Foreign workers, entrepreneurs and digital nomads legally residing in Portugal can receive state financial support of more than 5,000 euros when relocating to inland areas of the country under the Emprego Interior MAIS programme, according to data from the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP).
The programme is available to workers who move to specific inland municipalities in Portugal to take up paid employment, relocate their existing professional activities there, set up their own business or continue to work remotely.
The basic allowance in 2026 is €3,759.91 for workers on permanent contracts, as well as for those who create their own job or set up a company. In the case of a fixed-term employment contract lasting at least 12 months, the basic allowance is €2,685.65.
In addition, the state pays 20 per cent of the basic amount for each family member moving with the recipient, as well as up to €805.70 for the transport of personal effects.
For example, an employee on a permanent contract who moves with one family member may receive €5,317.59: €3,759.91 in basic allowance, €751.98 in family allowance and €805.70 for the removal of personal effects. Therefore, the actual amount of the allowance may exceed €5,000, and for larger families it may be even higher.
Citizens of the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, as well as third-country nationals legally resident in Portugal, are eligible to apply for this assistance. The IEFP specifically notes that the scheme applies, in particular, to foreign nationals with temporary protection status. Consequently, provided they meet the other requirements, Ukrainians who are in Portugal and hold the relevant legal status may also benefit from the scheme.
To qualify for support, applicants must relocate their permanent residence to an inland region of Portugal for a minimum of 12 months. In the case of a new job, the move must take place within 180 days before or after starting work or setting up their own business. The salary under the employment contract must not be lower than the national minimum wage.
If a fixed-term contract is entered into, its duration must be at least 12 months. The programme also allows applicants to set up a small company with up to 10 employees or to create their own job. If an applicant sets up a commercial company, they must hold more than 50 per cent of its capital and voting rights.
A separate category is provided for foreign digital nomads. Foreign nationals legally residing in Portugal who work remotely for an employer or client outside the country and who relocate to an inland region are eligible for support. For these applicants, professional activity must have commenced after 1 January 2022, and their income must be no less than the minimum wage in Portugal.
Payment is made in two stages. The first 60 per cent of the approved amount is paid once the application has been accepted and the necessary documents submitted; the remaining 40 per cent is paid in the 13th month following the start of employment, the establishment of a business or the relocation of the workplace.
Applications are submitted via the government portal iefponline. As of August 2026, applications are being accepted and will continue to be accepted until the funding allocated to the programme has been exhausted. Applications must be submitted no later than 180 days after the start of the employment contract, the establishment of a business, or the relocation of the workplace.
The Emprego Interior MAIS programme forms part of Portugal’s policy to attract workers and entrepreneurs to the country’s inland regions, which are facing population outflow and labour shortages. It does not automatically apply to any move to Portugal; the new place of residence and, depending on the situation, the place of work must be located within a municipality or parish included by the IEFP in the list of inland areas.