by[email protected]Funding NewsNo Comments

Government Incentives in Portugal: What businesses should consider before applying

Portugal offers a wide range of government incentives designed to support business growth, innovation, and internationalisation. These incentives, including tax credits, grants, and funding programs, can significantly reduce costs and improve competitiveness. However, before applying, businesses must carefully evaluate eligibility, reporting obligations, and long-term commitments to ensure they fully benefit from these opportunities.

 

Types of Incentives Available in Portugal

Portugal provides several types of incentives to support businesses, each tailored to specific needs:

Tax credits offer reductions in corporate tax for activities such as research and development (R&D), innovation, and job creation. These credits directly lower tax liabilities, improving cash flow for reinvestment.

Grants provide non-refundable funding for projects focused on technology, sustainability, and international expansion. While grants do not require repayment, they often come with strict eligibility and reporting requirements.

Regional incentives offer financial support for companies investing in less developed regions of Portugal, aiming to promote balanced economic growth across the country.

EU-funded programs, such as Portugal 2030 and the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), provide co-financing for projects aligned with European priorities, including digital transformation and the green transition. These programs offer substantial funding for qualifying initiatives.

Understanding the purpose and scope of each incentive is essential for selecting the program that best fits your business goals.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for government incentives in Portugal varies by program but generally includes the following factors:

Company size plays a role, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often having access to a broader range of incentives compared to larger companies.

Priority sectors, such as technology, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy, typically receive more support. Projects must align with specific objectives, such as innovation, export growth, or job creation, to qualify.

Some incentives are region-specific, targeting areas with lower economic activity to stimulate local development. Businesses should review the eligibility criteria for each program to ensure they meet all requirements.

 

Reporting Obligations

Receiving government incentives involves ongoing reporting responsibilities to maintain compliance:

Companies must submit periodic progress reports, financial statements, and detailed records of expenses to demonstrate that funds are being used as intended.

Certain programs require independent audits to verify compliance with the incentive’s terms, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records is critical, as failure to provide required documentation can result in penalties or the requirement to repay funds.

Businesses should establish robust internal processes to track and report on the use of incentives, avoiding potential legal or financial repercussions.

 

Financial Impact and Planning

Government incentives can have a significant positive impact on a company’s financial health, but careful planning is necessary:

Some incentives reimburse expenses only after they have been incurred, so businesses must ensure they have the liquidity to cover initial costs.

Tax credits reduce corporate tax liabilities, while grants may be subject to taxation. Understanding these implications helps businesses optimise their tax strategy.

Delays in receiving funds can affect cash flow, so companies should plan for potential timing issues and ensure they have sufficient resources to sustain operations during the project.

Conducting a detailed financial analysis before applying allows businesses to maximise the benefits of incentives while minimising risks.

 

Long-Term Commitments

Many government incentives require long-term commitments that businesses must fulfil to retain funding:

Some programs mandate that companies maintain or increase employment levels for a specified period to qualify for continued support.

Businesses must deliver the results outlined in their application, such as completing an R&D project or expanding into new markets, to remain eligible for funding.

Adhering to national and EU regulations is essential throughout the project’s lifecycle. Non-compliance can lead to the withdrawal of funding or other penalties.

Before applying, companies should assess their ability to meet these long-term obligations to avoid future complications.

 

Conclusion

Government incentives in Portugal provide valuable opportunities for businesses to reduce costs, drive innovation, and expand operations. Success depends on careful planning, strict compliance with reporting obligations, and a clear understanding of long-term commitments.

For further guidance on eligibility, application processes, or compliance requirements, businesses can consult with experts or visit the official IAPMEI website. Taking a proactive approach ensures that companies fully leverage these incentives while avoiding potential pitfalls.

For further clarification on accounting, reporting or compliance obligations, you can reach out through our contact page.

by[email protected]Business SetupNo Comments

Change is accelerating in companies and increasing the need for structured management

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The pace of change inside companies has accelerated significantly over the past year, according to the study Leading without a landing, conducted by the strategic consultancy H Advisors in partnership with the research company YouGov. The report analyses how organisations are adapting to a business environment marked by volatility, technological transformation and increasing complexity.

In Portugal, the results show a clear trend: three out of four business leaders say the pace of change accelerated during the last year, and more than 80% expect to increase the scale of transformation initiatives in the coming months.

This environment of continuous change affects not only operations, but also planning, reporting, investment decisions and the way companies manage risk.

 

 

Companies are changing faster than their sectors

 

According to the study, 75% of business leaders in Portugal say their organisations experienced a faster pace of change in the last year, while 82% expect transformation initiatives to intensify over the next 12 months. In addition, 74% believe their company has changed more than the sector where it operates.

The report suggests that companies are no longer dealing with isolated adjustments, but with multiple changes happening at the same time.

Among the main drivers identified by executives are:

  • Technological developments
  • Artificial intelligence
  • Economic conditions
  • Increasing customer expectations

These factors are forcing organisations to adapt more quickly and to make decisions in shorter timeframes.

 

 

Faster change increases the need for financial clarity

 

When companies operate in an environment of continuous transformation, access to reliable financial information becomes more important.

Expansion, restructuring, new investments or entry into new markets require:

  • Updated accounting records
  • Regular financial reporting
  • Cost and profitability analysis
  • Tax impact evaluation
  • Clear visibility over obligations

Without structured accounting and reporting, it becomes difficult to understand the real impact of business decisions.

For companies operating in Portugal, this is particularly relevant, as local accounting and tax rules must be followed even when management decisions are taken abroad.

 

 

Technology is driving change, but organisation remains essential

 

The study identifies technological developments, especially artificial intelligence, as one of the main factors accelerating change inside organisations. However, the report also highlights that transformation depends on leadership, communication and internal organisation.

Differences in perception between management roles show that while CEOs tend to be more optimistic about their company’s ability to adapt, other executives are more cautious about the real level of preparedness.

The report also points out that unclear strategy, weak communication and lack of preparation can become major obstacles during periods of transformation.

 

 

Reporting and structure become more important in uncertain environments

 

In a context where companies are required to adapt more frequently, weaknesses in internal processes become more visible.

Common issues include:

  • Lack of updated financial information
  • Delays in reporting
  • Poor visibility over costs and margins
  • Difficulty preparing for audits or inspections
  • Uncertainty about tax and regulatory obligations

Structured accounting and regular reporting allow companies to respond more quickly and make decisions with greater confidence.

This is particularly important for international companies operating in Portugal, where local reporting requirements must be aligned with group-level decisions.

 

 

A changing environment requires stronger financial organisation

 

The study shows that companies are operating in a context of continuous transformation, driven by technology, economic pressure and rising expectations from clients and investors.

In this environment, accounting and reporting are no longer limited to compliance. They play a key role in supporting planning, monitoring performance and ensuring that companies can adapt to change without losing control over their financial position.

Businesses operating in Portugal should ensure that their accounting and reporting framework is properly organised, especially when dealing with growth, restructuring or international activity.

 

For further clarification on accounting, reporting or compliance obligations, you can reach out through our contact page.

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by[email protected]GrantsNo Comments

EUIPO SME Fund for intellectual property registration

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EUIPO SME Fund 2026 supports small and medium-sized enterprises in reducing the cost of protecting intellectual property, through reimbursement of eligible fees related to trademarks, designs, patents and other IP rights. The programme is managed by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and applies to companies established in the European Union, including Portugal.

Programme details

  • Application deadline: 4 December 2026

  • Beneficiary entities: SMEs, micro-enterprises, startups and individuals

  • Benefit: Up to 75% reimbursement of eligible intellectual property fees

  • Minimum investment: No minimum investment required

  • Geographic scope: Mainland Portugal, Azores and Madeira

 

About the funding

The EUIPO SME Fund 2026 is a European grant programme designed to support companies in protecting their intellectual property by reimbursing part of the costs related to registration and legal protection.

The incentive applies to filings made at national, European and international level, including registrations with INPI, EUIPO, EPO and WIPO.

The programme operates through a voucher system. After approval, the applicant proceeds with the intellectual property registration, pays the applicable fees and then requests reimbursement under the approved voucher.

The objective of the fund is to encourage innovation, brand protection and internationalisation by making intellectual property registration more accessible to SMEs.

How it works

Applicants must first submit a request under the SME Fund and wait for approval before proceeding with the registration.

Once the voucher is granted, the company may:

  • File trademarks or designs
  • Submit patent applications
  • Request IP pre-diagnostic services
  • Register international intellectual property rights

After the registration fees are paid, the applicant submits a reimbursement request, and the eligible percentage is refunded according to the programme rules.

Only costs incurred after voucher approval are eligible.

Eligible investment expenses

Eligible costs under the EUIPO SME Fund may include:

IP Scan / IP Scan Enforcement

  • Pre-diagnostic intellectual property services
  • Enforcement support provided by national IP offices

Trade marks and designs (national, EU or regional)

  • Application fees
  • Class fees
  • Examination and registration fees
  • Publication fees
  • Deferment fees

Trade marks and designs (international)

  • WIPO basic fees
  • Designation and subsequent designation fees
  • Madrid and Hague system fees

National patents and prior-art search

  • Filing and examination fees
  • Publication fees
  • Prior-art search reports

European patents and related legal costs

  • EPO filing and search fees
  • Drafting and filing costs by qualified representatives

Community plant varieties

  • CPVO application and examination fees

All expenses must comply with the rules of the programme and be incurred after the voucher approval.

Who can benefit from this incentive

The SME Fund 2026 is available to:

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises
  • Micro-enterprises
  • Startups
  • Individuals carrying out business activity

Applicants must be established in the European Union.

The programme is particularly relevant for companies that:

  • Plan to register trademarks or designs
  • Develop new products or technologies
  • Intend to expand to international markets
  • Need to protect intellectual property before commercialisation

 

Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each incentive is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and tax strategy.
For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.

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by[email protected]AccountingNo Comments

Accounting reporting requirements in Portugal for companies

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Companies operating in Portugal must comply with a set of accounting and reporting obligations that go beyond basic bookkeeping. In addition to tax compliance, businesses are required to maintain organised accounting records and prepare periodic financial reports that reflect their financial position and activity.

Understanding accounting reporting requirements in Portugal is essential for both local and international companies, as reporting affects not only legal compliance but also management decisions, tax planning and communication with stakeholders.

 

Monthly and annual accounting obligations in Portugal

Portuguese accounting rules require companies to maintain organised accounting records in accordance with the Portuguese Accounting Standards System (SNC).

In practice, this means that companies must ensure:

  • Recording of all transactions in the accounting system
  • Monthly reconciliation of accounts
  • Proper classification of expenses, revenues and assets
  • Preparation of tax-related reports and declarations

In addition to ongoing accounting, companies must also prepare annual financial statements, which are submitted to the tax authorities and other entities when required.

These obligations apply to both Portuguese companies and foreign-owned companies operating in Portugal.

 

What accounting reports normally include

Accounting reporting in Portugal is not limited to tax filings. Proper reporting usually includes a set of management and financial documents that allow the company to monitor its performance.

Typical reports may include:

  • Balance sheet
  • Profit and loss statement
  • Trial balance
  • General ledger and journals
  • VAT and tax reports
  • Payroll and Social Security reports
  • Annual financial statements

For companies with international shareholders, reporting may also need to be prepared in formats compatible with group reporting requirements.

 

Difference between bookkeeping and structured accounting

One of the most common misunderstandings among foreign companies operating in Portugal is the difference between simple bookkeeping and structured accounting.

Bookkeeping refers to the recording of transactions, such as invoices, payments and receipts.

Structured accounting, on the other hand, involves:

  • Applying accounting standards
  • Preparing financial statements
  • Ensuring tax compliance
  • Producing management reports
  • Supporting audits and inspections

In Portugal, companies are required to maintain organised accounting under certified accountant supervision, which means that accounting must follow formal rules and reporting standards.

 

Why accounting reporting is important for management decisions

Accounting reporting is not only a legal requirement. When properly prepared, financial reports provide essential information for business decisions.

Regular reporting allows companies to:

  • Monitor profitability and costs
  • Analyse cash flow
  • Plan investments
  • Evaluate tax impact
  • Prepare for audits or inspections
  • Report to shareholders or parent companies

For international companies operating in Portugal, structured reporting is particularly important, as it ensures alignment between local obligations and group-level reporting requirements.

 

Reporting obligations for foreign companies in Portugal

Foreign investors often assume that accounting obligations in Portugal are similar to those in their home country, but reporting rules may differ significantly.

Companies operating in Portugal may need to:

  • Keep local accounting records even if part of an international group
  • Submit Portuguese tax and financial reports
  • Prepare annual accounts under Portuguese standards
  • Provide documentation during inspections

Because of these requirements, accounting reporting must be organised from the beginning of the company’s activity.

 

Final considerations

Understanding accounting reporting requirements in Portugal is essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring reliable financial information.

If your company operates in Portugal and needs support with accounting reporting, financial statements or ongoing compliance, it is important to ensure that the accounting structure is correctly set up from the start. For further clarification, you may contact us through our contact page.

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by[email protected]Funding NewsNo Comments

PRR “Reindustrializar” funding call opens €150 million to support storm-affected companies

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Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) has launched a new funding call designed to support companies affected by recent storms, floods and extreme weather events.

The measure, published under Notice No. 06/C05-i14.01/2026, allocates €150 million to support productive investment projects that strengthen business infrastructure, improve operational resilience and reinforce productive capacity in Portugal.

Following the Government’s decision to extend the state of calamity nationwide after the recent severe weather events, the programme may be relevant to companies across the country that experienced operational disruption or material damage.

What the funding supports

 

The PRR “Reindustrializar” call focuses on productive innovation and structural reinforcement of business facilities.

Eligible projects may include investments that contribute to:

  • Modernisation of production processes
  • Diversification of production or business activity
  • Productive innovation and technological upgrades
  • Reinforcement of the physical resilience of facilities, equipment and infrastructure
  • Protection of communications and energy systems against future natural events

The programme aims to help companies rebuild and adapt their productive capacity, while improving long-term competitiveness and resilience.

Who can apply

 

Applications are open to companies affected by the recent storms and floods, in accordance with the eligibility conditions defined in the notice and the areas covered by the state of calamity declared after the severe weather events.

Projects may qualify for support where the investment contributes to the recovery, reinforcement or adaptation of productive capacity, and the evaluation may consider the extent of the impact caused by the events.

Key figures and deadlines

 

Application deadline: 31 March 2026 (17:59)
Total programme budget: €150 million
Minimum investment: €100,000
Maximum number of applications: one per company

Projects must begin after the application is submitted, with the investment starting no later than 31 July 2026. The implementation period may extend up to 24 months.

Funding structure

 

Support is provided through a combination of non-repayable grants and, where applicable, complementary repayable financing.

Funding rates may reach:

  • Up to 60% for productive investment, depending on the municipality and company size
  • Up to 80% for Research and Development components

In certain project structures, complementary repayable financing may be available to support the remaining investment.

The exact funding configuration depends on the project characteristics and the rules defined in the official notice.

Eligible investment costs

 

Eligible expenses may include, among others:

  • Machinery and production equipment
  • Construction or works related to productive facilities (generally capped at 30%)
  • Software and digital systems linked to the investment
  • Research and Development activities associated with productive innovation

All investments must be directly related to the project and aligned with the programme’s objectives of strengthening productive capacity and resilience.

Planning and preparation

 

For companies impacted by the recent severe weather events, this call may represent an opportunity to restore productive capacity while improving infrastructure, efficiency and operational resilience.

Given the limited application period, projects will be assessed based on the quality of the investment plan, the technical consistency of the proposal and the ability to demonstrate resilience, innovation and economic impact.

Companies considering an application should therefore ensure that the scope, budget structure and supporting documentation are carefully prepared in advance.

For full details on this programme and eligibility conditions, consult our dedicated page on the PRR Reindustrializar funding call.

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by[email protected]GrantsNo Comments

Reindustrializar programme for companies affected by storms and floods

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Reindustrializar programme (for regions affected by storms and floods) supports productive investment projects aimed at reinforcing the resilience and recovery of business infrastructure and productive capacity in municipalities affected by severe weather events. In doing so, it contributes to the structural strengthening of companies operating in regions declared under calamity or contingency due to storms, floods or river overflow.

Programme details

  • Application deadline: 30 March 2026

  • Beneficiary entities: Large companies, SMEs, micro-enterprises and startups

  • Benefit: Productive investment: up to 60%, according to the regional aid map applicable to each municipality and Research and Development: up to 80%

  • Minimum investment: €100,000

  • Geographic scope: Mainland Portugal 

 

About the funding

The Reindustrializar programme supports productive innovation investment projects that may also include Research and Development components. The objective is to reinforce productive capacity, resilience of facilities and infrastructure, and the ability of companies to maintain or expand economic activity following extreme weather events.

Eligible projects must focus on the production of tradable and internationalisable goods or services with higher added value and must be framed as an initial investment or the creation of a new activity.

Supported investment typologies include:

  • Capacity increases of at least 10%, combined with measures reinforcing resilience or protection of communications and energy systems
  • Diversification of production, where eligible costs represent at least 200% of the book value of reused assets, combined with resilience reinforcement
  • Fundamental changes in the overall production or service process

Eligible R&D activities include industrial research, experimental development and the creation or strengthening of permanent R&D teams.

Projects must begin after submission of the application, with investment starting no later than 31 July 2026. Implementation may last up to 24 months, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

How it works

This programme combines support for productive investment and innovation activities within a single funding framework.

Projects must demonstrate:

  • Reinforcement of productive capacity and infrastructure resilience
  • Alignment with regional economic recovery objectives
  • Contribution to the production of tradable and internationally competitive goods or services
  • Economic viability and potential for value creation

The incentive is designed to support companies operating in municipalities officially recognised as affected by storms and floods.

Eligible investment expenses

Productive investment component

  • Machinery and equipment, including IT equipment and necessary software
  • Installation costs associated with equipment
  • Construction or remodeling of facilities, limited to 30% of eligible productive investment costs
  • Intangible assets such as patents, licences, know-how and software (for large companies, these costs are capped at 50% of total eligible costs)

R&D component

  • Technical staff dedicated to the project
  • Overhead and other indirect costs calculated via a flat rate of up to 20%
  • Secondment of highly qualified staff
  • Consultancy and innovation support services

Other eligible costs

  • Expense validation by a statutory auditor or accountant (up to €1,000)
  • Engineering services, studies, diagnostics, audits, marketing plans and architecture or engineering projects
  • Independent experts required to justify the classification of R&D costs

All expenses must be directly related to the approved project and comply with applicable eligibility and regulatory requirements.

Who can benefit from this incentive

This programme is aimed at companies operating in municipalities affected by storms and floods that need to reinforce or restore their productive capacity.

It is particularly relevant for businesses that:

  • Need to repair or reinforce production facilities and infrastructure
  • Intend to improve resilience to extreme weather events
  • Plan to expand productive capacity or diversify production
  • Combine productive investment with innovation or R&D activities

 

Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each incentive is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and tax strategy.
For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.

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by[email protected]GrantsNo Comments

STEP Business R&D&I Energy (co-promotion)

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STEP Business R&D&I for Energy supports integrated research, development and productive innovation projects focused on the development, manufacturing and scale-up of critical clean and energy-efficient technologies. Through collaborative projects led by companies, the incentive contributes to strengthening European value chains under the EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

Programme details

  • Application deadline: 30 April 2026

  • Beneficiary entities: Large companies, SMEs, micro-enterprises and startups, operating in co-promotion with partners

  • Benefit: R&D activities: up to 80% funding and productive innovation activities: up to 70% funding, in accordance with regional aid maps and State aid rules

  • Minimum investment: €5,000,000

  • Geographic scope: Mainland Portugal (excluding Lisbon and Algarve area)

 

About the funding

STEP Business R&D&I for Energy supports integrated investment operations combining industrial research, experimental development and productive innovation.

Projects must target higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRL ≥ 6), with limited activities starting from TRL 4, progressing through to commercial production.

Eligible projects must contribute to the development, manufacturing or reinforcement of value chains of critical clean and net-zero energy technologies, including resource-efficient and carbon-neutral technologies, as defined under Regulation (EU) 2024/795 (STEP).

Projects must demonstrate:

  • Innovation and technological advancement
  • Strategic relevance for the European Union
  • Strong collaboration between companies and, where applicable, ENESII partners
  • Alignment with STEP objectives for strategic technologies

The maximum project duration is 36 months.

How it works

This call requires the formation of co-promotion consortia led by companies and integrates both R&D and productive investment components within a single funding framework.

Projects must demonstrate:

  • Technological maturity compatible with industrial deployment
  • Clear contribution to European clean and energy-efficient technology value chains
  • Economic viability and potential for market introduction
  • Structured collaboration between participating entities

The integrated structure allows companies to combine research and industrial scale-up within the same strategic operation.

Eligible investment expenses

R&D component:

  • Personnel costs, including researchers, technical staff and fellows
  • Acquisition or licensing of patents and know-how
  • Consumables and raw materials
  • Components for pilots, demonstrators and prototypes
  • External scientific, technical and consultancy services
  • Equipment, scientific instruments and specialised software (amortisation)
  • Indirect costs are calculated at a flat rate of 7% of eligible direct costs

Productive innovation component:

  • Machinery and equipment
  • Tangible and intangible assets, including patents, licences, software and know-how
  • Engineering services, studies, audits and technical services
  • Construction or refurbishment of facilities, generally capped at 20% of eligible costs, with exceptions duly justified
  • Job creation costs as an alternative eligible basis in certain regions

All expenses must be directly related to the approved project and comply with applicable regional aid and State aid rules.

Who can benefit from this incentive

This incentive is aimed at companies developing critical clean and energy-efficient technologies through collaborative co-promotion structures.

It is particularly relevant for organisations that:

  • Develop advanced net-zero or resource-efficient technologies
  • Require integrated R&D and industrial scale-up within the same project
  • Operate within strategic European clean energy value chains
  • Intend to move from development stages to full industrial deployment

 

Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each incentive is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and tax strategy.
For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.

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by[email protected]GrantsNo Comments

STEP Productive Innovation Energy

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STEP Productive Innovation for Energy supports innovative productive investment projects aimed at manufacturing critical clean and energy-efficient technologies or strengthening and securing their value chains. In doing so, it contributes to the objectives of the green transition under the EU Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP).

Programme details

  • Application deadline: 30 April 2026

  • Beneficiary entities: Large companies, SMEs, micro-enterprises and startups

  • Benefit: Up to 70% non-reimbursable grant

  • Minimum investment: €3,000,000

  • Geographic scope: Mainland Portugal (excluding Lisbon and Algarve area)

 

About the funding

STEP Productive Innovation for Energy supports innovative productive investment operations that result in the production of tradable and internationalisable goods or services with high added value and national incorporation.

Eligible projects must contribute to the manufacturing of critical technologies or to preserving and reinforcing their value chains in the field of clean and resource-efficient energy technologies, including net-zero technologies, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2024/795 (STEP).

Supported investments must qualify as either an initial investment or an initial investment in a new economic activity.

This includes:

  • Creation of a new establishment
  • Diversification of activity or production
  • Fundamental change in the overall production process

Projects awarded a STEP Seal or approved as IPCEI are not eligible under this call.

How it works

This call supports productive investments aligned with the strategic objectives of European technological sovereignty and the green transition.

Projects must demonstrate:

  • Contribution to the development or reinforcement of clean and energy-efficient technologies
  • Alignment with STEP priorities and regulatory requirements
  • Economic viability and capacity to generate added value
  • Relevance within national and European value chains

The incentive is intended for structurally significant industrial investments rather than incremental improvements.

Eligible investment expenses

Tangible assets:

  • Machinery and production equipment
  • Technical installations and production lines
  • Intangible assets
  • Patents, licences, know-how and software
  • For SMEs, additional eligible expenses may include:
  • Engineering and technical studies
  • Audits, certification and DNSH compliance studies
  • Construction or refurbishment of buildings, when strictly necessary for the investment and within defined regulatory limits

All expenses must be directly related to the productive investment and incurred after submission of the application.

Who can benefit from this incentive

This incentive is aimed at companies investing in the manufacturing of critical clean and energy-efficient technologies within mainland Portugal.

It is particularly relevant for businesses that:

  • Operate in energy transition or net-zero technology sectors
  • Integrate advanced production processes in clean technologies
  • Seek to strengthen national and European value chains
  • Intend to expand or transform their industrial capacity within the framework of the green transition

 

Understanding the rules and eligibility criteria of each incentive is essential to assess its relevance and potential impact within a company’s broader investment and tax strategy.
For clarification or further information, reach out through our contact form.

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by[email protected]Funding NewsNo Comments

STEP funding in Portugal mobilises €1.1 billion for strategic technologies

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STEP funding in Portugal mobilises €1.1 billion for strategic technologies

 

STEP funding in Portugal is mobilising approximately €1.1 billion to support investment in strategic technologies across energy, digital and biotechnology sectors.

The four funding calls launched under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) are open from 30 January to 30 April 2026 and include both Productive Innovation and R&D&I programmes. Portugal stands out within this framework due to the combination of high non-reimbursable funding rates and access for companies of all sizes, including large enterprises.

STEP funding calls for energy, digital and biotechnology

 

The current STEP funding calls are structured across two main areas: energy and digital/biotechnology.

Energy – €515 million

Productive Innovation (€400 million) and R&D&I (€115 million) support projects in renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Funding rates may reach up to 70% for productive investment and 80% for R&D&I projects, with minimum investment thresholds typically between €3 million and €5 million.

Digital and Biotechnology – €611 million

Productive Innovation (€401 million) and R&D&I (€210 million) focus on semiconductors, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and biotechnology applications, following similar funding structures and intensity levels.

What distinguishes STEP funding in Portugal

 

STEP funding in Portugal differs from traditional EU structural funds in several respects.

Large enterprises are eligible for non-reimbursable grants, which may reach up to 70% under Portuguese cohesion funding frameworks. Funding rates are enhanced compared to standard programmes, reaching up to 70% for productive innovation and 80% for R&D&I, with potential regional bonuses of up to 10 percentage points.

Pre-financing levels may reach 30%, significantly above the usual 10%, reducing the immediate capital burden on companies.

Projects must demonstrate their contribution to European value chains and to the reduction of external dependencies. In addition, the focus is placed on technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 9 and above, favouring industrialisation-ready solutions rather than early-stage research.

Strategic framework of the STEP initiative

 

The STEP initiative is established under EU Regulation 2024/795 and responds to supply chain vulnerabilities identified during the COVID-19 crisis and subsequent geopolitical tensions.

It functions as a framework platform aligning European and national financial instruments around common strategic priorities. Technologies are considered critical when they represent cutting-edge innovation with significant economic potential or contribute to reducing strategic dependencies within the European Union.

Key dates and official information

 

Applications for STEP funding in Portugal are open until 30 April 2026 at 17:00.

Further details are available on the official programme websites:

https://portugal2030.pt
https://www.compete2030.gov.pt

Understanding eligibility rules, funding intensity and regional aid limits is essential before structuring an application under STEP.

For companies assessing the strategic relevance of STEP funding within their broader investment and innovation plans, early preparation and structured analysis are advisable.

Further information on available funding programmes can be found on our dedicated grants page.

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by[email protected]AccountingNo Comments

Reflections on the future of accounting in Portugal

The CEO of Oporto Accounting, Bruno Varajão, was recently featured in the latest edition of Business Portugal, the business magazine of the national newspaper Diário de Notícias.

In the interview, he shares Oporto Accounting’s perspective on the growing importance of reliable, structured and internationally oriented accounting services, particularly for foreign entrepreneurs and international companies looking to establish a presence in Portugal.

As Portugal continues to attract global investment, the interview highlights that access to knowledgeable local support is no longer a “nice-to-have” but an essential element for navigating the country’s tax and regulatory environment with confidence.

The feature also acknowledges the opportunity to contribute to a broader discussion on the future of the accounting industry and its role in supporting internationally driven business activity.

Read the full interview here.

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