In Portugal, youth policy generally targets individuals aged between 12 and 30 years. However, certain programmes extend beyond this upper limit.

There is no unified, standardised legal definition of youth, as different laws, programmes, and initiatives establish varying lower and upper age limits depending on the policy area, type of programme, and nature of support provided. Nevertheless, the most adopted age range is from 18 to 30 years.

The Law on Youth Associations (Law no. 57/2019, of 7 August) establishes that youth associations must comprise at least 80% of members aged 30 or under. Additionally, their executive body must consist of 80% young individuals aged 30 or under, and the leadership position must be held by a person aged 30 or under at the time of election. The law also defines informal groups of young people as groups exclusively composed of individuals aged 12 to 30, provided that at least one member is 18 years or older to ensure legal representation. A minimum of three members is required for such a group to be formally recognised.

The Youth Guarantee Initiative, aimed at promoting employment, targets young individuals aged 18 to 29.

In the field of entrepreneurship and job creation, various programmes support young individuals. 

The Porta 65 Programme, designed to provide housing rental support, is available for young people aged 18 to 30.

The Choices Programme (Programa Escolhas) is a key initiative in promoting social inclusion for children and young people from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds. The programme applies to individuals aged 6 to 30.

The Youth Card (Cartão Jovem), which offers discounts on various products and services, is available to young people aged 12 to 29.

Policy measures targeting Young Farmers apply to individuals within the age range of 18 to 40.

The “IRS Jovem” is a tax incentive designed to reduce the income tax (IRS) burden on young workers. As of 1 January 2025, the scheme extends eligibility from 30 to 35 years old, doubles the maximum duration of benefits from 5 to 10 years, and removes educational qualifications as a criterion for eligibility. The tax exemption is applicable to annual earnings up to 55 times the IAS (Social Support Index), approximately €28,700. The exemption follows a progressive model, with 100% relief in the first year, decreasing to 75% from the second to the fourth year, 50% from the fifth to the seventh, and 25% from the eighth to the tenth year. Young workers can claim this benefit via their annual tax return or request a monthly adjustment through their employer.