Portugal has become one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe. Safe, sunny, affordable, and welcoming, it offers an excellent balance between work, education, and leisure. This complete 2025 guide explains what families should know before relocating — from schools and healthcare to visas, housing, and daily life.
More families are moving to Portugal every year — not just retirees or digital nomads. Between international schools, a universal healthcare system, and a relaxed lifestyle, Portugal is now considered one of the easiest EU countries for foreign families to integrate into. Whether you’re coming from the UK, the U.S., Canada, or anywhere else, here’s everything you need to know before making the move.
Why Portugal is great for families
- Extremely low crime rate — one of Europe’s safest countries
- Warm climate with over 300 days of sunshine
- Affordable childcare and healthcare
- English widely spoken in schools and services
- Good international connections and stable internet for remote work
Portugal’s strong community culture makes it particularly welcoming to families. Children are highly valued in Portuguese society, and family-oriented activities — parks, cafés, and festivals — are everywhere.
School options for expat children
Families can choose between public, private, and international schools.
Public schools
Education is free and high-quality. Classes are taught in Portuguese, but children adapt quickly, especially when they arrive young. Many expats enroll their kids in local schools for full immersion.
Private and international schools
Private schools usually follow the Portuguese curriculum but offer smaller class sizes. International schools (British, American, French, and German systems) are located mainly in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.
Typical international school fees (2025):
- Primary school: €6,000 – €10,000 per year
- Secondary: €8,000 – €15,000 per year
- Boarding schools (rare): €20,000+
Healthcare for families
Healthcare in Portugal is excellent and affordable. All residents — including foreigners with legal status — can access the public system (SNS), which covers general practitioners, pediatric care, vaccinations, and emergencies. Most families also take out private insurance to access English-speaking doctors and faster appointments.
Private insurance costs for families (2025):
- Couple + 1 child: €100 – €160/month
- Couple + 2 children: €130 – €190/month
Pharmacies are everywhere, and most medication is subsidized for residents. Major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro have modern hospitals and private clinics catering to expats.
Visa options for families in 2025
Portugal offers several family-friendly visa options:
- D7 Visa — for those with stable passive income (pensions, remote work, investments)
- Digital Nomad Visa — for remote workers earning at least ~€3,280/month
- Work Visa — tied to a local job offer
- Family Reunification Visa — for family members of residents
All these visas allow spouses and children to be included in the application. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.
Housing and neighborhoods for families
Most families choose suburbs or coastal towns that combine safety, green spaces, and access to international schools. Here are some favorites:
- Cascais — high-end, family-friendly, top international schools
- Oeiras — residential, near Lisbon, great parks and beaches
- Porto (Foz do Douro) — elegant, safe, and well-connected
- Algarve (Tavira, Lagos) — sunny, slower lifestyle, more affordable
Typical rents for family housing in 2025:
- 3-bedroom apartment near Lisbon: €1,800 – €2,800
- House with garden in Cascais: €2,500 – €4,000
- 3-bedroom house in Algarve: €1,200 – €1,800
Childcare and parental support
Portugal offers affordable childcare options:
- Daycare (creche): €250 – €500/month
- Kindergarten (jardim de infância): free or low-cost in public system
Most daycare centers are open from 8:00 to 18:00, and after-school clubs are common. Portuguese parents often rely on grandparents for additional help — a sign of the country’s strong family bonds.
Family-friendly lifestyle
Outdoor life defines Portugal. Families spend weekends hiking, going to the beach, or visiting nearby towns. Museums, parks, and cafés are accessible and welcoming to children. Portuguese cuisine is also family-friendly — simple, fresh, and healthy, with plenty of fish, vegetables, and fruit.
Public safety allows kids to walk to school or play outside, even in cities. The Portuguese are patient and kind toward children — a cultural difference many expats appreciate immediately.
Pros and cons of moving with family
Pros:
- Safe and family-oriented culture
- High-quality healthcare and education
- Affordable compared to Western Europe
- Outdoor lifestyle and excellent weather
Cons:
- Lower salaries compared to Northern Europe
- Bureaucracy can be slow (visa renewals, documents)
- Public schools mainly in Portuguese (language adaptation needed)
Tips for a smooth relocation
- Start visa and NIF applications early
- Rent before buying — explore different towns first
- Enroll kids early in international schools (waiting lists can be long)
- Learn basic Portuguese — locals appreciate the effort
- Connect with expat communities for local recommendations
Final thoughts
Moving to Portugal with a family in 2025 is an exciting step toward a slower, sunnier, and more balanced life. The country’s combination of safety, good healthcare, and family-centered culture makes integration easy. Whether you choose Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, or the Algarve, you’ll find friendly neighbors, excellent schools, and a welcoming environment for children.
Last updated: November 2025.
