Family & Pets in Portugal

The options for education include private and public schools, with many international schools following accredited curricula. There are also “hybrid” schools which require some tuition but are subsidized by the government. Enrollment and acceptance into all schools depends on registration, waiting lists and neighborhood preference.

Visit the service page: School Kindergarten

For parents who want to get out and enjoy their own time, finding a reliable nanny is key! For peace of mind, you want to hire a nanny/caretaker or domestic worker who comes recommended and with reliable references.

It is totally possible to bring your pet with you to Portugal, and they will be welcome when they arrive as the Portuguese are a pet-loving nation. Things you require include: a microchip, an international health certificate and vaccination record. Since the beginning of 2021, Portugal hasn't accepted UK pet passports. An animal health certificate (AHC) to confirm that your pet has been microchipped and vaccinated is required.

The Portuguese language is notoriously tricky to learn and understand, with a very particular pronunciation, but it’s certainly worth investing the time. We ourselves are still struggling to reach full fluency, not helped by the fact that so many Portuguese speak perfect English. Classes are a must if you want to make progress, and both online and offline are readily available but vary in quality.