Portuguese School Enrollment: July 2025 Expat Guide

School Admissions for Expats in Portugal July

Moving with Kids? July Is Your Final Window to Enroll in Portuguese Schools

If you're relocating to Portugal with your family this summer, July 2025 is your last chance to finalize school enrollment before the academic year begins in mid-September.

Whether you're opting for a public school (ensino público) or a private/international school, this guide gives you everything you need to navigate Portugal’s education system.

📅 Key School Enrollment Dates (2025–2026)

Task	Deadline
Online registration (public schools)	Until July 15, 2025
School placement decisions	By August 2, 2025
Class allocations	August 26, 2025
School year begins	September 10, 2025

🏛️ Types of Schools in Portugal

1. 🇵🇹 Public Schools (Escolas Públicas)

• Free, Portuguese-language instruction

• Enroll based on your address (via Portal das Matrículas)

• May offer Portuguese as a non-native language (PLNM) support

2. 🌍 Private International Schools

• English, French, or bilingual curriculum

• Higher tuition (€6,000–€18,000 annually)

• Application possible year-round, but limited spots in July

📁 Required Documents for Enrollment

Whether public or private, you'll typically need:

• 🛂 Child’s passport or EU ID

• 🏠 Proof of residence (rental contract or utility bill)

• 🧾 Tax number (NIF) of child or guardian

• 🏥 Vaccination card

• 📝 Previous school transcripts (translated into Portuguese)

📌 Pro Tip: Use a certified translator recognized by the Portuguese Ministry of Education.

🧭 Step-by-Step: Enrolling in Public Schools via Portal das Matrículas

1. Visit portaldasmatriculas.edu.gov.pt

2. Log in using your Portuguese ID/NIF credentials

3. Select up to 5 school options ranked by preference

4. Upload documents

5. Wait for confirmation email (check SPAM folder)

🧠 Insider Tip: Choose schools closest to your residence to increase acceptance odds.

🧑‍🏫 What to Expect: Classroom Life for Expat Children

• Curriculum follows Portuguese Ministry of Education standards

• Younger students adapt faster linguistically (ages 6–9)

• Bilingual support is growing, especially in Lisbon, Cascais & Porto

🎓 Some schools provide integration programs (PIEF or PIPSE) for non-native speakers.

📌 Internal Link: [PLA Course – Family-Focused Portuguese Learning]

📚 Supporting Your Child’s Language Integration

If your child is entering a Portuguese-language environment, early exposure to A1-level vocabulary is key.

🎯 Recommended Solution: Enroll them in the PLA Course, tailored for children and families adjusting to life in Portugal.

🎓 Start now with the government-compliant PLA Portuguese course👉 https://www.edpropt.org/courses-application-form/pla-portuguese-lingua-de-alcohimento

📝 Enrollment Tips from Portuguese School Administrators

“In July, public schools are almost full. But if families act quickly and provide all documents, there’s still time to secure a spot.”— Agrupamento de Escolas de Lisboa

“International schools often offer rolling admission, but language prep makes a huge difference in a child’s comfort.”— Admissions Advisor, St. Julian’s International School

🧠 FAQs: Portuguese School Enrollment for Expats (July 2025)

📌 Can I enroll my child after arriving in August?

It’s possible, but difficult. School placement is based on availability, so July is your best bet.

📌 Is Portuguese language fluency required?

Not for enrollment, but it’s essential for academic success in public schools.

📌 What if I don’t have a NIF or proof of address yet?

You can start with temporary documentation but must update it once permanent housing is secured.