Portugal 2030: Productive Innovation - Low-Density and Other Territories
Applications are now open for projects supporting innovative business investments that contribute to improving the productive capacity of SMEs, transforming the specialization profile of the Portuguese economy, and strengthening international competitiveness.
Eligible projects must promote the production of new goods and services, significant improvements to existing production, or the adoption of new or substantially improved manufacturing processes and methods.
Priority is given to projects that incorporate digital and sustainable solutions, apply Research and Development (R&D) results, create qualified jobs, and strengthen companies' export orientation.
Types of Eligible Projects
Support is available for individual innovative productive investment projects focused on the production of tradable and internationally marketable goods and services with high added value.
Projects must fall under one of the following categories:
- Establishment of a new facility or diversification of the activities of an existing facility;
- Expansion of the capacity of an existing facility;
- Diversification of production at an existing facility into products not previously manufactured or services not previously provided;
- Fundamental change to the overall production process or service delivery operation.
Eligible Applicants
Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), regardless of their legal structure or business type, may apply, provided they maintain organized accounting records and meet all applicable eligibility requirements.
Funding Rates
|
Base Aid Intensity |
|
|
Medium-sized Enterprises |
25 p.p. |
|
Micro and Small Enterprises |
30 p.p. |
|
Projects Located in the NUTS III Sub-regions of Alto Alentejo and Beiras e Serra da Estrela |
Medium-sized Enterprises: 25 p.p.
|
|
Micro and Small Enterprises: 45 p.p. |
|
|
Additional Funding Bonuses |
|
|
Sectoral or Territorial Policy Priorities |
5 p.p. |
|
Creation of Qualified Employment |
2 p.p. for companies creating 1 to 3 qualified jobs; |
|
SME Capitalization |
5 p.p. for companies creating 4 or more qualified jobs. |
The support is provided as a non-repayable grant, subject to the following maximum aid intensities:
|
Low-Density Territories |
Micro and Small Enterprises Up to 50% |
|
Medium-sized Enterprises Up to 40% |
|
|
Other Territories |
Micro and Small Enterprises Up to 30% |
|
Medium-sized Enterprises Up to 25% |
In the Alto Alentejo and Beiras e Serra da Estrela sub-regions, the maximum aid intensity may reach up to 60% for micro and small enterprises and up to 50% for medium-sized enterprises.
Eligible Geographic Area
Projects located within the NUTS II regions of Mainland Portugal (North, Centre, Alentejo, Lisbon, and Algarve) are eligible.
For the purposes of positive differentiation, Low-Density Territories are those municipalities and parishes defined in Resolution No. 31/2023/PL.
Eligible Expenditure
- Tangible Assets
Purchase of machinery and equipment, provided they are not powered by fossil fuels; Costs directly attributable to installing and commissioning such equipment; Acquisition of computer equipment, including the software required for its operation.
- Intangible Assets
Acquisition of national and international patent rights; Licences; Non-patented technical know-how; Standard software or software specifically developed for a particular purpose.
- Other Investment Costs
Fees for certified accountants or statutory auditors for the validation of expenditure in payment claims; Engineering services; Studies, assessments and audits; Studies or reports related to compliance with the "Do No Significant Harm" (DNSH) Principle, as defined in Article 8 of the REITD; Marketing plans; Architectural and engineering projects and services.
For operations in the tourism and industrial sectors, and where duly justified, the following may also be eligible: Construction of buildings; Refurbishment works; and Other construction works.
Investment Limits
Projects must have a minimum total eligible expenditure of €300,000 per operation and a maximum total eligible expenditure of less than €25 million, as determined based on the information provided in the funding application.
The application period opened on 15 June 2026 and closes on 30 September 2026.
How We Can Help
At Dower, our team of experienced consultants is dedicated to helping your business grow by identifying the most suitable funding opportunities.
Leveraging our expertise, we provide end-to-end support throughout the application process, from preparing and submitting your funding application to assisting with project implementation and ongoing compliance.
Discover how we can help your business successfully navigate this complex and demanding process.
