Over 30,000 Portuguese emigrants have already returned since the programme began.
Created by the government in 2019, Programa Regressar is a multifaceted initiative aimed at encouraging individuals to return home with financial assistance, tax incentives, and entrepreneurial support. The financial and entrepreneurial support. The financial and fiscal incentives are aimed at attracting Portuguese emigrants back, particularly to the country’s less densely populated interior regions.
According to the official website, “The purpose of the Programa Regressar is to support emigrants, as well as their descendants and other relatives, so that they have the best conditions to return to Portugal and make the most of the opportunities that currently exist in our country.”
To be eligible for financial support through the IEFP (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional) under the programme, applicants must meet several key criteria, and they would be eligible for 50% exemption on personal income tax (IRS) for five years, covering the year of return and the following four years, applicable to income from employment, business, or professional activities, among other benefits.
Financial support may be extended to accompanying family members up to the third degree, provided they return under the same terms and conditions.
Latest estimates from 2024 show that about 2.3 million Portuguese nationals are living abroad, representing nearly one-quarter (23%) of Portugal’s total population. The majority of these reside in Europe, which hosts approximately 1.29 million individuals, followed by the Americas and smaller concentrations across Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
France is on top of the list of host countries, with other significant communities including Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and the UK. In the Americas, large concentrations exist in Brazil, Canada and the United States.
Despite the continued outflow of nationals, approximately 70,000 to 75,000 Portuguese citizens emigrated in 2023 alone.
Programa Regressar was launched in July 2019 and will close in December 2026. Further information can be found through official sources such as Portuguese diplomatic representations in the country of residence or by visiting the official website.