Overview of Entrepreneurship Support in Portugal 2026

Portugal has established itself as one of Europe's most dynamic startup ecosystems. With the Portugal 2030 program, the country has over 30 support programs at the national level, complemented by regional and tax incentives. This guide presents the 10 most relevant instruments.

1. SI Innovation — up to 5 million euros

The Innovation Incentive System co-finances productive innovation projects in SMEs: investment in equipment, R&D, marketing and organization.

• Amount: up to 5 million euros
• Support rate: up to 75% for micro-enterprises
• Management: IAPMEI / Compete 2030
• For: SMEs with innovation projects

2. SI Qualification — up to 500 thousand euros

Financing for qualification projects: training, internationalization, design, industrial property and certification. Non-refundable incentive.

• Amount: up to 500 thousand euros
• Non-refundable for most typologies
• For: SMEs in growth phase

3. StartUP Voucher — €1,095/month

Monthly grant for young entrepreneurs (18-35 years old) with an innovative project, for 12 months, with access to mentoring and incubation.

• Grant: €1,095.10/month (2026 value)
• Duration: 12 months
• Includes: mentoring + incubator access
• Requirement: 18-35 years old, innovative project

4. Incubation Voucher — €5,000

Voucher of €5,000 to finance incubation services (accommodation, mentoring, networking) at an incubator certified by IAPMEI.

5. SIFIDE II — Tax Credit for R&D

System of Tax Incentives for Corporate R&D. Allows deduction from corporation tax collection between 32.5% and 82.5% of research and development expenses.

• Base rate: 32.5% of R&D expenses
• Incremental rate: 50% of the increase over the average of the previous 2 years
• Enhancement: 15% for expenses with doctoral degrees

6. RFAI — Tax Regime for Investment Support

Deduction from corporation tax collection of 10% to 25% of relevant investments in tangible and intangible fixed assets. Enhancement for investments in the interior of the country.

7. IFD — SME Credit Lines — up to €1.5M

The Development Financial Institution (IFD) provides credit lines with favorable conditions for SMEs, with terms up to 10 years and reduced spreads.

• Amount: up to 1.5 million euros
• Conditions: preferential rates
• Guarantee: possibility of mutual guarantee

8. Seed Program — tax incentive for investors

Tax deduction of 25% of the amount invested in eligible startups (up to €100,000/year) with capital gains exemption on resale under certain conditions.

9. IEFP — Support for Job Creation

Financial support from the Employment and Professional Training Institute for net job creation:

• Subsidy per job: up to €10,000
• Professional Internships (ATIVAR): financing for paid internships
• PAECPE (Create Your Own Job): financial support up to ~€200,000 for unemployed

10. Reduced Corporation Tax — Interior Territories

Reduced corporation tax rate of 12.5% (instead of 17% or 21%) for SMEs headquartered in interior territories, on the first €50,000 of taxable income.

How to find the right support

With over 30 national programs, finding the right incentive can be complex. Use the BoostPro AI aid simulator to identify in a few minutes the programs that suit your profile, sector and business phase.

Application tips

• Prepare a solid business plan: most programs require it. Create yours with the BoostPro AI business plan generator.
• Apply BEFORE starting: many programs require prior application before project launch.
• Check compatibility: many incentives can be combined with each other.
• Consult IAPMEI: regional offices provide free personalized support.

Conclusion

Portugal offers one of Europe's most attractive entrepreneurship support ecosystems, combining direct financial incentives, tax benefits and an increasingly favorable regulatory environment for startups. The first step is to know the available support — and take advantage of it.