The measure applies to Portuguese and foreign workers and regardless of whether the company is national or international, everyone who settles in the interior of Portugal is entitled to a government subsidy
In accordance with Ordinance No. 63/2023 of March 2, which defines the measure Employment Inside MAIS – Supported Mobility for a Sustainable Interior, a subsidy was created for all remote workers who settle in the interior of the country, which also covers digital nomads and is valid for all contracts existing for 6 months.
In general terms, Portuguese and foreign citizens who carry out their activity remotely, for Portuguese or international companies or even (remote) independent workers and scholarship holders, can receive this subsidy, provided they settle in locations located in the interior of the country.
Who is entitled to this support?
- Workers who sign employment contracts or create their own job or company, whose workplace is in the countryside. In these cases, support is also granted in situations of existing activity if the worker moves to the interior of Portugal.
- Subordinate workers and independent professionals who carry out a professional activity, provided remotely, at a distance and in the countryside.
Foreign workers
This support, which translates into financial support, also applies to situations of mobility between territories in the interior for:
- National citizens of countries of the European Union, Switzerland, the European Economic Area, and other countries, provided that the legal requirements for entry and stay in Portuguese territory are met, that is, provided that they have a residence permit/visa.
What is the deadline to apply for this support?
The legislation that came into force specifies that these requests must be made within 180 consecutive days before or after the start of an employment contract or independent activity (creating your own job)
What are the subsidy amounts?
1 – €3362.01 – represents 7 times the value of the social support index (IAS) which in 2023 is €480.43 – in cases where it is a question of employment contracts for an indefinite period, creation of a company or creation of the own job. The worker is also supported by 1.5 IAS (€720.65) in support of transport costs and goods for the new residence. There is also another type of funding or subsidy provided for in these situations, which is related to a 20% increase in support for each member of the household accompanying the worker.
2 – €2401.15 – represents 5 times the value of the IAS – in the case of fixed-term employment contracts, with a duration equal to or greater than 12 months.
How are applications processed?
The application process for this support takes place exclusively online through the portal of the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training – IEFP: bit.ly/3ZE32fG
