How to Apply to an International School in Lisbon
Securing a school place is one of the first hurdles of any family relocation, and Lisbon is no exception. The good news is that the process is fairly consistent across schools; the challenge is timing and preparation, especially for the most popular schools and year groups. This guide walks through each stage so internationally mobile families can apply with confidence, wherever they are moving from.
Step one: shortlist and enquire
Before applying, narrow your list. Consider curriculum (British, IB, American or bilingual), location relative to where you will live, year-group availability and fees. Our international schools in Lisbon hub and our best areas near schools guide are good starting points.
Once you have a shortlist, make direct contact. Ask the key questions early: is there a place in the relevant year group, what is the assessment process, what are the full fees, and what is the realistic timeline? This is also when to ask about any waiting list.
Step two: the application
Most schools use an online application form plus a document pack. Commonly requested items include:
- The child's passport (and parents' identification).
- School reports and academic records from the past two to three years.
- A reference or report from the current school.
- Immunisation / health records.
- Sometimes proof of address or residence in Portugal.
- An application fee, usually non-refundable.
If your documents are not in English or Portuguese, prepare certified translations in advance — this is a frequent cause of delay. Keep digital copies organised, as you may apply to more than one school in parallel.
Step three: assessment
Many Lisbon international schools assess applicants before offering a place. This typically involves:
- A review of previous school reports.
- An English language assessment (and sometimes a Portuguese check), particularly for older children.
- Age-appropriate academic tasks or a cognitive assessment.
- An interview, taster day or trial visit, where the child spends time in class.
For most families this is about confirming the right year-group placement and the support a child may need — not a competitive pass-or-fail exam — but practice varies, and a few selective schools or sixth forms set entry requirements. Ask each school how it approaches assessment.
Step four: the offer and enrolment
If successful, the school issues a formal offer. To accept, you will usually pay an enrolment deposit and sign an enrolment contract setting out fees, payment terms and notice periods. Read the notice and refund terms carefully — leaving mid-year without proper notice can forfeit a term's fees. Our international school fees in Lisbon guide explains the deposits and extras involved.
Timing the process around a move
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 6–12 months ahead | Shortlist schools, make enquiries, check availability |
| 4–8 months ahead | Submit applications and documents, arrange assessments |
| 2–4 months ahead | Receive offers, pay deposits, sign contracts |
| Before term | Arrange uniform, transport, healthcare and residence formalities |
Mid-year arrivals are possible where places exist, so do not be discouraged if your timeline is tight — but apply as early as you can. For settling in once a place is confirmed, see our settling your child into school in Lisbon guide, and for residency context, our residency and citizenship overview.
How Global Investments Can Help
A school application sits inside a much larger relocation — residency, tax position, currency planning for deposits and fees, and longer-term financial structuring. Global Investments has guided internationally mobile families through moves for more than thirty years and can coordinate the financial side alongside your school applications and immigration advisers. Contact us for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
This guide is general information as of 2026, not educational, legal or immigration advice; admissions requirements and timelines vary by school and change over time — confirm current details with each school and a qualified professional before acting.
Frequently asked questions
When should we start applying to schools in Lisbon?
As early as you can. Popular schools and year groups fill up, and admissions for the September start often run from the previous autumn and winter. If you are relocating on a fixed timeline, begin enquiries six to twelve months ahead where possible, while keeping in mind that some schools do accept mid-year arrivals when places exist.
What documents do we need to apply?
Schools typically ask for the child's passport, recent school reports and records, any previous assessment or reference from the current school, immunisation or health records, and sometimes proof of address or residence in Portugal. Requirements vary, so check each school's checklist and prepare certified translations if documents are not in English or Portuguese.
Do children have to sit an entrance assessment?
Often, yes. Many schools assess applicants — through age-appropriate tasks, an English (and sometimes Portuguese) language check, previous reports and an interview or taster day — to place the child in the right year and confirm the school can meet their needs. It is usually about placement and support rather than a pass-or-fail exam, but practice varies by school.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.