PIN Projects: What Are They and What Are Their Benefits?

Innovate, create, and transform.

Projects that make a difference can receive recognition as being of Potential National Interest (PIN) in Portugal, opening doors to strategic benefits that accelerate growth and drive success.

If you are developing a new venture, find out whether your project qualifies as PIN, what

benefits this recognition entails, and how to submit your application.

What are PIN projects?

Projects of Potential National Interest (PIN) are investment projects that, due to their strategic

relevance and potential positive impact on the country's economy and development, receive special status in Portugal.

This status is granted by the government to projects that significantly contribute to the economic growth, job creation, technological innovation, or the country’s international competitiveness.

Once a project receives PIN recognition, it is monitored by the Permanent Investor Support

Commission (CPAI). The CPAI plays a key role in facilitating the benefits of PIN projects.

Dreaming about your PIN project?

Benefits of Projects of National Interest

With the support of the CPAI, a PIN project enjoys a smoother and simplified path, particularly

in dealings with public entities.

Entrepreneurs can expect the following benefits:

• Faster acquisition of licenses and permits

• Greater agility in resolving administrative obstacles or difficulties

• Access to EU-funded programs, such as Portugal 2030

To qualify as a PIN project, the following criteria must be met:

• Investment exceeding €25 million

• Creation of at least 50 direct jobs

• Project promoters, whether Portuguese or not, must have recognized merit

• Technologically innovative and associated with exportable products and/or services

• Environmentally sustainable and positively impacting SMEs in the region

If your project does not meet these requirements, other conditions may still allow for a PIN application.

Projects can also qualify by fulfilling two of the following criteria:

• Conduct internal Research and Development (R&D) activities equivalent to at least

• 10% of the company's turnover

• Export at least 50% of the total business volume

• Demonstrate strong innovation based on patents developed by the company

• Show significant production of tradable goods and services

• Carry out activities of clear environmental interest

Examples of PIN Projects in Portugal

PIN projects are diverse and can span any sector or industry, provided they meet the necessary

criteria.

In Portugal, the tourism and chemicals/petrochemicals sectors dominate, accounting for over

50% of PIN projects nationwide.

Currently, the CPAI is monitoring 55 PIN projects, including:

1. Douro Marina Hotel (Mesão Frio)

2. Mata de Sesimbra (Sesimbra)

3. Surf City Lisbon (Seixal)

4. Nazaré Green Hydrogen Valley (Multi-municipal)

5. Aurora Lithium (Setúbal)

6. Green Ammonia Express (Sines)

7. International Audiovisual Centre (Palmela)

8. Veracruz Almonds (Multi-municipal)

9. Zendal (Paredes de Coura)

When and Where to Submit a PIN Application

PIN applications are submitted online via this government portal.

Entrepreneurs can submit their applications at any time, as there is no set deadline.

Obtaining this recognition means accelerating your project to its full potential.

Count on us to support your application.

To help secure PIN recognition faster, we handle:

1. Initial contact

2. Project assessment

3. Preparation of economic-financial models

4. Project submission to the relevant authority

5. Communication with the process manager

6. Approval and monitoring of your PIN project