Schools

[lisa]

I am moving near to Faro in June and have a 12 year old son. We would like him to go to a state school. Do you know if we have to become Portuguese residents?

[Bruxinha]

Yes, Lisa, usually you and your child will need to have a residence certificate to get your child into school and onto the health system etc. This is now a lot easier to obtain. All you need to do is attend your nearest council (Câmara Municipal) with your passports and fiscal nºs and sign a self-declaration. They will then issue you with a 5 year certificate. If you are still in Portugal after 5 years, you can then go to your nearest SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) with the certificate, your passport and some photos, and get a 10 year card.

[gary osman]

lisa does he have a good grasp of the language already?