1. Introduction
There are numerous financial incentives—direct and fiscal—to boost companies’ competitiveness, innovation, sustainability, internationalization, and employment. These instruments are managed by various entities (IAPMEI, AICEP, ANI) and are part of the Portugal 2030 program and other complementary national initiatives.
We share some of the available incentives and who can access them.
2. Incentive Systems (“SI”) – Portugal 2030 (SICE)
Managed by IAPMEI, these systems support SMEs (and some non-SMEs) in problem areas ranging from R&D to internationalization:
a) SI I&DT – Research & Technological Development
- Non-reimbursable support, between 25% and 75% of the project cost.
- Eligible for individual or co-promoted projects, including demonstrators, R&D centers, or internationalization of R&D.
- Costs covered: qualified personnel, patent registration, dissemination, and other technological expenses ayming.pt.
b) Productive Innovation SI
- Mixed nature: non-refundable and refundable portions, up to 75% of the investment.
- Intended for new establishments, increased capacity, production of new goods or services, and new production processes.
- Covers tangible and intangible CAPEX, engineering services, marketing, diagnostics, etc.
- Limit of R$15 million for SMEs; For non-SMEs, they must exceed this amount.
c) SI Internationalization (SMEs)
- Non-refundable support up to 45%%.
- Focused on international expansion: marketing, presence at international trade shows, external consulting, acquisition of new organizational methods.
d) SI Qualification (SME)
- Incentive up to 45%, non-refundable.
- Supports organizational innovation, digitalization, ICT, brand and design creation, software acquisition, patents, hiring technicians, and studies.
Additional funding within the scope of Portugal 2030 and SICE (2025):
- SICE – Productive Innovation: up to 50% non-refundable for industrial modernization, digitalization, and new products/processes.
- SICE – Internationalization of SMEs: up to 50% for market prospecting, international events, digital marketing, and certifications.
- SICE – SME Qualification: up to 50% for training, digital transformation, cybersecurity, automation, and certification.
Decarbonization and Energy Efficiency: incentives between 15% and 100% for low-carbon, renewable, and energy efficiency projects.
Circular Economy: support for recycling, eco-design, and reuse projects, with non-refundable financing and eligible in several regions.
class=”li1″>SIID – Research and Development: up to 85% non-refundable for corporate R&D, including qualified personnel, patents, and technology.
3. Tax Benefits
In addition to direct support, there are tax benefits that benefit companies with structural investments:
- SIFIDE: possibility of a corporate income tax deduction for R&D expenses.
- RFAI: The Investment Support Tax Regime allows a corporate income tax deduction for part of the investment made in tangible and intangible assets.
- CFEI II: Extraordinary Investment Tax Credit II — corporate income tax deduction for assets related to the company’s operational activity/operations.
- Madeira Free Trade Zone: licensed companies can have their corporate income tax (IRC) reduced to 5% on taxable income (with conditions) and be exempt from stamp duty, municipal tax, etc. — provided they meet job creation and investment requirements
4. Other Sectoral/National Incentives
– AICEP Productive Investment
- For large projects with significant impact (R&D, exports, skilled employment).
- For eligible expenses >€25 million, or between €15 and €25 million under certain conditions (job creation, export intensity, etc.).
- Expenses with tangible/intangible CAPEX and salaries for up to 2 years may be eligible.
- Non-reimbursable support: 20% to 30%, depending on the type (new establishment, diversification, etc.).
… In Lisbon, AML (Area of AML) approximately 40% (approximately 40%) …– Support for Employment and Microentrepreneurship
- Up to 85% non-refundable grant for job creation.
- Business Decarbonization: up to 100% non-refundable grant for energy efficiency.
- Circular Economy: up to 50% non-refundable grant for circular economy practices
- R&D Tax Incentive System: tax benefits via corporate income tax deduction for R&D expenses
5. Qualification of Managing Entities
- IAPMEI: manages most of the incentive systems for SMEs, innovation, and internationalization.
- AICEP: manages incentives for productive investment and exports, especially for large-scale projects.
- ANI (National Innovation Agency): supports technological innovation and cooperation between companies and the scientific community.
6. Eligible Companies
Type of Incentive
Typical eligibility
Incentive Systems (SI,
SICE etc.)
SMEs (in general), and some non-SMEs for certain programs
Large Projects (AICEP)
Companies with investment > €15–25 million and significant impact
Tax Benefits (SIFIDE, RFAI, Free Trade Zone)
Companies with R&D expenditures, investment in assets, or located in the ZFM, respectively
Regional/sectoral support
Companies in specific regions (Algarve, Lisbon, North) or specific CAEs, industry, tourism, circular economy
7. Final Notes
Portugal has a robust ecosystem of financial incentives—from direct subsidies (non-refundable or refundable) to tax benefits—designed to drive innovation, internationalization, decarbonization, digitalization, and job creation. Most are targeted at SMEs, but there are also mechanisms for large strategic investments with a national economic impact.
To obtain this support, companies must:
- Check eligibility (company type, sector/CNAE, size, impact, location);
- Monitor open competitions on the IAPMEI, AICEP, and regional entity platforms;
- Prepare solid applications within the defined deadlines and requirements.