How to Find a Kindergarten in Portugal: What Foreign Parents Need to Know

Moving to another country is always a challenge, especially if you’re going with a small child. A new culture, unfamiliar language, an unknown education system — all of this can cause anxiety not only in parents but also in children. One of the key steps towards a smooth adaptation is enrolling a child in kindergarten.

Kindergarten is a place of soft adaptation — a space designed for the child, not the adult. In a Portuguese kindergarten, routines are built around the child’s natural needs, language development begins, and a sense of rhythm and safety is formed. For foreign children, this is especially important: it’s easier for them to get used to the new country, make friends, and settle into a routine.

For working parents, kindergarten is also an opportunity to go to work, take care of errands, or simply get some rest. But to make this experience successful, it’s important to understand how the kindergarten system works in Portugal, how to quickly navigate options, and find a spot in a kindergarten in your area. Often, you’ll have to wait several months, and the choice between public and private kindergartens, documents, and application procedures can be complicated — especially if you don’t yet speak the language.

In this article, we will tell you in detail how the kindergarten system in Portugal works, what types of kindergartens exist, how the enrollment process goes, what to pay attention to, and how we can help you — whether you’re just planning to move or are already here but don’t know where to start.

Types of Preschool Institutions in Portugal

In Portugal, the preschool education system is divided into several types of institutions, and understanding the differences between them is the key to finding the right option for your family. Each type of kindergarten has its own features: cost, age limits, schedule, and even the application system. Below, we will go over four main formats in more detail: public, private, subsidized (IPSS / Misericórdias), and international kindergartens.

Public Kindergartens (Jardins-de-infância públicos)

These are kindergartens funded by the government and part of school groups (Agrupamentos de Escolas). They accept children from 3 to 6 years old — this is the age intended for the pre-escolar stage.

Advantages:

• Free education (some additional services may be paid separately, such as aftercare or meals).
• Guaranteed preparation program for school, approved by the Ministry of Education.
• Standardized curriculum and state quality control.

Limitations:

• Limited number of spots, especially in popular areas.
  
• Admission is strictly competitive: based on place of residence, parents’ employment, presence of siblings already enrolled in the institution, etc.
  
• Working hours are most often from 9:00 to 15:30–17:00, extended care — upon request.
  

Public kindergartens are suitable for those who are registered in the district and can apply within the deadline. It’s useful to check in advance which Agrupamento your address belongs to — this can be done on the Portal das Escolas website.

Private Kindergartens (Jardins-de-infância privados)

Private kindergartens vary greatly: from small family groups to large international institutions. They accept children from 4 months to 5–6 years old, thus covering both nursery (creche) and preschool age.

Advantages:

• Flexibility in schedules and approaches to education: you can find options with a focus on Montessori, bilingual, musical, or sports programs.
  
• Possibility to enroll throughout the year without strict enrollment deadlines or geographic restrictions.
  
• Fewer bureaucratic steps — you often deal directly with administration.
  

Limitations:

• Paid education — depending on the region and institution level, costs usually range from 300 to 900 euros per month.
  
• If the kindergarten does not have a license, a license (Segurança Social) may be requested additionally.
  

Private kindergartens are chosen by families who want more freedom and comfort, are not yet registered in the district, or have missed public deadlines.

Subsidized institutions (IPSS / Misericórdias)

These are private non-profit organizations that receive partial government funding. They are often referred to as “semi-public” or “social” kindergartens.

Features:

• Accept children from 4 months to 6 years old.
  
• Tuition is calculated individually based on the family’s income (declaração de rendimentos / IRS).
  
• Often located in densely populated areas and in high demand.
  

These institutions are run by charitable organizations, parent associations, or Catholic communities (e.g., Misericórdias) and are monitored by Segurança Social.

The application process is coordinated with public kindergartens (in spring), and the competition is also high, although the entry process may be slightly more flexible. More information — on the Segurança Social portal.

International kindergartens

For families planning a short stay in Portugal or not speaking Portuguese, international kindergartens may be a suitable option.

Features:

• Instruction is provided in English, French or another language, less often — with elements of Portuguese.
  
• Curricula are based on international programs, such as British EYFS or International Baccalaureate.
  
• Higher cost — from €800 per month and above, especially in Lisbon, Porto, Algarve.
  

Pros — reduced language stress. Cons — weak integration into the local culture and high expenses. Not suitable for everyone, especially if the family plans to stay in Portugal long-term.

Age stages and curriculum

Preschool education in Portugal is not mandatory, but the government actively promotes enrollment at all stages of child development. The system is divided into two key stages: crèche (creche) and pre-school education (pré-escolar). Below — a brief overview of each stage, as well as how the educational process is structured and how foreign children adapt to the language environment.

Crèche (Creche): from 4 months to 3 years old

A crèche in Portugal is not only about childcare, but also the beginning of gentle development of communication, motor, and emotional regulation skills.

Features

• Admission age: from 4 months to 2 years and 11 months.
• Crèches are available both in private and subsidized institutions. There are no crèche groups in public kindergartens.
• The main focus is on safety, stability, and care. There are few structured activities, but children receive stimuli for the development of speech, motor skills, and interaction with the surrounding world.
  

The number of places in crèches is limited, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. It is recommended to apply 6–9 months before the intended start date.

Pré-escolar (preschool education): from 3 to 6 years old

From the age of 3, a child can attend kindergarten (jardim de infância), where full preparation for school begins.

Main objectives of pré-escolar:

• Development of language, thinking, and motor skills
• Introduction to basic concepts: numbers, colors, shapes, logic
• Development of independence and group interaction skills
• Development of oral and written speech, introduction to the alphabet
  

Classes are held in a play-based format with a focus on social and emotional development. Activities include physical exercises, outdoor walks, and free play.

In public kindergartens, a standard program approved by the Ministry of Education is implemented. In private kindergartens, alternative methods may be used (e.g., Montessori, Waldorf, etc.).

Language of instruction and adaptation of a foreign child

In all public and most subsidized kindergartens, instruction is conducted exclusively in Portuguese. This may frighten foreign parents, but in practice, children adapt quickly.

Adaptation mechanisms:

• Use of visual materials, gestures, and songs
• Support from educators (almost all have experience working with foreign children)
  
• Possibility of an adaptation period (a few hours per day, sometimes with a parent in the beginning)
• In some kindergartens — bilingual assistants (more often in private or international programs)

Children aged 3–5 usually start speaking the language in 1–2 months, and speaking actively in 3–6 months. Parents are advised to stay calm and trust the educators: interference and anxiety from adults can hinder adaptation.

The role of kindergarten in a child’s adaptation after relocation

Moving to a new country means not only logistics and documents, but also a deep emotional restructuring of the entire family, especially for a small child. They leave behind a familiar environment, kindergarten, grandparents and friends, and find themselves in a completely new world. That’s why the right kindergarten can become a key step towards successful adaptation and a sense of stability.

Stability and routine

The first thing kindergarten provides is structure and predictability. Morning routines, breakfast, games, classes, lunch, quiet time, and walks — all of it restores a child’s sense of order and safety. When the external world is changing, internal rhythm becomes especially important.

Language as a bridge

Kindergarten is the best way to immerse a child in a language environment without stress. Through songs, games, repetition, and visual cues, children learn a new language much faster than in individual lessons or even in a bilingual family.

Even if your child is silent at first — that’s normal. Observation, involvement, the ability to repeat — these are already signs of adaptation. In 2–3 months, you’ll likely see your child begin to react, and then speak in Portuguese.

Socialization and friendships

In kindergarten, your child is not alone in a new environment. They meet other children, engage in shared activities, and participate in group games. This helps to overcome isolation and uncertainty, which often accompany a move.

Kindergarten often becomes the first place where your child feels “at home,” not like a stranger — and this is critically important for building confidence and independence.

Emotional support

Portuguese educators not only teach but also notice, listen, and support children. Especially in kindergartens, you can feel the warmth of the atmosphere: hugs, touching foreheads, taking hands, sitting nearby. For a child who feels lost, this can be a powerful resource and a source of emotional security.

Confident parents = confident child

When a child sees that their parent is calm, that they’re beginning to speak the new language and everything is going well — that gives both the parent and the child the confidence to move forward. For a child, it’s important to feel that the parent accepts and supports them and is not afraid of change.

How to enroll in kindergarten

The process of enrolling a child in a Portuguese kindergarten may differ depending on the type of institution. If with private kindergartens everything is relatively simple — it is usually enough to arrange directly with the administration — for public and subsidized kindergartens (IPSS), you need to go through an official application procedure, which has specific deadlines, criteria, and a competitive system.

Application deadlines

Deadlines vary depending on the type of kindergarten:

Public and subsidized kindergartens (IPSS / Misericórdias):

• Applications are accepted once a year, usually from April to May, for the school year starting in September.
• Specific dates are published on the websites of local Câmara Municipal or Agrupamento de Escolas, to which the kindergarten belongs.
• If you submit your application later, your child will be placed on the waiting list (lista de espera).
  

Private kindergartens:

• Enrollment is year-round, but spots may run out quickly, especially in popular institutions.
• Some kindergartens require a registration fee (inscrição) or deposit.
  

What documents are required

The list of documents may vary slightly, but most often you will need:

• Application form (ficha de inscrição) — a standard form that can usually be obtained from the institution or downloaded from the website.
• Proof of residence — confirmation of address registration (rental contract, utility bill, etc.)
• Child’s NIF — a mandatory tax number that can be obtained at the tax office (Finanças)
• Proof of social security registration (Segurança Social) — especially for public or subsidized kindergartens
• Declaração da Segurança Social — certificate from Segurança Social stating whether the family receives any benefits (or does not). This certificate is important for confirming the family’s social status and may affect payment calculations or priority for admission. It can be requested online via Segurança Social Direta or in person.
• Document confirming family income (IRS or declaração de rendimentos) — for calculating payments in subsidized institutions
• Boletim de vacinas — child’s vaccination card (mandatory for enrollment)
• Cartão de utente — child’s medical card in the SNS system
  

If you have recently moved and do not yet have all the documents, it is advisable to clarify this with the institution; sometimes you can submit some papers later, especially if there are reserved spots.

How the selection process works

In public and subsidized kindergartens, not all applicants are admitted; admission is based on the results of a competition. The following criteria are usually taken into account:

1. Registration/residency in the area to which the kindergarten belongs
2. Parents’ employment, especially full-time work
3. Presence of siblings (already attending the institution)
4. Social indicators (single parents, low income, disability, etc.)

In the highest priority group are children of older age (typically 5 years), as they are about to start school soon.

If there are no spots available in the kindergarten, the child may be:

• placed on the waiting list, which is updated in September and January
  
• offered a place in another nearby institution
  
• recommended to apply again the following year
  

Creche Feliz Program: free daycare for children under 3

The Creche Feliz Program, launched by the Portuguese government in 2022, provides free access to daycare for children born on or after September 1, 2021. The goal of the program is to ensure equal access to early childhood education and to support families with young children.

Who is eligible for free daycare under the Creche Feliz Program (as of 2025)

Children born on or after September 1, 2021 (inclusive) are eligible for free daycare regardless of family income and place of residence and must be enrolled in a daycare participating in the Creche Feliz program, including:

• Private daycare centers
• Subsidized institutions (IPSS, Misericórdias)
• Private daycare centers participating in the program through Bolsa de Creches Aderentes

Children born before September 1, 2021 may also be eligible for free daycare if the family falls into the 1st or 2nd income bracket of the family allowance system (i.e. the per capita family income is less than €165 per month), and if the child is enrolled in a daycare participating in the Creche Feliz program.

Important:

• The child’s place of birth (in Portugal or abroad) does not affect eligibility.
• The number of places is limited, especially in major cities. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.
• Priority for enrollment is given to children with special needs, children from large or single-parent families, and those with siblings already enrolled in the institution.
  

How to use the Creche Feliz program: step-by-step

1. Make sure your child is eligible

• If your child was born after September 1, 2021 — you are eligible regardless of income or nationality.
• If your child was born earlier, check if you fall into Income Level 1 or 2 in the Segurança Social system.
  

2. Find a daycare participating in the program

Free places are available only in daycares that:

• Are public institutions, or
• Are subsidized by the state, or
• Are registered in the program as Creches aderentes (i.e., private centers under contract with the state)
  

Where to check:

• Ask at your local Junta de Freguesia or Câmara Municipal
• Visit nearby daycare centers in person and ask if they participate in the program
• You can also check online at Segurança Social Direta (see below)

3. Prepare the documents

To apply for a free place, you will need:

• Child’s NIF
• Parents’ NISS
• Declaração da Segurança Social (statement from Segurança Social about benefits and income level)
• Boletim de Vacinas (vaccination card)
• Proof of address (comprovativo de residência)
• SNS user card (Cartão de Utente)
• Ficha de inscrição — institution’s application form (issued on-site or downloadable from the website)

4. Submit the application

There are two ways:

Via the “Creche Feliz” mobile app (official method):

• Download the app (available for Android and iOS)
• Log in using your Chave Móvel Digital or Segurança Social credentials
• Find a suitable daycare, submit the application, track the status

Directly at the institution:

• Visit in person and check where and how to apply
• Fill out the application form (ficha de inscrição)
• Submit documents, submit the application, track the process
• Receive confirmation of submission

5. Wait for the results and place confirmation

• Applications are reviewed in spring — admission lists are usually published in summer
• If you are not admitted, you may be placed on a waiting list
• If there are available places in other institutions or districts, you may be reallocated there
  

6. Confirm enrollment and start attendance

• Sign a contract with the institution
• Clarify whether the place is paid or free, and what extra fees apply (e.g., meals, clubs, electives)
• If needed, adaptation may be done gradually: 1–2 hours per day, increasing over time
  

Cost of preschools and additional expenses

The cost of a preschool in Portugal depends on several factors: the type of institution, region, the child’s age, selected additional services, and the presence of public support. It is important to understand that public and subsidized preschools may be free or have symbolic fees, while private institutions are significantly more expensive.

Public preschools (públicos)

• Intended for children aged 3 to 6 (pré-escolar).
• Education is free, as it is funded by the state.
• Parents may need to pay for additional services, if required:
  ▫ meals: ~30–80 €/month
• ▫ after-school care (atividades de animação e apoio à família — AAAF): from 15 to 50 €/month.
  ▫ clubs, transport, events — at separate rates.

Subsidized nurseries and kindergartens (IPSS, Misericórdias)

•  Accept children from 4 months to 6 years old.
• Cost depends on the family’s income and is calculated based on the Segurança Social scale.
•  Minimum payment may start at 30–50 € per month, and for high-income families — reach 200–250 €.
•  Includes meals, care, and basic activities. After-school care and extracurriculars — for an additional fee.

Private nurseries (privados)

•  Accept children from 4 months to 6 years old, operate without attachment to income scales.
  Prices vary depending on region, terms, and reputation:
   ▫ in small towns — from 300 € per month,
   ▫ in Lisbon, Porto, and Algarve — often from 500–700 € and above,
   ▫ international and bilingual nurseries — from 800 to 1200 €.
  
• The fee often includes:
   ▪ meals (3–4 meals a day)
   ▪ basic activities and lessons
   ▪ insurance, teaching materials
  
• Additional costs may include:
   ▪ clubs (sports, music, dance): 20–50 €/month
   ▪ transportation (school buses): 40–100 €/month
   ▪ uniforms, extended hours, excursions

Creche Feliz Program (updated for 2025)

• Free nurseries for all children born on or after September 1, 2021, if they attend an institution participating in the program.
• The program covers:
   ▫ full payment for nursery
   ▫ meals, basic activities, after-school care
  
• Parents only pay for:
   ▫ extracurriculars (e.g. clubs)
   ▫ diapers, special meals, transport
  
• You can check if an institution participates in the program directly at the nursery or via the Creche Feliz app.
  

Opportunities for Subsidies and Discounts

• Families with low income (Escalão 1 and 2) may be eligible for:
   ▫ nearly full cost compensation at IPSS and Misericórdias
   ▫ priority in seat allocation
  
• Large families may receive discounts in private nurseries (if family support policies are in place)
  
• Some municipalities offer additional benefits, especially for residents
  

What to Pay Attention to When Choosing a Nursery

Choosing a nursery is not just a matter of budget and logistics. Even when there are places available, it’s important that the nursery fits your child, aligns with your family values, and supports a comfortable adaptation. Below are key criteria to consider for foreign parents when selecting a preschool institution in Portugal.

Location and Logistics

• Proximity to home or one of the parents’ workplaces significantly affects daily routine.
• Pay attention to traffic in the area, especially during rush hours. Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve have serious traffic jams.
• If you plan to use public transport or a school bus, make sure:
   ▫ there is a stop nearby
   ▫ you have your own transport
   ▫ it is allowed to pick up the child by a third party
   ▫ the pickup procedure is safe for children
  

Teaching Methodology

In Portugal, especially in private nurseries, different pedagogical approaches are used. Before choosing a nursery, it’s worth deciding which is closer to you:

• Traditional approach (ensino tradicional) — based on the public education system, provides a solid foundation for school.
• Montessori — focused on independence, free choice of activities, work with natural materials.
• Waldorf — creative development, minimal screens, lots of nature, rhythm, storytelling, and handcrafts.
• Reggio Emilia — learning through projects, parental involvement, fostering curiosity.
• Bilingual programs — combining Portuguese with English (or other language) in everyday environment.

Not all private kindergartens that label themselves “Montessori” or “Bilingual” truly follow the methodology — ask for examples, schedules, materials.

Language Environment and Adaptation of a Foreign Child

• In public and subsidized nurseries, almost all instruction is in Portuguese. This may seem difficult at first, but it helps with quick adaptation.
• In private nurseries and international institutions, bilingual programs and special adaptation programs for foreign children are often used.
   Check:
   ▫ if there are other foreign children in the group
   ▫ if there is a period of adaptation (first days — 1–2 hours)
   ▫ how they support children who do not speak Portuguese
  

Staff: Qualifications and Atmosphere

• Check if teachers have higher pedagogical education (Educação de Infância).
• Ask about the adaptation experience of children from other countries.
• The number of children per teacher matters — in nurseries it’s usually 1 to 8 children, in preschools — 1 to 20.
• Ask about the turnover of educators and assistants — it’s important that one teacher follows the group throughout the enrollment period.

Licensing and Safety

• Clarify whether the nursery has a license from Segurança Social — it guarantees compliance with sanitary and pedagogical standards.
• Ask about safety measures and access control.
  ▫ entrance door
  ▫ check during child handover
  ▫ condition of the yard and toys
  ▫ first aid kit, fire safety

Reviews and Reputation

• Look for reviews on Google Maps, Facebook, Russian-speaking and international expat groups.
• Pay attention not only to ratings, but also to recurring pros/cons in the reviews.
•  If you’re unsure — visit for a trial day or open house event.

Real Challenges Faced by Foreign Parents

Even with good planning, enrolling a child in kindergarten in Portugal can bring unexpected challenges. This is especially true for families who have just relocated, don’t yet speak the language, or have only recently received residency. Below — the most common difficulties foreign parents encounter, as well as practical tips and what helped others.

Queues and Shortage of Places

In large cities and tourist areas (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve), demand for spots in kindergartens exceeds supply, especially in nurseries and subsidized institutions. Even if you apply on time, you may not get in and end up on a waiting list (lista de espera). It is especially difficult to find a spot if the child is under 3 years old — there are objectively fewer nursery groups.

What to do:

• Submit applications to several institutions at once (this is allowed).
• Check for available spots in person, not just via email.
• Consider temporary alternatives: private mini-groups, nannies, moving to another area.
  

Language Barrier

In public institutions, the entire process (from applications to communication with educators) takes place in Portuguese. Staff may not speak English or Russian, and sometimes they are not allowed to — especially in kindergartens oriented toward a local audience.

What to do:

• Prepare a Portuguese-speaking friend or translator or ask someone you know.
• Use translators — both online and printed/paper-based.
• In complex cases — contact consultants who accompany migrants, Junta de Freguesia or a private consultant.
  

Unclear Admission Criteria and Lack of Transparency

Many parents don’t understand why one child is accepted while another is not, especially if the documents were submitted on time. The selection criteria (for example, Escalão, place of residence, parents’ employment) are not always explained clearly, and the information on websites is often outdated or incomplete.

What to do:

• Ask direct questions when submitting documents: what are the criteria, when to expect a response, is an appeal possible.
• Keep all confirmations and receipts.
• In case of rejection — ask if lists will be reviewed, whether there are any other kindergartens, etc.
  

Lack of NISS, IRS, and other documents after moving

Newly arrived families often do not yet have a NISS (social security number), IRS tax declaration, SNS card (número de utente), or a certificate from Segurança Social. Without these documents, it is impossible to submit a full application to an IPSS/creche, even if the child urgently needs to enter nursery.

What to do:

• Prepare temporary alternatives (private nurseries, nannies).
• Start gathering documents — the sooner you begin, the better your chances of enrolling on time.
• In some municipalities, applications can be pre-registered with a follow-up submission of missing documents — clarify locally.
  

Financial burden and “hidden costs”

Even in public and subsidized nurseries, some services may be paid: meals, clubs, transport, uniform, insurance. In private nurseries, parents sometimes pay for activities even if the child was absent.

What to do:

• Clarify what is included and what is paid for additionally.
• Ask what is included in the “mensalidade” and what is charged separately.
• Compare not only the price but also the volume of services.

How we can help

Moving to Portugal with a child is not only about new opportunities, but also a lot of organizational challenges. Especially if you don’t speak Portuguese, are unfamiliar with the local education system, or simply don’t want to spend months on correspondence with institutions, visits to Câmara Municipal and waiting in lines at Segurança Social.

That’s exactly why we offer comprehensive support for families who want to enroll their child in kindergarten quickly, comfortably, and without unnecessary stress.

Selecting institutions based on your request

• We find available kindergartens in the right area, considering the child’s age, your preferences (public, private, subsidized, educational method, etc.).
• We help you understand which ones participate in the Creche Feliz program, whether there are available places, and whether they suit your registration and other criteria.
  

Checking availability and communication

• We contact kindergartens directly, clarify availability of places, application deadlines, and admission procedures.
• If necessary, we request and obtain application forms.

Consultations on documents

• We help you understand what documents you already have and which ones need to be obtained.
• We explain and assist in obtaining NISS, NIF, and a certificate from Segurança Social.
• We check the completeness of your document package and its compliance.
  

Accompaniment to visits and application submission

• We can accompany you to the kindergarten for an interview or appointment.
• We help fill out applications and explain all administrative requirements.
  

Translation, support, and clarifications

• We translate all official letters, notices, and requirements if they are not clear to you.
• We explain unclear wording, admission or rejection letters, and adaptation plans.
  

We work with what you have

• Even if you don’t yet have NISS or IRS — we look for possible options so that you don’t lose time.
• We help arrange temporary alternatives (private mini-groups, family gardens, etc.) while you gather the documents for formal admission.
  

Our goal is not just to “find a kindergarten”, but to help you and your child gently adjust to a new reality. So that you can focus on adaptation, work, and life — and not spend weeks figuring out where to go and what to do.

Conclusion

 Moving to another country with a child is both a challenge and an opportunity. To ensure a smooth adaptation, it is crucial to surround the child from the very beginning with attention, a safe environment, and a clear structure. In this context, kindergarten is not just a logistical solution, but a bridge between the old and the new world, helping the child feel confident, calm, and protected in the new country.

Portugal has everything needed for this: quality preschool institutions, a warm attitude toward children, government support programs like Creche Feliz, and a well-developed network of kindergartens and nursery groups. But for all this to work in your favor, you need to understand the system, collect the documents, and submit applications on time.

If you feel like you can’t manage it alone — don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are ready to walk this path with you: from the first steps to the first day in kindergarten.

And remember: you’re not just looking for a “place” for your child. You’re creating a new foundation for them, from which they will begin their journey in a new country. And how solid that foundation is will largely define your overall adaptation experience and what truly feels like “home” — not just on paper.