Approximately 70% of applications for support measures under the Regressar Programme have been approved, according to official data. The Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional or IEFP) reported that 6,932 applications were submitted in the most recent period ending March 31. Since the programme began in 2019, over 25,000 applications have been processed.
High approval rate for returning emigrant support applications
Wednesday, 8 April 2026AI summary

Context & Explainers
The Regressar Programme (Programa Regressar) is a government initiative designed to support Portuguese emigrants who choose to return to Portugal. It provides financial incentives and tax benefits, such as a 50% reduction in personal income tax (Imposto sobre o Rendimento das Pessoas Singulares or IRS) for a five-year period, to help ease the transition back into the country.
Sources (4)
- Regressar Programme: Seven out of ten applications approved for returning emigrantsECO · 4:04pm, 8 Apr 2026
- Seven out of ten applications for support for returning emigrants approvedCorreio da Manhã · 4:02pm, 8 Apr 2026
- Emigrants see seven out of ten applications for return support approvedRTP Notícias · 6:00pm, 8 Apr 2026
- 70% of applications to the Regressar Programme approvedObservador · 4:41pm, 8 Apr 2026






