Why a professional intership?
Os professional interships supported by IEFP are one of the best gateways into the job market in Portugal. They allow young and unemployed people to gain practical experience, increase their employability, and simultaneously receive a grant. For companies, they represent a way to attract talent with government incentives.
Who can apply?
Interships are intended to unemployed people registered with the IEFP, with specific conditions depending on the program:
Internships START
- • Young people between 18 and 35 years old.
- • Level 4 qualification (professional technical course) or level 5 (Technological Specialization Courses (CET), Higher Professional Technical Courses (CTeSP).
- • Duration: 6 months (12 months in the case of people with disabilities).
Internships + Talent
- • Unemployed young people up to 35 years old.
- • Level 6 qualification or higher (Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate).
- • Duration: 6 months.
Duration of interships
- • General rule: until 12 months.
- • Special situations (provided for by law): up to 18 months.
- • Specific programs: normally 6 months, which can go up to 12.
How much do you earn in a professional intership? (Values 2025)
Interns are entitled to a monthly scholarship, paid by the promoting entity with support from IEFP.
- START
- • Level 4: €888,24
- • Level 5: €940,50
- +Talent
- • Bachelor's degree: €1
- • Master's degree: €1
- • PhD: €1
Furthermore, it is guaranteed:
- • Food allowance – the same as that of the company’s workers.
- • Workplace accident insurance – mandatory and paid by the promoting entity.
What should be included in the contract?
The intership agreement must include:
- • Identification of the parties.
- • Intern qualification.
- • Duration and location of intership.
- • Functions to be performed.
- • Schedule and weekly load.
- • Value of scholarship and food allowance.
- • Date of celebration.
- • Insurance policy number.
Advantages for interns
- • First professional experience with legal framework and remuneration.
- • Possibility of integration in the company after the intership.
- • CV Enhancement, especially for recent graduates.
- • Complementary support for specific situations (e.g. people with disabilities, insertion of NEET youth).
Advantages for companies
- • Financial support from IEFP to accommodate interns.
- • Opportunity to train tailor-made talent the company's needs.
- • Contribution to the social responsability and combat youth unemployment.
Examples of open programs in 2025
- • ANAC – vacancies in various professional areas (applications until July 31, 2025).
- • Portugal's bank – professional intership program in Lisbon.
- • ASF – Insurance and Pension Funds Supervisory Authority – interships for young graduates and masters.
How do I apply for a professional intership?
- 1. Register with the IEFP and confirm your eligibility.
- 2. Follow the open applications on the IEFP website.
- 3. Look for promoting companies on platforms such as Talent Portugal.
- 4. Prepare an updated and personalized CV for each opportunity.
- 5. Apply within the deadline and monitor the entity's response.
Source: https://www.iefp.pt/estagios
Conclusion
Professional interships are a essential springboard for those who want to start a career in Portugal. They offer experience, income and opportunities for integration into the job market.
If you are looking for your first opportunity, keep an eye on IEFP applications and check out the participating companies at Talent Portugal.
