Decree-Law no. 134/2023 of 28 December approved the wage bonus to enhance qualifications in the labour market, this measure aims rewarding the pursuit of higher educational skills and helps to increase the income of qualified young people working in Portugal.
Cumulative requirements on which the wage bonus depends:
- Holders of a bachelor's and/or master's degree, or a recognised foreign academic degree, with an award date in 2023 or later;
- Have received income from IRS category A or B;
- Are up to 35 years in the year in which the salary bonus is awarded;
- Are resident in Portugal;
- Have their tax and social security situation regularised.
The salary bonus, which is not subject to personal income tax or social security contributions, is awarded annually for the number of years of work equivalent to the regular duration of the study programme completed, provided that the award requirements are met each year.
The bonus is requested by the taxable person on an electronic form, after obtaining a bachelor's or master's degree, or the recognition of a foreign academic degree, and is paid by the AT, by bank transfer, to the IBAN in the respective systems.
The decree cames into force today.