SCRI.PT implementing regulation now in force: what the new ordinance means for film and audiovisual production in Portugal

On 17 June 2026, Ordinance No. 265-A/2026/1 was published, establishing the terms and conditions of the Audiovisual and Film Industry Funding Programme (SCRI.PT) for 2026–2029. The Ordinance gives operational effect to Decree-Law No. 57/2026, of 19 February, expressly revokes Ordinances No. 124-A/2024/1 and No. 124-B/2024/1 (which governed the former cash rebate and cash refund schemes), and entered into force on 18 June 2026. Its publication addresses essential points, such as application procedures, expenditure thresholds and conditions of access to the Mutual Guarantee Line.

A unified regime

The former cash rebate and cash refund, previously governed by separate ordinances with different procedures and funding sources, are now merged into the unified RIPAC, which comprises:

• Big-budget production incentive: eligible expenditure ≥ EUR 2,500,000 per work or season.
• Medium-budget production incentive: EUR 500,000 to EUR 2,500,000 (EUR 200,000 for documentaries or productions without filming in Portugal).

Both now share common definitions, beneficiary requirements and eligibility criteria, while retaining differentiated procedures and rates. A stated objective of the unification is to reduce the subjectivity historically associated with the evaluation process.

Incentive rates, caps and territorial bonuses

The big-budget incentive rate structure is substantively unchanged: 30% on the first EUR 2,000,000 of eligible expenditure, up to 25% on the excess, capped at EUR 6,000,000 per project (film or series) and EUR 3,000,000 per episode. Payment remains a single instalment by end-April of the year following definitive assessment.

The medium-budget incentive general rate rises to 30%, up from the previous 25% base (which reached 30% only upon satisfaction of a cultural test). A new per-project cap of EUR 1,500,000 is introduced, where none previously existed, and no single beneficiary may receive more than 30% of the annual exclusive allocation (including for multiple separate projects).

The former payment model is replaced by phased payments: 10% at commencement of eligible expenditure, up to 40% and then up to 30% during production/post-production, and the balance (up to 20%) after definitive assessment. Each instalment is payable within 10 business days against certified evidence of prior expenditure.

A notable innovation is the introduction of explicit territorial bonuses: expenditure in low-density territories and the Autonomous Regions (expressly treated as equivalent) attracts 40% under the medium-budget incentive and 30% under the big-budget incentive, with the same enhanced rates for expenditure relating to crew members with disabilities. No comparable territorial differentiation existed under the prior framework.

Application procedures and cultural assessment

Big-budget applications continue to be on a rolling, first-come-first-served basis (ICA analysis within 10 business days; Selection Committee decision within a further 10). Medium-budget applications follow two annual rounds (opening by end-March and end-September), each spanning approximately 40 business days across four 10-day periods. Exceptionally, for 2026, the window runs from 29 June to 10 July.

The former cultural test is replaced by a 100-point assessment table:

• Part A (Cultural Value): 60 points;
• Part B (Creative and Technical Cooperation): 40 points;
• General eligibility minimum: 45 points overall, of which 18 in Part A;
• Foreign-initiative productions (local executive producer): 20 points overall, 8 in Part A.

The prior regime’s rigid requirement of distribution in three or more international territories (including one non-Lusophone territory) is replaced by a points-based criterion (A2.4, up to 8 points), assessed on distribution contracts, broadcast agreements and sales agent mandates, with scores halved for letters of intent.

Other key provisions

Eligibility is extended to interactive, augmented reality and virtual reality works. A minimum production cost of EUR 3,000 per minute is imposed for fiction series, and non-independent productions are capped at 15% of each incentive’s annual allocation.

Scouting support is regulated in a dedicated annex: up to EUR 15,000 per project for foreign producers’ location missions, within a global cap of 2.5% of the medium-budget allocation (EUR 375,000 for 2026).

Sanctions associated with breaches in compliance have also been reinforced. E.g., failure to credit the incentive in a work’s credits warrant a 15% reduction, or contract termination in cases of wilful misconduct or gross negligence. It is worth noting, that liability may be extended to indirect beneficiaries, including foreign producers.

The mutual guarantee line

The Mutual Guarantee Line (EUR 150,000,000 for 2026–2029) is available to all RIPAC-supported productions; obtaining a RIPAC incentive is a condition of access. Projects excluded solely due to exhaustion of funds may also access the Line, with lower priority.

All incentives remain subject to State aid intensity limits; where total public funding exceeds the applicable maximum, the ICA must reduce the incentive or require repayment.

Outstanding topics

The following elements remain to be addressed:

• The technical specifications for the Mutual Guarantee Line (to be approved by the member of Government responsible for finance) have not yet been published.
• The ICA may adopt additional specifications on eligible expenditure, the content of which is not yet known.
• The Selection Committee members must be appointed within 30 days and their composition published before the incentive access procedures may open.

Our team remains available to clarify any questions related to the implementation of SCRI.PT.