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    Article

    Raising Children in Portugal as an Expat Family - All You Need to Know!

    Article -> June 29, 2023

    Article

    Estilo de Vida em Portugal

    Raising Children in Portugal as an Expat Family - All You Need to Know!
    Portugal Homes BrandA Portugal Homes brand logo
    Portugal Homes

    Get the best property advice.

    Are you considering raising children in Portugal? From its family-friendly culture and high-quality education to healthcare, safety, and outdoor living, Portugal offers an exceptional environment for families relocating from abroad.

    As you settle into your new home and explore the country, you’ll also find countless opportunities to build meaningful relationships and lifelong memories that will shape your family’s story.

    Family Life in Portugal

    Portugal is a country where family values, warmth, and togetherness are deeply rooted in everyday life. This strong sense of community is one of the greatest advantages for expat families raising children here.

    Why Families Thrive in Portugal

    • Strong community ties and neighbourhood life

    • Easy integration and welcoming locals

  1. Safe environment for children

  2. Excellent public and private healthcare

  3. A relaxed, outdoor-oriented lifestyle

  4. Portugal consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, allowing parents peace of mind and children the freedom to grow in a secure environment.

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    Best Places to Live in Portugal with Kids

    Portugal offers a wide variety of family-friendly destinations, each with its own character and advantages. Portugal Homes helps families find the right location and property to suit their lifestyle and budget.

    Lisbon

    The capital city blends history and modernity, offering:

    • International and private schools

    • Museums, parks, zoos, and cultural attractions

    • Family-friendly neighbourhoods and green spaces

    • Easy access to beaches and healthcare

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    Porto

    A charming northern city ideal for families who value culture and community:

    • Strong public and international school options

    • Large parks like Parque da Cidade and Serralves

    • Safe, walkable neighbourhoods

    • Rich cultural and artistic life

    Cascais

    One of the most popular locations for expat families:

    • Coastal lifestyle near Lisbon

    • Excellent international schools

    • Sports clubs and outdoor activities

    • Beaches like Guincho and Carcavelos

    The Algarve

    Perfect for families seeking sunshine and a relaxed pace:

    • International schools and family-oriented healthcare

    • Outdoor activities and nature parks

    • Strong expat community

    • Safe, laid-back atmosphere

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    Each destination offers a distinctive experience for families living with kids in Portugal. Embrace the country’s warm culture, enjoy the family-friendly amenities, and create unforgettable memories in your chosen city as you embark on an extraordinary journey when moving to Portugal with your family.

    Cost of Living in Portugal as a Family

    Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe for families.

    • Average monthly cost for a family of four (excluding rent):
      €2,364, according to Numbeo

    • Housing costs vary by region

    • Groceries, childcare, and services are generally affordable

    This balance between cost and quality of life is one of the key reasons families choose Portugal.

    Education & School System in Portugal

    Portugal offers a , with options suited to both local and international families.

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    School Options Available

    • Public schools: High standards, free, and well-structured

    • Private schools: Smaller class sizes and specialised programmes

    • International schools: Instruction in English and other languages

    Benefits include:

    • Multicultural environments

    • Strong academic performance

    • Broad extracurricular activities (sports, arts, music)

    Higher Education

    Portugal is also home to , including:

    • The Lisbon MBA Católica | Nova, ranked:

      • Top 26 in Europe

      • Top 70 worldwide

    The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova is a top-ranked programme recognized by the prestigious . It holds the distinguished position of being ranked in the top 26 in Europe and top 70 globally. In the recent Financial Times Global MBA 2025 Rankings.

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    Generally, in Portugal, international students receive support through language programmes and integration initiatives, as the country fosters a range of premium-quality schools, from which you can choose from. Higher education in Portugal encompasses universities and specialised institutions. English-taught degree programmes are available, and Portuguese universities have a long standing worldwide recognition.

    Portuguese Health Services for Your Family

    Portugal’s healthcare system combines quality, accessibility, and affordability, making it ideal for families.

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    Healthcare Options

    • Public healthcare (SNS): Accessible and subsidised

    • Private healthcare: Shorter waiting times and more choice

    Family-oriented healthcare includes:

    • Paediatric clinics

    • Family doctors

    • Maternity and preventive care

    • Emergency and urgent care services

    Many expat families choose a combination of public and private healthcare for peace of mind.

    Family Activities & Lifestyle

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    Portugal offers endless opportunities for families to enjoy life together.

    Outdoor & Nature

    • Beaches, hiking trails, and nature parks

    • Safe, clean coastlines

    • Year-round outdoor activities

    Culture & Entertainment

    • Museums and historical landmarks

    • Festivals, carnivals, and local celebrations

    • Theme parks like Zoomarine and KidZania

    • Lisbon Oceanarium and interactive science museums

    Food & Social Life

    • Family-friendly restaurants

    • Kid-friendly menus and welcoming atmospheres

    • Traditional markets and local gastronomy

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    Favourite Places to Visit with Kids

    Some highlights families love:

    • Algarve beaches and caves

    • Peneda-Gerês National Park

    • Óbidos medieval village

    • Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

    • Parque das Nações in Lisbon

    • Dolphin watching in the Azores

    Families from the 4 corners of the world, with different backgrounds, can immerse themselves in the historical sites, museums, and cultural festivals, exploring the rich history and heritage of the country.

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    Pros & Cons of Raising Children in Portugal

    Pros

    • Safe and family-oriented society

    • Affordable cost of living

    • High-quality healthcare and education

    • Outdoor lifestyle and mild climate

    • Opportunity for children to become bilingual

    • Rich cultural and historical exposure

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    Cons

    • Language barrier in more rural areas

    Bureaucracy related to visas and residency (easily managed with professional support)

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    Final Thoughts: Growing a Family in Portugal

    Raising children in Portugal offers a unique blend of security, culture, education, and quality of life. From sunny days outdoors to strong community bonds and enriching cultural experiences, Portugal provides a nurturing environment where families can truly flourish.

    With the right guidance, relocating and settling in Portugal becomes a smooth and rewarding journey — one that creates a bright future for both parents and children.

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    Portugal Homes BrandA Portugal Homes brand logo
    Portugal Homes

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    diverse and high-quality education system
    internationally recognised universities and programmes
    Financial Times rankings