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1. Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

2. Legal framework

Programmes and schemes for cross-border mobility

In Portugal, there are programmes for cross-border mobility that allow young people to work, intern, or gain entrepreneurial experience abroad. These programmes are categorised into internships, work, and business ventures.

Internship

Inov Contact - International Internship for young Executives

International Internship for Young Executives managed by the Portuguese Business Development Agency (AICEP) and part of the National Implementation Plan of Youth Guarantee (PNI-GJ), this programme is supported by the European Union. It targets young NEETs (not in employment, education, or training) under 30 with higher education qualifications (ISCED 5).

Curricular Internships of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Programme 

Coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) through the Diplomatic Institute, this programme creates internships in Portuguese diplomatic representations. It aims to foster interest and skills in International Relations and Portuguese Foreign Policy.

Undertaking a business

Erasmus for young entrepreneurs

Funded by the European Commission, this programme is for young entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business. It promotes skill acquisition abroad and knowledge exchange with experienced entrepreneurs in other participating countries. Young people can travel for one to six months, partially funded by the European Commission, to exchange knowledge and business ideas.

Working

The EURES network provides information to cross-border workers and employers and assistance for job placements and recruitment across borders. The EURES Job Mobility Portal offers job vacancies available through EURES members and partners, providing recruitment resources for job seekers and employers.

Targeted Mobility schemes give financial support for recruitment and working abroad.

Learning Programme (IPDJ, I.P.)

International Work Fields

The Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth runs an exchange programme for young people aged 18-30, both Portuguese and foreign. It promotes the sharing of experiences and knowledge of new socio-cultural realities through non-formal and intercultural educational processes

Information

Young people can find information on all programmes and the necessary legal and administrative processes for international mobility through various channels:

• The Portuguese Communities Portal (Ministry of Foreign Affairs);

• The Iefponline Portal (IEFP, I.P.);

• The national EURES portal (IEFP, I.P.);

• The Drop’pin portal;

• The Direct Social Security portal (Institute of Social Security).

Legal framework

Most legal frameworks for international mobility apply to the general population. However, some bilateral agreements between the Portuguese Government and foreign governments regulate visas for young people aged 18-30 to travel and work abroad for a set period.