For families applying through the Portuguese Golden Visa, one of the most important considerations is education. Parents want to ensure not only residency security but also high-quality schooling options for their children. Portugal offers an excellent mix of public, private, and international schools along with affordable universities, making it one of the most attractive destinations for families under residency-by-investment.
This article explores the education opportunities for children of Golden Visa holders in 2025, from the early years right through to higher education.
Public Education in Portugal
Golden Visa holders have full access to Portugal’s public school system, which is free for residents.
- Primary & Secondary Education: Covers ages 6 to 18, with instruction in Portuguese.
- Curriculum Quality: Ranked well within Europe, public schools emphasize math, science, and literature.
- Integration Opportunity: Attending public schools can fast-track Portuguese language learning, which is beneficial since citizenship requires passing the A2 language test.
Key Advantage: It’s free, making it highly cost-effective for Golden Visa families.
Private Schools
Golden Visa residents can also enroll children in Portugal’s private schools, which are popular among both Portuguese and expat families.
- Annual Fees: €4,000–€8,000 depending on location and facilities.
- Curriculums: Often bilingual (Portuguese + English/French).
- Flexibility: Smaller class sizes and modern teaching approaches compared to public schools.
Best For: Families who want an affordable alternative to international schools but still prefer a stronger bilingual foundation.
International Schools
Portugal is home to a large selection of international schools, particularly in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.
- Languages: English, French, German, and other languages with global curricula.
- Curriculums Offered:
- British curriculum (IGCSEs, A-Levels).
- American curriculum (AP, SAT).
- International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
- Annual Fees: €7,000–€15,000, depending on the school and grade level.
- Popular Schools:
- St. Julian’s School (Cascais).
- Carlucci American International School (Lisbon).
- Oporto British School (Porto).
- Vale Verde International School (Algarve).
Key Advantage: International schools provide continuity for children transitioning from non-Portuguese education systems.
Higher Education for Golden Visa Families
Children of Golden Visa holders also benefit from domestic tuition rates at Portuguese universities once they are legal residents.
- University Tuition Fees: €1,000–€2,000/year, significantly lower than U.S. or U.K. institutions.
- Top Universities:
- University of Lisbon.
- University of Porto.
- University of Coimbra (founded in 1290, one of the oldest in Europe).
- English-Taught Degrees: Increasingly available in science, business, and engineering programs.
Upon acquiring citizenship, children gain access to all EU universities at domestic tuition rates, making this a generational advantage.
Supplementary Educational Opportunities
- Language Schools: Many children enroll in language support programs to accelerate Portuguese learning.
- Extracurriculars: Sports (football, surfing, golf), arts, and music programs are widely available.
- Exchange Programs: EU membership offers student exchange initiatives like Erasmus+ for degree-level students.
Key Benefits for Golden Visa Families in Education
- Free Access to Public Schools: Reduces financial burden.
- Wide Range of Private & International Schools: Options suiting every family’s preferences.
- Affordable University Education: A fraction of U.S./U.K. costs, but high quality.
- EU Citizenship Pathway: Children gain the right to live and study throughout the EU after naturalization.
- Language & Cultural Integration: Children adapt quickly, giving families stronger ties to Portugal.
Example Scenarios
- Expat Family in Lisbon: Parents choose St. Julian’s International School (€12,000/year per child) to ensure continuity with a British education.
- Family Relocating to Porto: Children attend public schools to learn Portuguese faster while parents supplement with private English tutoring.
- Retirees with University-Age Children: Children attend the University of Coimbra for €1,200/year while benefitting from Erasmus exchange in other EU countries.
Conclusion
Portugal provides excellent educational opportunities for children of Golden Visa holders, ranging from free local schools to prestigious international academies and affordable top universities. In addition, the Golden Visa opens the door to long-term EU education benefits, making it one of the most family-friendly residency programs in the world.
For globally mobile families, this creates not just security but also a generational legacy of education and mobility.
Next Step
Planning to move to Portugal under the Golden Visa with your family? Our consultants assist with school selection, enrollment processes, and relocation planning. Contact us today to secure both residency and the best education future for your children.