The constant pressure on the real estate market has brought decent and affordable housing to the core of the debate, turning it into a central priority in Portugal. 

According to Idealista, the most visited real estate portal in Portugal, “the Effort Rate to rent a home stood at 80% in the fourth quarter of 2025,” highlighting the urgent need for rental support programs in the country. 

To mitigate the impact of housing costs, the State provides various financial support mechanisms and tax incentives aimed at both tenants and landlords. This article presents the main active rental support programs, focusing on the tenant's perspective. 

Porta 65

The Porta 65 program relies on granting a non-refundable monthly financial allowance designed to help households cover the rent of their permanent residence. 

In 2026, the program features two non-combinable options: 

• Porta 65 Jovem;
• Porta 65+.

These two modalities allow for responses to different real estate market conditions: while Porta 65 Jovem supports those seeking access to their first home, Porta 65+ assists households that are already tenants and have experienced a loss in financial capacity. 

Porta 65 Jovem

This program targets young adults between 18 and 35 years old who wish to rent housing, co-funding a percentage of the rent for those who meet the eligibility criteria, for up to five years. 

Eligible applicants include: 

• Young individuals, couples, or cohabiting groups - provided that all participants are formal applicants and meet all requirements. 
• Individuals aged between 18 and 35 on the application date. In the case of couples, one partner may be up to 37 years old, provided the other does not exceed 35. 

If the age limit is exceeded during the support period, a one-year renewal remains possible. 

No member of the household may have family ties to the landlord, nor be an owner, co-owner, or tenant for residential purposes of another property or unit. 

Additionally, the property must be rented in its entirety, with all applicants listed as lease contract holders, serving as their permanent residence. Furthermore, the property typology must match the number of household members (Portaria No. 277-A/2010, of May 21) and the rent must not exceed 60% of the household's average monthly gross income (effort rate). 

What is the value of the Porta 65 Jovem support? 
The amount depends on the tenants' tax bracket, the application year (as the support percentage decreases over the years), and the base calculation value. This value can be calculated via the Official Simulator on the Portal da Habitação.

Where can applications be submitted? 
Through the electronic form on the Portal da Habitação, authenticating via Citizen Card, Digital Mobile Key, or NIF (VAT Number) and password for the Tax Authority Portal. 

What documents are required? 
Applications can be submitted without a contract, with a promissory contract, or with a lease agreement. Identification documents for all applicants and proof of income (previous year's tax return or last 3 pay stubs prior to submission) are required. 

Is it necessary to report changes? 
Yes. Address changes, departures of cohabitants, or household modifications must be communicated, under risk of losing the support. 

For a complete analysis of the requirements of this Program, it is suggested to review the "Frequently Asked Questions" section on the Housing Portal, specifically to understand the application scoring criteria, bonus criteria, and deadlines for submitting lease agreements if the application was submitted under the "without contract" option.

Porta 65+

Following Decree-Law No. 38/2023, of May 29 (which amended Decree-Law No. 308/2007, of September 3), the Porta 65+ modality was introduced. 

This scheme supports households with income drops exceeding 20% or single-parent families, without age limits, and extends to individuals with domestic violence victim status. 

Leaseholders must hold permanent residence in the property, and the contract must be registered on the Tax Authority Portal. Family tie restrictions and property ownership rules match those of Porta 65 Jovem. Support is granted for 12 months, renewable up to a limit of five years.

Are there income limits for Porta 65+? 

Yes. To ensure targeted assistance for low-to-middle-income households experiencing temporary hardship, the adjusted monthly income cannot exceed four (4) times the maximum eligible rent, and taxable household income cannot exceed the 6th IRS tax bracket limit. 

Applications can be submitted on the Portal da Habitação under "Application due to Loss of Income" or "Application for Single-Parent Families". 

Apoio Extraordinário à Renda

A non-refundable monthly financial support up to a maximum limit of 200€, corresponding to the difference between the household's actual effort rate and a maximum target effort rate of 35%. 

This extraordinary rent support is granted without the need to submit an application, and it is awarded until December 31, 2028, without prejudice to being reassessed annually. Households that meet the eligibility criteria will be informed by the Tax and Customs Authority (Finanças) regarding the assessment year to which it refers, the amount of support granted, as well as the data used for the calculation.

Like other support measures, applicants must have tax residence in Portugal (at the address of the rented/subleased home) and hold a primary residence lease/sublease contract (entered into by March 15, 2023), duly registered with the Tax and Customs Authority.

To receive this specific funding, the effort rate for rent payment must be equal to or greater than 35% (effort rate), and the household's annual income cannot exceed the upper limit of the 6th IRS (personal income tax) bracket.

Similar to other support schemes, there is a portal with Frequently Asked Questions explaining all the conditions for obtaining this support and how payments are processed. It can be consulted here.

Programa de Arrendamento Acessível

This policy promotes an expanded supply of rental housing at rates compatible with family incomes. 

All questions regarding this program can be consulted here. Particular attention should be paid to the mandatory requirement of contracting insurance under the designation "Seguro de Arrendamento Acessível" (Accessible Lease Insurance).

There are also other programs and support measures managed by municipalities or by the Instituto da Habitação e da Reabilitação Urbana (EN:Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation), namely IHRU Arrenda.

It is also important to highlight that tenants can deduct a percentage (15%) of the amounts paid as rent for permanent housing from their IRS (personal income tax). The limit is currently set at nine hundred euros (900€). In 2027, this value is expected to rise to one thousand euros (1000€).

The cap on these deductions may also increase depending on the taxpayers' tax status. According to their IRS tax bracket, they may see the deduction increased.

Applying for affordable rent programs or formalizing a lease contract involves specific deadlines, requirements, and documentation. Having proper guidance helps ensure that you meet all criteria with complete security and avoids unexpected complications in the future.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the conditions in force at the time of its publication. The information provided does not exempt direct consultation of official channels and regulations of the respective programs or support promoters, nor does it constitute legal advice.