Portugal 2030: How to Submit a Successful Application

Competitiveness and innovation are key to business progress. The gateway to this progress is Portugal 2030, as this program provides the funding and development conditions that companies seek.

However, applying for Portugal 2030 requires meticulous preparation. In this guide, we reveal the best practices for a successful application—from aligning your project's vision with the objectives of Portugal 2030 to the steps needed to prepare a project description.

5 Steps to Submit a Successful Application

Turn your project into reality by following these tips for your Portugal 2030 application.

1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria - It is not worth applying to Portugal 2030 if you do not meet the basic access requirements.

Each application notice lists its respective eligibility criteria.

However, across various Portugal 2030 incentives, the following criteria are generally required:

• Having an established company with an SME certification issued by IAPMEI

• No debts to the Tax Authority and Social Security

• Being in a financially autonomous situation

• Having organized accounting and an eligible CAE (economic activity code)

• Demonstrating financial capacity to support part of the investment, as incentives rarely cover 100% of the project costs

The flagship of Portugal's project funding programs

2. Ensure Alignment with Portugal 2030 Objectives - While the criteria mentioned above define the legal aspect, this part addresses the thematic aspect. Portugal 2030 prioritizes innovation, internationalizable products, digital transformation, and environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

When completing your project description, ensure that your proposed results align with the result indicators of each program.

3. Prepare a Business Plan and Conduct a Financial Feasibility Study - During the Portugal 2030 application process, much of the data to be filled in can be obtained through the company's business plan and the financial feasibility study of the project.

These documents must align with the company’s objectives, strategy, necessary investments, and financial, physical, and human resource capacity to execute the investment project.

4. Create a Clear and Coherent Project Description - The project description is one of the essential parts of the application. Prepare it in advance and double-check calculations and texts until everything is correct, clear, and convincing.

This document should include the following information:

• Description of the company, history (if applicable), and business model

• Professional experience of its leaders

• Justification for the Investment Plan

• Strategy for project implementation (national and international levels)

• Objectives to be achieved

• Explanation of innovation and differentiation factors associated with the project

• Information on job creation or maintenance

• Project alignment with National, Regional, and Local Strategies according to the investment location

Navigate the highs and lows of Portugal 2030

5. Collaborate with Industry Specialists - The Portugal 2030 application involves many details, bureaucratic processes, and steps. It is essential to ensure that it meets the criteria and objectives of each program and that the company has the necessary conditions to move the project forward.

At Lisboa Investments, we are available to assist you throughout all phases of the application—from finding the most appropriate incentive to conducting a financial feasibility study and submitting the application.

Where and How to Submit a Portugal 2030 Application

Follow these steps to submit your application:

• Register at the Balcão dos Fundos (using digital mobile key authentication or Tax Authority login)

• Access the Portugal 2030 section and click "Notices"

• In the notice list, you can apply to those marked with a checkmark

• Click on the notice you wish to apply for

• Fill in the online form that will open next

How Long Does It Take to Receive Application Results?

As a general rule, the maximum time frame is 60 working days from the application date. However, it often takes longer.

If additional information or documents are requested during the evaluation, the deadline is suspended until the requested items are submitted.

What Happens When the Application Is Accepted?

When your Portugal 2030 application is approved, you will sign a contract with the entity managing the fund.

This contract will include financing conditions and the responsibilities of each party involved. From that point on, you will begin receiving the agreed funding, usually through reimbursement of expenses.

More Opportunities Beyond Portugal 2030

The incentives from this program certainly accelerate business growth, but they are not the only financing measures available in Portugal.

Tax benefits such as SIFIDE and RFAI also support business development, particularly innovative projects. If it's a startup, venture capital is a good alternative.

Regardless of the type of support, the intrinsic value of your project is always the most important factor—what it brings to the market and the problem it solves. Great business ideas often share common factors, such as bridging trends or industries or identifying technological gaps.