Enrolling Children in School in Europe After Moving
Moving from Turkey to Europe with kids? Here's everything you need to know about school enrollment: required documents, deadlines, and language support programmes.
Relocating the whole family to Europe is a major life step — and getting your children settled into school quickly is one of the first priorities. The good news is that most European countries have well-organized school systems with clear enrollment procedures and dedicated support for newly arrived children who don't yet speak the local language.
Documents You Will Need
While requirements vary slightly by country and municipality, the following documents are requested almost everywhere. Start gathering and certifying these at least two to three months before your move to avoid delays.
- Child's passport and birth certificate (with Apostille)
- School transcripts and grade reports from the Turkish school
- Vaccination record or health certificate
- Proof of residence (e.g. registration certificate, tenancy agreement)
- Parent's ID or residence permit
- Passport-size photos of the child (typically 2–4)
When to Apply: Getting the Timing Right
Enrollment windows differ across Europe. In Germany the academic year starts in early September, with registration opening between February and April. Switzerland and Austria follow a similar calendar. Scandinavian countries typically start in mid-August. Contacting the local school authority three to four months before your planned move gives you the best chance of securing a place for the right school year. In many German cities, primary school placement is tied to your registered home address, so confirm your neighborhood before signing a lease.
Language Support Classes and Integration Programmes
Don't worry if your child doesn't speak the local language yet. Germany's Vorbereitungsklassen (preparatory classes) provide intensive language instruction alongside gradual integration into mainstream lessons. The Netherlands has schakelklassen, Sweden has förberedelseklasser, and Belgium has similar bridging programmes. These are free, school-based, and designed specifically for children in your child's situation. Starting online language lessons before the move can give your child a helpful head start.
At Avrupaya, we move more than just furniture — we help families build new lives in Europe. Our door-to-door service from Turkey is fully insured and includes all customs handling, so your children's school files and important documents arrive safely alongside everything else.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Turkish school documents need to be apostilled?
Yes. European schools and authorities generally require Turkish documents to carry an Apostille stamp and a certified translation. You can obtain the Apostille from the relevant provincial education directorate in Turkey.
Can my child enrol in a German school without speaking German?
Absolutely. Germany's Vorbereitungsklassen welcome children with no prior German knowledge and provide intensive language support while gradually integrating them into regular classes.
Can I pre-register from Turkey before we move?
Some schools and municipalities offer online pre-registration, but final enrollment typically requires in-person attendance with original documents. Plan your move date around the enrollment deadline if possible.
At what age is school compulsory in Europe?
Compulsory school age varies: Germany requires attendance from age 6, the Netherlands from age 5, and Sweden from age 7. Check the specific rules for your destination country.
Should I consider a state school or an international private school?
State schools across Europe are free and generally high quality. International private schools (IB, Cambridge) offer English-medium education but come with tuition fees. For most newly arrived families, the state school with integration support is the smoother first step.