Homeschooling in Portugal
Legal with strict oversight: university-qualified parents, school enrollment, and national exams required.
Home education (ensino domestico) is legal in Portugal but requires prior authorization from a public school, a university degree for the educating parent, enrollment in a school, and adherence to the national curriculum. Students undergo periodic assessments including portfolios and national exams. The framework is governed by Decreto-Lei n.o 70/2021 and overseen by the Direccao-Geral da Educacao (DGE).
Quick Reference
School Days
-
No minimum
Hours Required
-
No minimum
Subjects
0
required
Notification
Yes
annual
Key Requirements at a Glance
- Matrícula obrigatória como aluno externo em escola pública ou privada (artigo 8.º).
- Responsável educativo deve possuir licenciatura ou equivalente reconhecido (artigo 16.º n.º 1).
- Protocolo de colaboração anual com escola, incluindo plano de educação e monitorização (artigo 12.º).
- Avaliações e certificação conforme DL 55/2018, Portaria 223-A/2018 e 226-A/2018.
- Aplicável a alunos na escolaridade obrigatória, com renovação no fim de cada ano letivo.
- Ensino doméstico (familiar) distinto de ensino individual (tutor).
- Graus estrangeiros requerem reconhecimento pela DGES.
Legal Framework
Decreto-Lei n.º 70/2021, de 3 de agosto, aprova o regime jurídico aplicável ao ensino individual e ao ensino doméstico (artigos 1.º a 20.º), definindo matrícula, frequência, acompanhamento, monitorização e certificação das aprendizagens. Responsável autoridade: Direção-Geral da Educação (DGE) do Ministério da Educação.
Filing Requirements
What to file
Requerimento de Ensino Doméstico
When
Before start of school year (September 15)
Where
Director of enrolled school
How to submit
In-person or registered mail
What to include
- • Proof of parent degree, education plan, student details
Approval within 15 working days per DL 70/2021 art. 8
How to Get Started
- 1
Enroll child in public/private school as external student
- 2
Submit application for ensino doméstico with degree proof and plan
- 3
Sign annual collaboration protocol
- 4
Begin education per approved plan
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Full legal pathway
- ✓Path to official certification
Cons
- •High regulation
- •Degree barrier
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Last updated: 2026-04-26 · PT homeschool law guide