Updated in May 2026: this SEN homeschoolers in Portugal article reflects the current homeschooling framework in Portugal.

SEN homeschoolers in Portugal are now covered by a specific exam exemption rule under the current legal framework for ensino doméstico and ensino individual.

The change comes from Decree-Law no. 8/2025, which amended Decree-Law no. 70/2021, the legal framework for homeschooling and individual teaching in Portugal.

This article explains what changed, who the exemption applies to, which exams are covered and which documents are usually connected to the process.

What Changed?

Under the updated framework, students in ensino doméstico or ensino individual who are covered by additional support measures for learning and inclusion, with significant curricular adaptations, do not take certain national assessment exams for the purpose of approval, subject approval or completion of a cycle or education level.

This applies under the terms of Decree-Law no. 54/2018, which regulates inclusive education in Portugal.

The exemption covers:

• Provas de equivalência à frequência
• Provas finais do ensino básico
• Exames finais nacionais

Students in homeschooling or individual teaching with significant curricular adaptations are now aligned with the assessment framework that already applied to similar students attending regular schools.

Who Does the Exemption Apply To?

This exemption is not for every homeschooled student with learning difficulties or a general SEN profile.

It applies to students who meet the legal criteria:

• The student is enrolled in ensino doméstico or ensino individual under the Portuguese system.
• The student is covered by additional support measures for learning and inclusion.
• The student has significant curricular adaptations.
• The situation falls under Decree-Law no. 54/2018.

In practical terms, the exemption is connected to the student’s official educational documentation and the school of enrolment.

Documents Usually Connected to This Process

The two key documents are usually:

• Relatório Técnico-Pedagógico, RTP: The RTP identifies the support measures mobilised for the student and the basis for those measures.
• Programa Educativo Individual, PEI: The PEI is connected to significant curricular adaptations and defines the student’s individual educational path.

For this exemption, the relevant point is whether the student is formally covered by the required measures and documentation under the Portuguese inclusive education framework.

Role of the School of Enrolment

The school of enrolment remains central to the process.

For students in ensino doméstico or ensino individual, the school is responsible for monitoring the learning process and certifying the student’s learning according to the legal framework.

When a student has significant curricular adaptations, the school also holds the relevant documentation and applies the assessment and progression rules established under the inclusive education framework.

The exemption is confirmed through the school of enrolment, as part of the student’s official educational record.

What If the Student Uses an International Online School?

This article refers to students enrolled in the Portuguese education system under ensino doméstico or ensino individual.

A student studying through an international online school follows a different structure and is not automatically in the Portuguese homeschooling framework.

If the student later enters or re-enters the Portuguese education system, the school reviews the student’s situation, documentation and educational background according to the rules in force at that time.

Key Points to Confirm with the School

Points to confirm with the school:

• Whether the student is formally enrolled under ensino doméstico or ensino individual
• Whether the student has an RTP
• Whether the student has a PEI
• Whether the student has significant curricular adaptations
• Which assessment rules apply to the student’s year and level
• How the school will document the exemption

This keeps the process aligned with the school of enrolment and the student’s official educational record.

Related Guides

• For the full homeschooling process in Portugal: Read the Step-by-Step Homeschooling Guide
• For the agreement with the school: Read the Collaboration Protocol Guide
• For portfolio organisation: Read the Homeschool Portfolio Guide
• For the general overview: Read the Homeschooling in Portugal Guide

Final Note

The 2025 update changed the assessment position of SEN students in ensino doméstico and ensino individual who have additional support measures and significant curricular adaptations.

The exemption is specific, document-based and connected to the Portuguese inclusive education framework.

For families already working with a school of enrolment, the practical next step is to confirm how the student’s RTP, PEI and assessment path are recorded by the school.