Blog/April 15, 2026
How to Move to Lisbon With a Family in 2026: Schools, Housing, and Practical Guide
By Relova Team
move to Lisbon family 2026 guide with visa routes, cost bands, neighborhood picks, timelines, and practical setup steps for expats planning a confident 2026 rel
move to Lisbon family 2026 now turns on Law 61/2025: if the main applicant moves alone, adult dependents (spouse, parents) generally wait two years of the principal’s legal residence before joining—unless an exception applies. File the whole family together at the consulate/VFS Global in your home country so everyone relocates at once. Visa baselines: Portugal D7; neighborhoods: Lisbon neighborhoods.
Table of Contents
- Law 61/2025 and family filing strategy
- D8 and D7 family income floors
- Schools, western belt, and family budgets
- Key numbers at a glance
- Frequently Asked Questions
Law 61/2025 and family filing strategy
Under Law 61/2025, staggered family reunification got harder for adult dependents. The practical fix is simultaneous filing so spouses and children arrive on the same timeline. Do not assume you can “bring them later next summer” without checking whether the two-year wait applies.
D8 and D7 family income floors
D8 (digital nomad): main applicant about €3,680/month (4× the 2026 minimum wage), +50% for a spouse (combined €5,520), +30% (€1,104) per child/dependent. A family of three (one child) is about €6,624/month. D7 (passive income): main applicant about €11,040/year in savings evidence, +€5,520 for a spouse, +€3,312 per child—about €19,872/year on account for that same family of three. D7 full cycle often 6–9 months; post-entry AIMA appointments average about 120 days wait in Lisbon/Porto (sometimes ~15 days in quieter regions).
Schools, western belt, and family budgets
International schools commonly run €8,000–15,000/year at primary and €16,000–26,500/year for IB Diploma at top schools; bilingual PT/EN options often €7,500–14,000. Add enrollment fees €800–3,500 once, registration €150–400, and school bus €2,200–3,800/year. A realistic first-year total for two kids in a mid-tier UK/IB school (including one-offs) is €42,000–62,000. Most campuses sit in the western belt—Cascais, Estoril, Sintra, Oeiras—so central Lisbon families often face 25–50 minute commutes and need the bus. September seats: apply October–December of the prior year; after January choice collapses. Without international school, a family of four often budgets €2,200–2,500/month. School shopping: international schools.
Key numbers at a glance
| Visa | Family of 3 (1 child) threshold | Note |
|---|---|---|
| D8 Digital Nomad | ~€5,520 (main+spouse) + €1,104 (child) = €6,624/month | Remote work allowed |
| D7 (passive income) | €11,040 + €5,520 + €3,312 = €19,872/year on account | No work allowed |
| Family reunification | File everyone together from the start (Law 61/2025) | Otherwise adults may wait 2 years |
| International school (per child) | €8,000–15,000/year + one-off fees | Plus bus €2,200–3,800/year |
Related guides on this blog: Portugal D7 visa, Lisbon neighborhoods, International schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Law 61/2025 change for families?
Adult dependents who do not travel with the main applicant may need to wait two years of the principal’s legal stay before joining. File the family together when possible.
How much income does a family of three need on D8?
About €6,624/month after spouse (+50%) and one child (+30%) add-ons on a €3,680 base.
What about D7 savings for the same family?
Roughly €19,872/year on account (€11,040 + €5,520 + €3,312).
When should we apply to international schools?
Priority window for September entry is October–December of the previous year. Most campuses are in Cascais/Estoril/Sintra/Oeiras.
What does the first school year really cost?
For two kids in a mid-tier international school, €42,000–62,000 including one-off fees and transport is a realistic first-year range.
If you want a step-by-step plan for your passport and income profile, start with Relova.