Working in rural Portugal has already become a reality for thousands of people, and the program is positive for the country’s government. Learn more!
If you want to work in the interior of Portugal the Portuguese government has opened applications for a new program. However, applications must be submitted “within 90 days of signing an employment contract or creating your own job or business.” See below for all the details.
Programs in Portugal to attract residents to the countryside.
The MAIS Interior Employment Program was created by the Portuguese government with the goal of creating jobs and encouraging economic development in the country’s interior municipalities. The idea is to offer tax incentives and financing to companies that create jobs in these areas.
Furthermore, it also includes measures to empower local workers for new job opportunities and promote economic diversification in the regions. The program is part of the Interior Development Program (PVI) and is implemented by the Institute for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation (IAPMEI).
Investments and job creation in Portugal
The PVI (Program for the Enhancement of the Interior), implemented a few years ago, has created and maintained at least 34,000 jobs in Portugal. The initiative has also brought investments exceeding €6.6 billion, according to information released by Ana Abrunhosa, the country’s Minister of Territorial Cohesion.
Ana Abrunhosa said, “With the program to enhance the interior regions, an investment of over 6.6 billion euros has already been approved for inland territories. This investment corresponds to more than 34,000 jobs that have been maintained or created.” The information was given during a press conference held in the city of Castelo Branco after the Council of Ministers meeting in Castelo Branco.
Living and working in the interior of Portugal
According to Minister Ana Abrunhosa, 2,800 people have already established residence in the interior of Portugal since the beginning of the program. Furthermore, Abrunhosa recalled that the measures adopted by the Portuguese government with the “Work in the Interior” and “Return” programs immediately put the Castelo Branco district on the map, and at least 300 people moved from the coast to the interior.
People who join the “Work in the Interior” program receive up to €4,827. Portuguese citizens residing in another country who wish to return to Portugal to live in the interior can register for the “Return” program and receive up to €7,600. Minister Ana Abrunhosa stated that the Castelo Branco district is already in second place in terms of the “Return” program, having facilitated the arrival of 200 people.
Working in rural Portugal — Jobs in Rural Portugal MORE
For those seeking a better quality of life and intending to work in the interior of Portugal, the country’s government launched applications for the Emprego Interior MAIS (More Interior Employment) program. This program provides direct financial support to workers who relocate to the interior of Portugal.
Support Value
The initial support amount can reach €4,827 (four thousand, eight hundred and twenty-seven euros). However, the amount depends mainly on the size of the family and also includes a contribution towards the cost of transporting goods.
Applications Open
Applications for those wishing to work in the interior of Portugal and participate in the Emprego Interior MAIS program began on August Applications must be submitted through the website of the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). This body will be responsible for implementing the incentive.
In a statement issued by the Portuguese Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, those interested may submit their applications “within 90 days of signing an employment contract or creating their own job or business.”
Working in the interior of Portugal – Funding Guaranteed
The Emprego Interior MAIS program has funding secured from European funds. Therefore, the Regional Operational Programs will cover unemployed workers or those employed and seeking new employment.
However, beneficiaries “will have to have a full-time employment contract (with a minimum duration of more than one year).” In addition, they may also be eligible for self-employment creation.
Support and Incentives
Anyone intending to move to work in the interior of Portugal needs to be registered with Social Security and be a resident in Portugal (or a Portuguese citizen residing in another country and intending to return to Portugal). The worker will directly receive financial support of €2,633.00 (two thousand, six hundred and thirty-three euros).
However, the amount may increase by 20% for each member of the household (number of people in the family) up to a maximum of €1,316.00 (one thousand three hundred and sixteen euros). In addition, the cost of transporting goods is subsidized up to a maximum of €878.00 (eight hundred and seventy-eight euros).
Other Programs and Incentives for Working in the Interior of Portugal
In addition to the Emprego Interior MAIS program, there are other incentives and programs from the Portuguese government. In fact, the government has even created a manual called the Guia Fiscal do Interior (see everything about the guide below).
However, according to Ana Mendes Godinho, who heads the Ministry of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, there are other measures aimed at attracting people to work in the interior of Portugal. According to the agency, there is a “25% increase in support under the Returning Program for those who settle in inland territories to work.”
A guide for those who want to work in the interior of Portugal.
The Inland Tax Guide, a government document, details all the incentives for those who want to work in the interior of Portugal. The publication includes all the support available for families who relocate to inland areas of Portugal, including an increase in the limit for Income Tax and Services (IRS) deductions for three years.
However, the guide summarizing the tax benefits currently in effect for families and businesses wishing to establish themselves in the interior regions of Portugal has been published and is available on the government’s website.
Measures aim to make the interior of Portugal more attractive.
These measures, known as affirmative action, aim to attract people to work in the interior of Portugal and to retain citizens in so-called low-density areas. In total, there are 165 municipalities in the interior of Portugal.
Incentives
Among the main incentives, the one aimed at Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the interior stands out. This provides a 12.5% reduction in the Corporate Income Tax (IRC) rate for the first €25,000 (twenty-five thousand euros) of taxable income.
Furthermore, there is an incentive to reinvest profits through a 20% increase in the benefits provided for in the Deduction for Retained and Reinvested Profits (DLRR) regime. However, there are even more favorable conditions in the tax regime to attract investment through higher corporate income tax deductions.
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Other Exemptions
Among the fiscal measures foreseen by the Portuguese government are those that provide for exemptions from IMT (Municipal Tax on Onerous Transfers of Real Estate) and IMI (Municipal Property Tax). However, these taxes are only waived for properties located in forest areas.
