European Countries Where Homeschooling is Legal

Homeschooling and online education has accelerated across Europe, driven by an increasing demand for flexible, personalised learning.

An estimated 100,000 children are now homeschooled in the UK alone, making it one of the largest homeschool populations outside the United States.

Meanwhile, online schools are expanding worldwide, with Europe as one of the top regions to offer a mix of accredited online institutions designed to meet varying local and international education standards.

Yet, navigating the legal landscape for homeschooling across Europe can remain challenging. While some countries openly permit homeschooling, others impose harsh restrictions.

For this reason many families turn to online schooling to fulfil compulsory education requirements within regulated frameworks.

At Crimson Global Academy (CGA), we are committed to offering a structured, internationally accredited online schooling option. Our programme provides an academically rigorous path for families who seek flexibility but also need compliance with strict educational standards.

In this guide, we look into where homeschooling is permitted, restricted, or prohibited across Europe, and how CGA’s programme can serve as a legal, high-quality alternative.

Why Homeschool is on the Rise in Europe

Increased Demand for Customisation

Families are increasingly looking for education that caters to their child’s individual needs, whether due to special educational needs, travelling families, or student athletes who require flexible scheduling.

Growth of Digital Education

The pandemic was a large contributor to online learning, and many families have opted to continue this path due to its convenience and academic benefits. Europe is now home to numerous accredited online schools offering recognised international qualifications like A-Levels, AP courses, and International GCSEs.

Legal Complications in Homeschooling

Homeschooling regulations vary widely across Europe. In some countries, it’s allowed with minimal oversight, while others enforce strict standards or ban it altogether.

For families facing restrictions, online schooling with an accredited institution like CGA often provides a solution that meets both their educational goals and legal obligations.

Countries Where Homeschooling is Legal or Somewhat Legal

United Kingdom

The UK supports homeschooling with minimal government oversight, giving parents significant autonomy over their child’s education. This flexible approach has contributed to a robust homeschooling community, with over 100,000 children estimated to be homeschooled across the country.

Requirements:

• Parents must ensure that their child receives a suitable, full-time education according to their age, ability, and any special educational needs.

• No formal registration is required, though local authorities can inquire if there are concerns about educational quality.

Spain

Homeschooling in Spain exists in a legal grey area. While the Spanish Constitution recognises the right to education, it does not specify whether this education must occur within formal school settings.

Spanish law mandates that children between the ages of 6 and 16 receive formal education, but it does not explicitly ban homeschooling. This ambiguity has led to inconsistent enforcement across regions.

Requirements:

• There are no specific national homeschooling regulations, but local authorities may require parents to submit a declaration of home education and a description of the curriculum to be followed.
• The curriculum should be age-appropriate, and parents are responsible for providing all necessary educational materials and resources.
• Due to the lack of explicit legal support, families may face challenges in obtaining recognition for homeschooling, and local authorities sometimes require enrolment in formal schools. This includes online schooling like CGA.

Portugal

Portugal is one of the more flexible European countries regarding homeschooling, formally recognising it under “Ensino Doméstico.” Parents must, however, adhere to specific guidelines, and children must be registered with a school that oversees the education provided at home.

Requirements:

• Parents must hold a university degree, and non-Portuguese degrees often require translation and validation.
• Families must submit a learning project that aligns with Portugal’s national curriculum, including teaching methods, evaluation processes, and progress tracking.
• Children must undergo annual evaluations to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.

Malta

Homeschooling in Malta is legal but regulated with stringent oversight. The country only recently formalised homeschooling laws, reflecting a cautious approach to alternative education.

Requirements:

• Parents must apply for a homeschooling permit, and a structured learning plan must be approved by educational authorities.
• Families are required to submit regular progress reports to the authorities to demonstrate satisfactory academic development.

Romania

Romania does not have a formal homeschooling policy, and families generally choose to affiliate with foreign schools to ensure educational continuity. This approach is legally ambiguous but is accepted in practice in many regions.

Requirements:

• Many families affiliate with international schools to gain validation for their child’s education and ensure progression.
• Enforcement of educational standards varies widely by region, giving some families more freedom in their educational choices.

Switzerland

Switzerland’s homeschooling regulations vary widely among its 26 cantons, with some cantons permitting homeschooling relatively freely and others imposing significant restrictions or requiring specific qualifications.

Requirements:

• Some cantons, like Zurich and Fribourg, require parents to possess a recognised teaching qualification. In other cantons, parents must follow the local school curriculum and conduct lessons in the canton’s official language.
• Annual exams or evaluations may be required, depending on the canton .
• Cantons such as Ticino and Uri are notably restrictive, with limited allowances for homeschooling except in specific circumstances.

Italy

Italy permits homeschooling as a constitutional right, although families must meet certain requirements to demonstrate educational adequacy.

Requirements:

• Parents must submit an annual declaration to local authorities, affirming they have the means and ability to educate their child.
• Annual assessments are required to verify that students meet national academic standards, and students may need to take exams to demonstrate progress.

Ireland

Homeschooling is constitutionally protected in Ireland, and the Irish government recognises the right of parents to educate their children at home. This has contributed to a growing number of families opting for homeschooling.

Requirements:

• Parents must register with TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency, which evaluates applications to ensure that education standards are met.
• Education Welfare Officers may conduct assessments to confirm that the education provided aligns with required standards.

Austria

In Austria, homeschooling is a legal educational option, although it comes with an expectation that students meet national standards through annual evaluations. Homeschooling has seen increasing popularity, particularly in rural areas.

Requirements:

• Parents are required to notify local authorities at the start of each school year if they intend to homeschool.
• Students must take an end-of-year exam to demonstrate their progress. Failure to meet standards may require students to enrol in a conventional school.

Belgium

Homeschooling is legal across Belgium, though regional differences in regulations exist among the Flemish, French, and German-speaking communities.

Requirements:

• Parents must notify authorities of their intent to homeschool and submit a curriculum plan.
• Children must undergo standardised testing at various stages (ages 8, 10, 12, and 14) to ensure that they meet national educational benchmarks.

Countries Where Homeschooling is Not Permitted

Germany

Germany enforces one of the strictest homeschooling policies in Europe, requiring all children to attend formal school. The German government’s stance stems from a belief that schooling fosters integration and social cohesion.

Requirements:

• Compulsory attendance laws mandate that children attend school from ages 6 to 15, with penalties for homeschooling, including fines and, in some cases, legal action.
• Exceptions are rare and granted mainly for health-related reasons.
• Although homeschooling is restricted, some families in Germany may consider CGA’s accredited programme as a potential alternative, but they should verify this option with local authorities to ensure compliance.

Netherlands

Homeschooling is largely prohibited in the Netherlands, with limited exceptions. Dutch law mandates school attendance, reflecting the nation’s strong emphasis on integrating students within a structured educational system.

Requirements:

• Compulsory education laws apply from ages 5 to 18, and exemptions are only granted for specific religious or philosophical reasons, which are difficult to obtain.

CGA's Online Schooling Option in Europe

For families facing legal challenges with homeschooling, CGA provides an accredited online schooling option that meets international educational standards. This structured, teacher-led model ensures accountability and compliance, often making it a viable alternative to homeschooling:

• Accreditation and Global Standards: CGA’s curriculum includes A-Levels, iGCSEs, and AP courses, which are recognised internationally and by universities worldwide.
• Structured Learning Environment: CGA offers real-time, teacher-led classes with regular assessments, which align with many European educational standards.
• Socialisation Opportunities: Unlike homeschooling, CGA’s online model includes built-in social engagement through virtual classrooms, clubs, and extracurricular activities.

For parents trying to understand Europe’s complex educational regulations, CGA offers a high-quality alternative that combines flexibility with rigorous standards, helping students fulfil compulsory education requirements while receiving a world-class education.

If you are considering online schooling as a legal and academically challenging alternative to homeschooling, speak with one of our Academic Advisors today who can provide personalised guidance based on your country’s specific regulations.