Government Extends 'Regressar' Program Application Window to March 2026
The Portuguese Government has confirmed it will reinforce the Support Measure for the Return of Emigrants to Portugal (MAREP), a key component of the broader 'Programa Regressar'. An official ordinance published in the Diário da República on Tuesday establishes a transitional framework, extending the deadline for applications to March 31, 2026. This measure is designed to accommodate individuals who have returned to Portugal and commenced employment between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2025, ensuring continuity of the popular incentive scheme while a new legal structure is prepared for 2026 and beyond.
Under the terms of the extension, emigrants and their descendants who secure either permanent employment contracts or establish their own businesses within the specified timeframe are eligible for the program's significant benefits. The application window is set to open on October 28, 2025, which is 15 working days following the ordinance's publication. All applications submitted by the March 2026 deadline will be considered and approved based on the available budgetary allocation for the initiative.
In a move to streamline the process, the government has also revoked a previous requirement for applicants to submit a copy of their employment contract and declarations of no debt to tax and social security authorities at the initial stage. The Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) has been tasked with managing the program's execution, including publishing the formal application notice and detailed technical regulations, which are expected to be finalized by October 18.
The program has seen unprecedented success, with official figures highlighting its growing appeal. José Albano, the coordinator for the 'Programa Regressar', reported in July that the first semester of 2025 set a new record for the number of returnees, with over 36,000 individuals having been supported by the program to date. The data reveals a consistent inflow, with an average of 405 applications being processed each month during the first half of the year. This trend indicates strong and sustained interest from Portuguese communities abroad.
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The demographic profile of the returning population is a significant boon for the national economy. Official statistics show that over 73% of beneficiaries are between the ages of 25 and 44, a key demographic for the workforce and consumer market. Furthermore, 34% of these returnees are highly qualified, holding bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees, bringing valuable skills and expertise back to Portugal. The program has attracted individuals from 116 different countries, with the largest cohorts arriving from Switzerland, France, and the United Kingdom.
Since its inception in 2019 under the government of António Costa, the 'Programa Regressar' has supported an annual average of 2,217 emigrants. The initiative was strategically designed to counteract the 'brain drain' that occurred during the economic intervention of the 'troika'. Its core incentive is a powerful tax benefit, granting a 50% exemption on earned income for a period of five years following the return to Portugal. This is complemented by financial aid for travel and moving expenses and access to a special credit line for those wishing to start a business.
The program's scope was previously broadened in 2022 to include more beneficiaries and extend its timeline. The current legal framework is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026. Following this, a successor initiative, provisionally named the 'Programa Voltar', is planned to take its place, signaling the government's long-term commitment to encouraging the return of its diaspora. This latest extension provides clarity and stability for the thousands of Portuguese citizens and their families planning their return and subsequent integration into the national economic landscape. Get expert guidance for international property buyers at realestate-lisbon.com.