Centro 2030 | RHAQ - Recruitment of Highly Qualified Human Resources

Investment Typologies

Recruitment of Highly Qualified Human Resources (RHAQ) with a qualification higher than Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework (holders of Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, or Post-Doctoral degrees).

Eligible Expenses

• Salary costs associated with Highly Qualified Human Resources (Qualification Level 6 or higher);
• Compulsory social security contributions (Social Security and workplace accident insurance);
• Holiday and Christmas allowances.

Funding

Bachelor's and Master's Degrees:

• Minimum eligibility threshold for basic salary: €1,762.31 (remuneration position 2 in the 2026 salary scale);
• Maximum threshold: €2,462.31 (remuneration position 5 in the 2026 salary scale).

PhDs and Post-Doctoral Degrees:

• Minimum eligibility threshold for basic salary: €2,245.48 (remuneration position 4 in the 2026 salary scale);
• Maximum threshold: €3,827.36 (remuneration position 11 in the 2026 salary scale).

Funding Rates

Budgetary Allocation for Low-Density Territories: €4,000,000

Budgetary Allocation for Non-Classified Low-Density Territories ("Other Territories"): €6,000,000

Maximum Co-financing Rate: 50%

Application Window

From 21/05/2026 to 26/02/2027, with applications evaluated in successive phases:

• Phase I: 31/07/2026;
• Phase II: 30/09/2026;
• Phase III: 21/12/2027.

Eligible Applicants

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Notice Specifics

Eligibility Criteria

• Recruitment of Highly Qualified Human Resources must occur after the application submission date;
• The recruitment of human resources is eligible exclusively for on-site (in-person) working regimes;
• Maximum duration: 36 months.