a maths paper, plus an interview with the head of section or admissions team. For Early Years and lower primary, the assessment is usually a play-based observation. The aim is to confirm the school can meet your child's needs, not to filter sharply.
For non-English speakers applying to English-medium schools, schools assess current English level and decide whether the child needs additional EAL (English as an Additional Language) support. Most schools accept beginners up to around Year 4-5; from Year 6 onwards a working level of English is usually required.
Step 4 – Offer, contract and deposit
Successful applicants receive a formal offer letter with the contract, fee schedule and deposit terms. To secure the place you typically pay a non-refundable enrolment fee of €1,000 to €3,000 plus a refundable deposit of one term's tuition. Read the fee schedule carefully: capital levies, sibling discounts, exam fees, IT and lunch are usually separate line items.
Step 5 – Enrolment paperwork after arrival
Once in Portugal, register the child at the local Junta de Freguesia, obtain the Boletim de Vacinas update if needed, present the residence card or visa, and complete any school-specific health forms. Schools will also need bank details for direct debits and emergency contact information for at least two adults in Portugal.
Language support for English-speaking arrivals
Most international schools deliver instruction in English, with Portuguese as a foreign or additional language for non-Portuguese speakers. EAL support is normally included in tuition for children up to a certain level; intensive English programmes for newcomers may carry a small additional fee. Bilingual Portuguese-English schools require a higher level of Portuguese, especially for Years 5 and above, since core subjects may be taught in Portuguese.
Compare top international schools in Lisbon
Use the International School Advisor ranking of the best schools in Portugal to filter by curriculum, neighbourhood and age range, and to read parent reviews before booking visits.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for a school place in Lisbon?
For September entry, apply between October and January of the previous academic year. For mid-year arrivals, apply as soon as you have a confirmed relocation date.
Do international schools in Lisbon require Portuguese?
English-medium IB and British schools accept beginners in Portuguese for younger children and offer Portuguese as a foreign language. Bilingual Portuguese-English schools require a working level of Portuguese from upper primary onwards.
How much is the enrolment fee at a Lisbon international school?
Expect a non-refundable application fee of €100 to €300, plus an enrolment or registration fee of €1,000 to €3,000 once a place is offered. A refundable security deposit equivalent to one term's tuition is also common.