Upskilling shouldn’t feel out of reach. If you’re based in Portugal, there are several public and employer-supported routes that can help reduce the cost of professional training — from IEFP vouchers for digital skills to PRR-backed initiatives and tax deductions.
If you’re not sure which option fits your situation, please contact us and we’ll help you map out a sensible plan.
Portugal has a growing ecosystem of support for adult learning and digital skills. Some measures are designed for people in work, others target jobseekers or employer-led upskilling.
Eligibility and requirements can vary (for example: your employment status, the type of training, and whether the training provider must be DGERT-certified). We’ll always be transparent about what we know, what you’ll need to confirm, and what paperwork to keep so you can make informed decisions.
Designed for people in work who want to strengthen digital skills. The support can cover eligible training costs up to a yearly cap, with payment after successful completion and submission of the required documentation (for example, invoice/receipt in the learner’s name and proof of completion). Training must be delivered by a DGERT-certified provider (or a provider that is legally exempt from DGERT certification, depending on its legal status).
A training voucher that can support short upskilling courses for employed learners and for eligible jobseekers registered with IEFP (under specific conditions). The amount of support is calculated with caps that differ depending on whether you are employed or unemployed, and jobseekers may also have access to additional social supports in certain cases.
A programme focused on digital upskilling for workers through projects promoted by eligible entities (often via DGERT-certified training providers and/or higher education institutions). This route is particularly relevant if you’re upskilling through your employer or through a partner organisation that is organising training for teams.
A national reskilling pathway aimed at unemployed or underemployed participants, combining ICT training with an in-company placement. If you’re looking for a public, structured route to gain digital skills alongside work-based experience, UPskill can be a strong alternative to explore.
PRR-backed initiatives that support higher education institutions in Portugal to provide short courses, upskilling offers and (in some cases) micro-credentials. Availability depends on the institutions involved and the specific courses they publish, but it can be a useful pathway for learners looking for subsidised training options.
In Portugal, eligible education and professional training expenses may qualify for an IRS deduction (subject to the legal rules and limits). Separately, you can also build baseline digital literacy through free learning initiatives such as Academia Portugal Digital — a good complement to more intensive programmes.
If your goal is to gain practical tech skills — whether for a new role, a promotion, or simply to become more confident with modern tools — here’s a clear way to move forward in Portugal.
You don’t need to figure everything out alone. If you’d like, we can talk you through the options and help you plan a realistic learning path around your schedule and budget.
Your eligibility can depend on whether you are employed, self-employed, or registered with IEFP. Start by choosing the route that matches your current status — individual vouchers, employer-led programmes, or publicly funded pathways.
Many measures require specific conditions (for example, digital-domain training, DGERT-certified providers, invoices/receipts issued correctly, and completion certificates). Keeping your paperwork organised from day one makes everything smoother later.
Once funding is clear, focus on learning. Pick a schedule that fits your life, stay consistent, and build tangible outputs (projects, case studies, or a portfolio) so your new skills are immediately useful.
