Complete Enrollment Guide for Nurseries and Kindergartens 2026

The enrollment process at a nursery or kindergarten can seem complicated, especially if it's your first time. This complete guide will help you navigate all the steps, from research to confirming your place.

Enrollment Calendar 2026/2027

Public Schools

• Opening: Usually in March/April
• Deadline: Varies by municipality, but usually until May/June
• Results: July/August

Private Schools and IPSS

• Opening: Can start earlier, from January
• Deadline: Varies greatly — some accept applications throughout the year
• Results: Generally faster, 1–2 weeks after enrollment

Required Documents

Mandatory Documents

1. Citizen's Card of the child (or birth certificate)
2. Citizen's Card of the parents/guardians
3. Proof of address (water or electricity bill, or declaration from the local parish council)
4. Up-to-date vaccination booklet
5. Photos of the child (usually 2–3)

Additional Documents (may be required)

• Medical certificate of good health
• Proof of income (for schools with income tiers)
• Proof of employment of parents
• Tax ID number of the child (if already assigned)

Step-by-Step Enrollment Process

1. Research and Selection

• Start early: At least 3–6 months in advance
• Visit multiple schools: Don't limit yourself to one option
• Compare: Prices, schedules, methodologies, location

2. Pre-Enrollment

• Contact the schools that interest you
• Book visits to see the facilities
• Ask about available places

3. Formal Enrollment

• Fill in the forms (online or in person)
• Submit all required documents
• Pay the enrollment fee (if applicable)

4. Waiting List

• If there's no immediate place, you can go on a waiting list
• Keep regular contact with the school
• Consider having several schools on waiting lists

5. Confirming Your Place

• When you receive confirmation, confirm quickly
• Some schools have a short confirmation deadline
• Pay the deposit (if applicable) to secure the place

Priority Criteria

Public Schools

Public schools follow priority criteria defined by law:

1. Children with special needs
2. Siblings already at the school
3. Proximity of residence
4. Household income (income tiers)
5. Parents' profession (e.g. healthcare, education workers)

Private Schools and IPSS

Criteria vary, but generally include:

• Order of enrollment
• Siblings already at the school
• Children of staff
• Children with special needs

Important Tips

###Start Early The earlier you start, the more options you'll have.

###Have a Plan B Don't rely on just one school — always have alternatives.

###Keep Documents Organised Create a folder with all the necessary documents.

###Ask Questions Don't be afraid to ask questions during the visit.

###Trust Your Instinct If something doesn't feel right, it's probably not the right school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting until the last minute

The best schools fill up quickly.

Not visiting the school

A visit is essential to understand if it's suitable.

Not reading the rules

Know your rights and responsibilities.

Not having documents ready

Delays in submitting documents can cost you the place.

What to Do If You Can't Get a Place

1. Stay on the waiting list , places can open during the year
2. Consider schools further away , they may have more availability
3. Contact the local council , they can help you find alternatives
4. Consider temporary solutions , while waiting for a permanent place

What About Primary and Secondary School?

If your child is moving beyond pre-school, the enrollment process changes , but the core principle of "start early and have your documents ready" still applies.

1st Grade (age 6)

Enrollment for 1st grade is mandatory for all children turning 6 by September 15th. The process is done online through the Portal das Matriculas (portaldasmatriculas.edu.gov.pt), typically between April and June. Parents indicate their preferred school, but placement depends on the catchment area (area of residence) and the school grouping's priority criteria. If the first-choice school is full, the system assigns an alternative in the same area.

2nd to 9th Grade (automatic renewal)

For students already in the system, enrollment is automatically renewed from year to year within the same school grouping. You don't need to do anything unless you want to transfer schools , in which case, you must request the transfer through the Portal das Matriculas within the published deadlines.

10th Grade (after national exams)

Entry to secondary school happens after the 9th-grade national exams. The student chooses a study track (Sciences and Technology, Languages and Humanities, Visual Arts, or Socioeconomic Sciences) and the school they want to attend. Applications are submitted through the Portal das Matriculas, and placement depends on the student's grades. Schools with higher demand require higher averages. This is the point where school choice carries real weight in the student's academic path.

For a complete guide on primary and secondary school enrollment, see our article on school enrollment 2026.

Conclusion

The enrollment process can be stressful, but with preparation and organisation, you can find the right school for your child. The most important thing is to start early and have several options.