European funding strengthens permanent employment measures in the Azores

Azores 2030 has allocated €55 million to hiring measures designed to support permanent employment across the region. The funding is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus and falls under the programme’s Qualifications and Employment priority.

The notice covers the CONTRATAR ESTÁVEL and CONTRATAR measures across all sectors. It supports full-time, open-ended employment contracts for unemployed people registered with the Azores’ public employment services.

The stated aims include creating a net increase in jobs, tackling unemployment and helping people who face greater difficulties entering the labour market. The programme also seeks to improve job quality by encouraging more stable employment relationships.

Applications under the notice run from 22 to 30 October 2026 through Balcão dos Fundos. The Regional Employment Fund is the beneficiary of the notice; employers interested in support should consult the conditions of the regional hiring measures.

The initiative covers the whole region and can help unemployed residents enter the workforce across the islands while financing measures intended to encourage lasting employment.