2.4 million receive meal allowance through card

Approximately 2.4 million workers in Portugal receive meal allowances via bank cards, with tax exemptions expected to rise in 2027 due to public sector subsidy updates. In 2025, 4.7 million workers benefited from meal allowances, totaling €5.88 billion, with €2.76 billion distributed through meal vouchers. The meal allowance is not legally mandated for private sector workers but can be included in company agreements. Tax exemptions vary based on payment methods, with higher exemptions for card payments. Upcoming increases in public sector meal allowances will automatically adjust tax exemptions accordingly.