Expat Family Guide: Settling in Lisbon with Kids
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Moving to a new country with children is equal parts exciting and terrifying. Where will they go to school? Will they make friends? Can we find a pediatrician who speaks our language?
If Lisbon is your destination, take a deep breath — you've chosen well. Portugal's capital has become one of Europe's most welcoming cities for international families, offering excellent quality of life, a mild climate, and a growing community of expats who've already paved the way.
This guide covers everything you need to know about settling in Lisbon with kids, from choosing the right neighborhood to finding activities that help your children adapt and thrive.
Why Families Love Lisbon
Before diving into the practical details, here's why so many international families are choosing Lisbon:
- Safety — Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world
- Climate — Over 300 days of sunshine per year, mild winters
- Outdoor lifestyle — Beaches, parks, and nature within easy reach
- Cost of living — More affordable than London, Paris, or Amsterdam
- English widely spoken — Most Portuguese in Lisbon speak English, especially in service industries
- Family-first culture — Portuguese society genuinely values children and family life
Best Neighborhoods for Expat Families
Choosing where to live is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Here's a breakdown of the most popular areas for families:
Cascais / Estoril
The classic choice for expat families, and for good reason.
Pros:
- Quiet, seaside setting with beaches within walking distance
- Home to several international schools (St. Julian's, TASIS)
- Strong expat community — easy to meet other international families
- Safe, walkable neighborhoods with plenty of green spaces
Cons:
- 30-40 minute train ride to central Lisbon
- Can feel isolated from "real" Portuguese life
- Higher rents in prime areas near the beach
Best for: Families prioritizing international schools, beach lifestyle, and a ready-made expat community.
Avenidas Novas / Campo de Ourique
Central Lisbon neighborhoods that combine urban convenience with family-friendly vibes.
Pros:
- Walking distance to many activities, museums, and parks
- Excellent public transport connections
- Mix of local and international families
- More authentic Portuguese neighborhood experience
- Great schools nearby (both public and private)
Cons:
- Less green space compared to suburban areas
- Parking can be challenging
- Apartments tend to be smaller for the price
Best for: Families who want to live in the heart of the city and immerse in local culture.
Santos / Estrela
A charming area that strikes a balance between central and residential.
Pros:
- Beautiful Jardim da Estrela — one of Lisbon's best parks for kids
- Quieter than downtown but still central
- Good mix of restaurants, cafes, and local shops
- Several bilingual and private schools in the area
Cons:
- Hilly terrain (though that's all of Lisbon)
- Fewer international schools compared to Cascais
- Limited nightlife if that matters to you
Best for: Families seeking a neighborhood with character, green space, and walkability.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Cascais/Estoril | Avenidas Novas | Santos/Estrela |
|---|---|---|---|
| International schools | Many | Some | Few |
| Beach access | Excellent | 20-30 min | 20 min |
| Expat community | Very large | Growing | Moderate |
| Public transport | Train line | Metro + buses | Tram + buses |
| Monthly rent (3-bed) | 1,800-3,000 EUR | 1,500-2,500 EUR | 1,400-2,200 EUR |
| Portuguese immersion | Lower | High | High |
International Schools and Education
Education is usually the first concern for expat parents. Lisbon offers several options:
International Schools
- St. Julian's School (Carcavelos) — British curriculum, ages 3-18, one of the oldest international schools in Portugal
- TASIS Portugal (Sintra) — American/IB curriculum, beautiful campus in the hills
- Carlucci American International School (Sintra) — American curriculum, strong community
- Deutsche Schule Lissabon — German curriculum with Portuguese integration
- Lycée Français Charles Lepierre — French curriculum
Bilingual and Private Portuguese Schools
For families wanting more integration into Portuguese culture:
- Colégio Moderno — Progressive, bilingual approach
- St. Dominic's International School — IB curriculum in central Lisbon
- Externato da Luz — Portuguese curriculum with strong English program
Public Schools
Portuguese public schools are free and increasingly welcoming to international students. Many schools in Lisbon have experience with non-Portuguese-speaking children and offer language support programs.
Tip: School enrollment typically opens in spring for the following September. Start the process early, especially for international schools which often have waiting lists.
Healthcare for Families
Portugal has both public (SNS) and private healthcare systems.
Public Healthcare (SNS):
- Free or low-cost for residents
- Register at your local Centro de Saúde (health center)
- Wait times can be longer for non-urgent appointments
- Pediatric care is available through the SNS
Private Healthcare:
- Faster access, English-speaking doctors more common
- Health insurance costs 50-150 EUR/month per family member
- Popular providers: CUF, Hospital da Luz, British Hospital
Pediatricians: Many private pediatricians in Lisbon speak English. Ask fellow expat parents for recommendations — word of mouth is the most reliable way to find a good doctor.
Emergency: In case of emergency, call 112. Major hospitals have pediatric emergency departments.
Essential Services and Bureaucracy
NIF (Tax Number)
Your first stop. You need a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) for almost everything — renting an apartment, opening a bank account, enrolling children in school.
Get it at any Finanças office or through a fiscal representative.
Residency
EU citizens can register at the local Câmara Municipal. Non-EU citizens should apply through SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) or AIMA for the appropriate visa/residence permit.
Bank Account
Open a Portuguese bank account early. You'll need it for rent payments, utility bills, and school fees. Most banks require your NIF and proof of address.
Phone and Internet
Portuguese telecom providers (MEO, NOS, Vodafone) offer family packages with mobile + internet + TV starting from around 40 EUR/month.
Connecting with Other Expat Families
Building a social network is crucial for both parents and children. Here's where to start:
Online Communities:
- Facebook groups like "Expats in Lisbon with Kids" and "International Parents Portugal"
- InterNations Lisbon — regular family-friendly events
- Bumble BFF — yes, it works for finding parent friends too
In-Person Meetups:
- International school parent associations
- Weekend playgroups at Jardim da Estrela or Parque das Nações
- Library story times (Biblioteca de São Lázaro has English sessions)
- Kids activities through platforms like KidsToGo
Tip: Signing your children up for activities is one of the fastest ways to meet other families. Sports classes, art workshops, and music lessons naturally bring parents together.
Kids Activities and Cultural Adaptation
Helping your children adapt goes beyond school. Activities play a huge role in building friendships and confidence.
Popular Activities for International Kids
- Football (soccer) — The universal language. Most clubs welcome all nationalities
- Swimming — Year-round lessons available across Lisbon
- Dance and gymnastics — Great for younger children
- Art classes — No language barrier needed for creativity
- Music lessons — Many teachers offer bilingual instruction
- Surf lessons — A quintessential Portuguese experience, classes available from age 5
Language Learning
Children typically pick up Portuguese faster than their parents. Support the process by:
- Enrolling in Portuguese language classes (many schools offer after-hours programs)
- Encouraging friendships with Portuguese-speaking children
- Watching Portuguese cartoons and shows together
- Visiting local markets, parks, and community events
Browse activities for kids in Lisbon on KidsToGo — filter by age, area, and language.
Seasonal Considerations and School Holidays
The Portuguese school calendar differs from many other countries:
| Holiday | Typical Dates |
|---|---|
| Summer | Mid-June to mid-September |
| Christmas | ~2 weeks in December |
| Carnival | 1 week in February |
| Easter | ~2 weeks in March/April |
Summer camps are essential for working parents. Many run from late June through July, with options in English and Portuguese. Book early — popular camps fill up by April.
Winter: Lisbon winters are mild (10-15C) but rainy. Stock up on indoor activity ideas — museums, indoor play spaces, and creative workshops keep kids entertained.
Cost of Living for Families
Here's a realistic monthly budget for a family of four in Lisbon:
| Expense | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (3-bedroom apartment) | 1,500 - 3,000 |
| International school (per child) | 500 - 1,200 |
| Groceries | 600 - 900 |
| Healthcare (private insurance) | 200 - 400 |
| Kids activities (2-3 per child) | 100 - 250 |
| Transport | 80 - 200 |
| Utilities | 100 - 180 |
| Total estimate | 3,080 - 6,130 |
Note: Costs vary significantly depending on lifestyle choices, neighborhood, and school type. Public school families will have considerably lower education costs.
Resources and Community Groups
Bookmark these for your settling-in journey:
- KidsToGo — Find and book kids activities across Lisbon
- Cascais Expat Community — Large, active group for families in the Cascais area
- Lisboa para Crianças — Portuguese site with family events and activities
- Timeout Lisboa Kids — Weekly events and things to do with children
- Your country's embassy — Most maintain lists of services for nationals abroad
Final Thoughts
Moving to Lisbon with kids is an adventure — one that most families describe as one of the best decisions they've ever made. The combination of safety, climate, culture, and community makes it an exceptional place to raise children.
The key is to give yourself and your family time to adjust. The first few months might feel overwhelming, but before long, you'll find your rhythm — your favorite park, your go-to pediatrician, your kids' best friend from football practice.
Welcome to Lisbon. Your family is going to love it here.
kidstogo
KidsToGo is the leading platform for discovering kids activities in Portugal. We help families find the best experiences — from creative workshops and sports to outdoor adventures — so every child can learn, play, and grow.