Industry

Portugal has launched applications for SCRI.PT, a new €350 million funding programme designed to boost the country’s audiovisual and film sector between 2026 and 2029. The regulations governing the initiative were published on 17 June. Managed by the Portuguese Film and Audiovisual Institute (ICA) in partnership with the #PortugalMediaLab task force and Turismo de Portugal, SCRI.PT aims to strengthen the competitiveness of Portugal’s audiovisual industry, attract international productions, support international expansion and enhance the long-term sustainability of the media sector.

The Audiovisual and Film Production Incentive Scheme (RIPAC) incorporates the incentives previously known as the cash rebate and cash refund programmes and allocates €200 million in non-repayable support between 2026 and 2029. The scheme includes two types of financial incentives: one for medium-budget productions, which opens on 29 June for a two-week application period, and another for large-scale productions, which opens permanently on 29 June, allowing applications to be submitted on a rolling basis.

The Financial Incentive for Large-Scale Audiovisual and Film Productions will remain open continuously and maintains the minimum expenditure requirement in Portugal of €2.5 million per film, audiovisual work or season of a series. The reimbursement rate remains 30% on the first €2 million of eligible expenditure and 25% on the remaining amount. Payments will be made by the end of April of the year following the completion of the production.
The Financial Incentive for Medium-Budget Audiovisual and Film Productions is aimed at projects with eligible production expenditure below €2.5 million. In this case, the minimum eligible expenditure in Portugal is €500,000 per work, or €200,000 for documentaries or projects whose activities in Portugal do not include filming. The incentive will be paid in four instalments, starting from the signing of the contract. Two application rounds will be held each year, opening by the end of March and September. Exceptionally, in 2026, applications may be submitted between 29 June and 10 July.
The medium-budget incentive also provides support for scouting missions by foreign producers considering Portugal as a filming destination. Applications for these missions must be submitted through a dedicated form at least 20 working days before the start of the visit.

Two application windows will be held annually, opening by the end of March and September. For 2026, applications will exceptionally be accepted between 29 June and 10 July. The programme also includes support for scouting visits by international producers evaluating Portugal as a filming destination. Applications for these missions must be submitted at least 20 working days before the planned visit.
Alongside the incentive scheme, SCRI.PT introduces a €150 million Mutual Guarantee Scheme for Audiovisual and Film Production Credit. The facility, which will be established by Banco Português de Fomento, will be available to all productions supported under RIPAC, with operational details to be announced through forthcoming technical specifications.