Portugal Visas for Families: Schooling, Healthcare, and Visa Options Explained

Portugal has become one of the most family-friendly destinations in Europe, drawing increasing numbers of expats looking for safety, stability, affordable living, and a high quality of life. If you’re considering relocating with your family, you likely have two big questions: Which visa is right for us? and What’s life like for families in Portugal?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most suitable visa options for families, how Portugal’s education and healthcare systems work for foreigners, and what you need to know to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Why Portugal is Ideal for Families

Before diving into visa logistics, here’s why so many families are choosing Portugal:

• Safety: Portugal consistently ranks among the top 10 safest countries in the world.
• Education: A mix of public, private, and international schools gives you plenty of options.
• Healthcare: Universal healthcare with access to private clinics at affordable rates.
• Cost of living: Much lower than other Western European countries.
• Climate & lifestyle: 300+ days of sunshine a year in the South, outdoor living, and a relaxed pace.

Visa Options for Families Moving to Portugal

Portugal offers several visa pathways for families. Which one is best depends on your income, employment status, and future goals (such as permanent residency or citizenship).

1. D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa)

Best for: Retirees or families with stable passive income (pensions, rental income, investments).

• Minimum income requirement (2025): €870/month for the main applicant + 50% for spouse + 30% per child.
• Proof of stable income and accommodation in Portugal is required.
• Grants residency for 2 years, renewable, and leads to permanent residency and citizenship.

Family-friendly? Yes. You can include your spouse and children as dependents on your application.

2. D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

Best for: Remote workers employed outside of Portugal.

• Minimum income: 4x Portuguese minimum wage (~€3,480/month in 2025).
• Can be applied for with family dependents.
• Good for younger working families looking to stay connected with their employer while living in Portugal.

Family-friendly? Yes, but make sure your employer allows you to work remotely full-time from abroad.

3. D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

Best for: Entrepreneurs, freelancers, or those starting a business in Portugal.

• Requires a viable business plan and/or investment in a Portuguese business.
• You don’t need to be wealthy, but you do need to show the capacity to support yourself and your family.

Family-friendly? Yes. Many families use this route to open small businesses or freelance legally.

4. Golden Visa

Best for: Families with higher investment budgets.

• Requires a qualifying investment (e.g. fund investment, business creation, or donation).
• Grants residency with minimal stay requirements.

Family-friendly? Yes, and often used by investors who want EU residency with flexibility.

Bringing Your Family as Dependents

Regardless of the visa type, Portugal allows you to reunite with your immediate family under its “family reunification” policy. Dependents include:

• Spouse or legal partner
• Minor children
• Dependent adult children (e.g., in university)
• Dependent parents (with proof)

Each dependent will be granted a residence permit tied to the main applicant.

Schooling in Portugal for Foreign Families

Portugal has a free public school system, as well as a wide variety of private and international schools.

Public Schools

• Free for residents (even foreign residents on visas).
• Curriculum is in Portuguese, which may be challenging for non-Portuguese-speaking kids initially.
• Schools are generally safe and structured, but class sizes can be large.

International Schools

• Offer British, American, French, German, or IB curriculums.
• Taught in English or bilingual.
• Popular among expat families in Lisbon, Cascais, Porto, and the Algarve.
• Tuition ranges from €6,000 to €20,000 per year depending on the school.

Tip: Apply early, especially for international schools — spots fill quickly.

Healthcare Access for Visa Holders

Portugal’s healthcare system is universal and accessible to legal residents.

Public Healthcare (SNS – Serviço Nacional de Saúde)

• Once your residency card is issued, you can register at your local health center.
• Basic care is free or low-cost (e.g., €5–€10 per visit).
• English-speaking doctors may be limited in smaller towns.

Private Healthcare

• Many expats opt for private health insurance, which ranges from €40–€100/month per person.
• Private hospitals offer shorter wait times and more English-speaking staff.

Children’s care is highly rated, with dedicated pediatric services in both systems.

Additional Tips for Moving to Portugal as a Family

• NIF and Bank Account: You’ll need these for all family members as part of your visa process.
• Healthcare Insurance: Some visas (like D7 or D8) require private health insurance until SNS access is granted.
• Housing: You must show proof of accommodation (lease or deed) for your visa — consider school zones if you have school-age kids.
• Language: Start learning Portuguese as a family — it’ll make life easier, especially for school-age children.

Next Steps: From Interest to Application

If you’re ready to begin the process:

1. Choose your visa route based on your income source and lifestyle.
2. Gather supporting documents — financials, background checks, proof of accommodation, etc.
3. Work with a qualified immigration lawyer to guide you through the process, especially if applying with dependents.
4. Plan your move — including schools, housing, and healthcare arrangements.

Final Thoughts

Relocating to Portugal with your family is not only possible — it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re seeking a safe place to raise your kids, a slower pace of life, or a new professional opportunity, Portugal has something to offer every kind of family.

If you’d like personalized support choosing the best visa for your situation and ensuring a smooth transition to life in Portugal, reach out for a consultation today.