The Portugal-Macau Gateway: How Non-EU Companies Can Access EU Grants

A common misconception among technology companies based outside the European Union — particularly in China and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) — is that EU funding programs are exclusively reserved for European entities. While the primary beneficiaries must be established in an EU Member State or an Associated Country, the legal framework provides clear pathways for international innovators to participate and secure funding.

The Eligibility Pathway for Non-EU Innovators

The EIC Accelerator explicitly allows applications from individuals or legal entities from non-associated third countries, provided they intend to establish an SME or relocate an existing SME to a Member State or Associated Country prior to the signing of the grant agreement. This means a Chinese deep-tech company can apply for the EIC Accelerator and, upon successful evaluation, establish a European subsidiary to receive the funds and execute the project.

Portugal: The Strategic Entry Point

For companies looking to establish a European presence, Portugal offers a highly attractive ecosystem. It boasts a vibrant tech scene, competitive operational costs, a highly skilled workforce, and a favourable regulatory environment for startups. Furthermore, Portugal provides its own set of national incentives, such as the PT2030 funding framework, which can complement EU-level grants.

The Macau Advantage

Navigating the legal and administrative complexities of establishing a European entity and applying for EU funding requires specialised expertise. This is where Macau serves as the perfect bridging platform. With its legal system rooted in Portuguese civil law and its official status as the platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, Macau offers a familiar and secure environment for Chinese companies to structure their European expansion.

Strategic Takeaway

Non-EU companies are not excluded from the European innovation ecosystem. By leveraging the Macau-Portugal gateway, deep-tech firms can establish a strategic European foothold, access transformative funding like the EIC Accelerator, and retain their intellectual property within a secure legal framework. Partnering with a trilingual advisory team that understands both the Chinese business environment and European regulations is critical for success.

Disclaimer: This bulletin provides a general overview of the applicable legal framework and does not constitute legal advice. Each business's compliance obligations will depend on its specific operations. Businesses should seek specific legal counsel to address their individual compliance needs.