Hire without carrying the first year on your own
The Employment + Talent measure co-funds permanent hires of young people and unemployed candidates. We check how much support your new role can get.
- Financial contribution towards permanent hiring
- Top-ups for young people, long-term unemployed and inland areas
- Can be combined with social security exemptions where applicable
Rolling applications while budget lasts — confirmed during the assessment
Start PME assessment
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Funding
Calculated for your project
Programmes
Portugal 2030, RRP and others
Region
Mainland Portugal
Eligible businesses
Micro businesses, Small businesses, Medium-sized businesses, Sole traders
The opportunity
Why this funding is worth exploring
The incentive reduces the financial burden of the investment and accelerates projects already planned by the business.
A cheaper first year
The support covers a meaningful share of the hiring cost at the start, when the new hire is not yet fully productive.
Stable contracts, people who stay
The measure requires a permanent contract, which helps retain talent instead of rotating staff every year.
Handled end to end
We handle the application, the annexes and the follow-up of obligations during the job retention period.
Who can apply
- Companies and sole traders with active operations
- Tax and social security compliance
- Net job creation against the reference period
- A permanent employment contract with an eligible candidate
- Commitment to keep the job for the required period
What the support covers
- Contribution towards the cost of the permanent hire
- Top-ups linked to the worker's profile
- Top-ups in inland and low-density territories
- Additional support to adapt the workstation, where applicable
- Alignment with other compatible employment measures
Not sure whether your project qualifies? Receive an answer within 24 business hours.
Estimate my grantKeep exploring
Other funding linked to this project
Many companies combine more than one incentive. Check the related pages before deciding.
How Start PME works
From assessment to payment, with support at every stage
We work through clear stages so you always know what happens next.
- 1
Free assessment
We review the business profile, investment and region to confirm eligibility and the applicable rate.
- 2
Strategy and eligibility
We select the right call, structure the project and maximise the available uplifts.
- 3
Application submitted
We prepare the project description, investment plan and forecasts, and submit everything on time.
- 4
Delivery and payments
We support procurement, payment claims and reports through to project completion.
5,000+
Applications submitted
€50M+
Approved eligible expenditure
€27M+
Approved non-repayable funding
82%
Approval rate
Experience and trust
Trusted by the clients we have supported
Proven results and genuine feedback from Start PME clients.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the questions holding back your decision
Find out in two minutes whether funding is available for your business
Free assessment, reply within 24 business hours and no obligation.

