Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
National data from 2024 show improvements in indicators concerning drugs and alcohol in the Azores
National data from 2024 show improvements in indicators concerning drugs and alcohol in the Azores
Communiqué from the Council of the Government
Secretaria Regional dos Assuntos Parlamentares e Comunidades
Paulo Estêvão chaired opening of Portuguese as Host Language Course
Paulo Estêvão chaired opening of Portuguese as Host Language Course
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home
Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home
Nota de Imprensa
February 19, 2026 National data from 2024 show improvements in indicators concerning drugs and alcohol in the Azores The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies (DRPCD), highlighted the positive results shown in the latest data from the 2024 Annual Report - The Situation of the Country on Drugs and Drug Addiction and the 2024 Annual Report - The Situation of the Country on Alcohol Consumption, published by the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Addictions (ICAD). They confirm that the Autonomous Region of the Azores is on a sustained path to improve and strengthen public responses. As for drugs, the Azores are among the regions of the country with the lowest prevalence of recent drug use among the population aged 15 to 74, reflecting the national downward trend. It should also be noted that the Region registered the most significant decline in recent consumption of drugs other than cannabis compared to the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the prevention, deterrence and treatment policies implemented. Regarding alcohol consumption, the data also confirm encouraging indicators. The Azores were one of the few regions in the country to record simultaneous declines in recent severe drunkenness among the 15-74 and 15-34 age groups. In parallel, there was also a reduction in high-risk/harmful consumption or addiction, placing the Region among those showing favourable developments in this area. Although hospital admissions related to alcohol consumption totalled 790 cases in 2024, an increase of 36 cases compared to 2023, it should be noted that this figure represents a very significant reduction compared to 2019 (1,026 admissions). In terms of the overall rate of hospital admissions due to alcohol consumption, 2024 saw the lowest rate ever in the Region - 3.10% - since records began. According to data collected by ICAD, the Azores are no longer the region with the highest mortality rate from alcohol-related disorders, which fell from 37.3% in 2022 to 29.1% in 2023. The potential years of life lost due to alcohol-related disorders also show a significant improvement, with a reduction from 943 years in 2022 to 685 years in 2023, causing the regional rate to fall from 444.9 to 322.6. With these figures, the Region is no longer in the top position nationwide. These results confirm that ongoing investment in prevention, treatment and risk reduction is having a tangible impact in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. In this regard, the work carried out by the DRPCD following up on the Azores Task Force is noteworthy. It is a clear sign of how the measures implemented are having an effect, albeit gradually, as is to be expected in matters of addictive behaviours and dependencies. In the area of prevention, the creation of two Specialised Prevention Teams has ensured more consistent and territorially balanced interventions throughout the archipelago. The data now released reflect the impact of the work carried out in the Region, while remaining aware that there is still a long way to go, particularly in reinforcing prevention policies, treatment responses and coordination among all partners to consolidate and build on the progress achieved.
February 19, 2026 National data from 2024 show improvements in indicators concerning drugs and alcohol in the Azores The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Regional Directorate for Prevention and Control of Dependencies (DRPCD), highlighted the positive results shown in the latest data from the 2024 Annual Report - The Situation of the Country on Drugs and Drug Addiction and the 2024 Annual Report - The Situation of the Country on Alcohol Consumption, published by the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Addictions (ICAD). They confirm that the Autonomous Region of the Azores is on a sustained path to improve and strengthen public responses. As for drugs, the Azores are among the regions of the country with the lowest prevalence of recent drug use among the population aged 15 to 74, reflecting the national downward trend. It should also be noted that the Region registered the most significant decline in recent consumption of drugs other than cannabis compared to the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of the prevention, deterrence and treatment policies implemented. Regarding alcohol consumption, the data also confirm encouraging indicators. The Azores were one of the few regions in the country to record simultaneous declines in recent severe drunkenness among the 15-74 and 15-34 age groups. In parallel, there was also a reduction in high-risk/harmful consumption or addiction, placing the Region among those showing favourable developments in this area. Although hospital admissions related to alcohol consumption totalled 790 cases in 2024, an increase of 36 cases compared to 2023, it should be noted that this figure represents a very significant reduction compared to 2019 (1,026 admissions). In terms of the overall rate of hospital admissions due to alcohol consumption, 2024 saw the lowest rate ever in the Region - 3.10% - since records began. According to data collected by ICAD, the Azores are no longer the region with the highest mortality rate from alcohol-related disorders, which fell from 37.3% in 2022 to 29.1% in 2023. The potential years of life lost due to alcohol-related disorders also show a significant improvement, with a reduction from 943 years in 2022 to 685 years in 2023, causing the regional rate to fall from 444.9 to 322.6. With these figures, the Region is no longer in the top position nationwide. These results confirm that ongoing investment in prevention, treatment and risk reduction is having a tangible impact in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. In this regard, the work carried out by the DRPCD following up on the Azores Task Force is noteworthy. It is a clear sign of how the measures implemented are having an effect, albeit gradually, as is to be expected in matters of addictive behaviours and dependencies. In the area of prevention, the creation of two Specialised Prevention Teams has ensured more consistent and territorially balanced interventions throughout the archipelago. The data now released reflect the impact of the work carried out in the Region, while remaining aware that there is still a long way to go, particularly in reinforcing prevention policies, treatment responses and coordination among all partners to consolidate and build on the progress achieved.
Comunicado
February 19, 2026 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on February 19, 2026, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution renewing the “New Elderly” Programme for 2026. The Regional Government, demonstrating its commitment to pursuing social policies for the elderly, created the "New Elderly" Programme in 2022 as a pilot project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. It aimed to implement an innovative, differentiated and, above all, proximity-based response, allowing seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible, close to their communities, safely and independently, without severing their emotional ties. In this regard and in view of the results achieved since the creation of the "New Elderly" Programme, already scientifically proven to be highly positive, it must remain in force for 2026. Therefore, it should be included in the Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for 2026. The costs associated with this programme are estimated to have a financial impact of up to €5,531,000.00. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising the expenditure and contracting of the project for the "Construction of 16 houses on plots 12 to 27 in the Sete Cidades Housing Development in the parish of Sete Cidades, municipality of Ponta Delgada," with a base price of €3,100,000.00 and a completion period of 720 days. The Regional Government continues to implement policies designed to improve the housing conditions of the regional housing stock, a commitment that has also been made and financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Regional Government intends to build sixteen houses on the serviced plots of the Sete Cidades Housing Development, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with nine plots for two-bedroom houses and seven plots for three-bedroom houses. As such, it has promoted the development of licensing and implementation projects, and has already reviewed the latter project. Through Resolution no. 4/2025, the Government of the Azores, within the scope of this public works contract, opened a public tender procedure with a base price of €2,900,000.00 and a completion period of 450 days, which was unsuccessful. Therefore, it is necessary to review the base price and the completion period of the contract. 3. Approve the Resolution maintaining the support for passengers under “Free Social Pass” for 2026. Since September 2023, the Regional Government has decided to entrust the Regional Land Transport Fund with providing passenger support, with a view to the provision of a fare designed as "Free Social Fare" by companies operating inter-municipal and suburban municipal, public and regular passenger transport services. The "Free Social Fare" is intended to support households with average income within the first and second Personal Income Tax brackets, encouraging the use of public transport as the preferred means of internal accessibility, with a view to reversing the current trend of increased use of private vehicles. The Regional Government considers that this measure, whose importance for Azorean families is undeniable, should continue to be implemented. The Support for the "Free Social Fare" has a budget limit of €950,000. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the granting of subsidies and other forms of financial aid by the Presidency of the Government to public and private entities. They are intended to support social, economic, cultural, sporting and religious actions and projects aimed at preserving traditions and regional heritage, or promoting the Region. 5. Approve the resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Association for the Economic Development of the Azores (AVEA) for 2026, in the amount of €620,000.00, intended to regulate cooperation between both parties in 2026. 6. Approve the Resolution authorising the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment to grant financial aid for the financing of activities, actions, projects or initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the qualifications of the Region's population. These initiatives are intended to promote the quality of education and contribute to the management, modernisation or improvement of teaching and training activities in regional private vocational schools. Such initiatives must not be eligible for support or funding from European funds or other public programmes supporting vocational training. 7. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the RAEGE Açores Association - Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations, in the maximum amount of €391,000.00 for 2026, with a view to the effective implementation of the Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations in the Region and the promotion of its scientific and technical activity. 8. The Regional Government approved a Resolution authorising the signing of an addendum to the programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the University of the Azores, in the amount of €252,569.28, to finance the purchase of technological equipment for scientific activities, with a view to the technological modernisation of the Pico Mountain Observatory, extending the deadline to October 31, 2026. 9. Approve the Resolution revising the regulations governing the land transport service for patients, updating the monthly contribution to the Regional Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency service. 10. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree ratifying the Detail Plan for Safeguarding of the Historic Area of Ribeira Grande.
February 19, 2026 Communiqué from the Council of the Government The Council of the Government, which met on February 19, 2026, in Ponta Delgada, decided to adopt the following measures: 1. Approve the Resolution renewing the “New Elderly” Programme for 2026. The Regional Government, demonstrating its commitment to pursuing social policies for the elderly, created the "New Elderly" Programme in 2022 as a pilot project under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. It aimed to implement an innovative, differentiated and, above all, proximity-based response, allowing seniors to remain in their homes for as long as possible, close to their communities, safely and independently, without severing their emotional ties. In this regard and in view of the results achieved since the creation of the "New Elderly" Programme, already scientifically proven to be highly positive, it must remain in force for 2026. Therefore, it should be included in the Budget of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for 2026. The costs associated with this programme are estimated to have a financial impact of up to €5,531,000.00. 2. Approve the Resolution authorising the expenditure and contracting of the project for the "Construction of 16 houses on plots 12 to 27 in the Sete Cidades Housing Development in the parish of Sete Cidades, municipality of Ponta Delgada," with a base price of €3,100,000.00 and a completion period of 720 days. The Regional Government continues to implement policies designed to improve the housing conditions of the regional housing stock, a commitment that has also been made and financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Regional Government intends to build sixteen houses on the serviced plots of the Sete Cidades Housing Development, municipality of Ponta Delgada, with nine plots for two-bedroom houses and seven plots for three-bedroom houses. As such, it has promoted the development of licensing and implementation projects, and has already reviewed the latter project. Through Resolution no. 4/2025, the Government of the Azores, within the scope of this public works contract, opened a public tender procedure with a base price of €2,900,000.00 and a completion period of 450 days, which was unsuccessful. Therefore, it is necessary to review the base price and the completion period of the contract. 3. Approve the Resolution maintaining the support for passengers under “Free Social Pass” for 2026. Since September 2023, the Regional Government has decided to entrust the Regional Land Transport Fund with providing passenger support, with a view to the provision of a fare designed as "Free Social Fare" by companies operating inter-municipal and suburban municipal, public and regular passenger transport services. The "Free Social Fare" is intended to support households with average income within the first and second Personal Income Tax brackets, encouraging the use of public transport as the preferred means of internal accessibility, with a view to reversing the current trend of increased use of private vehicles. The Regional Government considers that this measure, whose importance for Azorean families is undeniable, should continue to be implemented. The Support for the "Free Social Fare" has a budget limit of €950,000. 4. Approve the Resolution authorising the granting of subsidies and other forms of financial aid by the Presidency of the Government to public and private entities. They are intended to support social, economic, cultural, sporting and religious actions and projects aimed at preserving traditions and regional heritage, or promoting the Region. 5. Approve the resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the Association for the Economic Development of the Azores (AVEA) for 2026, in the amount of €620,000.00, intended to regulate cooperation between both parties in 2026. 6. Approve the Resolution authorising the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment to grant financial aid for the financing of activities, actions, projects or initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the qualifications of the Region's population. These initiatives are intended to promote the quality of education and contribute to the management, modernisation or improvement of teaching and training activities in regional private vocational schools. Such initiatives must not be eligible for support or funding from European funds or other public programmes supporting vocational training. 7. Approve the Resolution authorising the signing of a programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the RAEGE Açores Association - Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations, in the maximum amount of €391,000.00 for 2026, with a view to the effective implementation of the Atlantic Network of Geodynamic and Space Stations in the Region and the promotion of its scientific and technical activity. 8. The Regional Government approved a Resolution authorising the signing of an addendum to the programme contract between the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the University of the Azores, in the amount of €252,569.28, to finance the purchase of technological equipment for scientific activities, with a view to the technological modernisation of the Pico Mountain Observatory, extending the deadline to October 31, 2026. 9. Approve the Resolution revising the regulations governing the land transport service for patients, updating the monthly contribution to the Regional Pre-Hospital Medical Emergency service. 10. Approve the Regional Implementing Decree ratifying the Detail Plan for Safeguarding of the Historic Area of Ribeira Grande.
Nota de Imprensa
February 19, 2026 Paulo Estêvão chaired opening of Portuguese as Host Language Course The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired the opening session of the 14th edition of Portuguese Courses for Non-Native Speakers, now redesignated Portuguese as a Host Language Courses, held on Wednesday in Ponta Delgada. During the session, the government official emphasised that learning the language is the first and most decisive step towards full integration into Azorean society, giving immigrants not only access to the labour market but also the opportunity to fulfil their rights as citizens. "Welcome to the Azores. I promise to meet with you again at the end of the course to discuss this experience together," the government official stated, speaking at the premises of CRESAÇOR, a partner organisation. On that occasion, the government official also announced an increase in instructors' hourly pay from €19 to €25, "a rate that had not been updated for many years." Paulo Estêvão further committed to the goal of launching additional courses in this area, ensuring a response to "all those who have chosen to live in the Azores, and who feel the urge and need to learn the Portuguese language." Since the programme began in 2013, a total of 525 students from 58 countries have completed this training. The most recent data, covering 2025, reveal an increasingly skilled immigration profile: among the nearly 100 trainees enrolled, 60% hold higher education qualifications and are already integrated into the labour market. The majority of trainees continue to be from Eastern Europe and North America, confirming the Region's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Last year, five courses funded by the Regional Directorate for the Communities were held on the islands of São Miguel (three), Terceira (one) and Faial (one). The programme will be expanded in 2026. Although applications for promoters are open until March 31, six courses are already planned: four in São Miguel (promoted by CRESAÇOR), one in Terceira (promoted by AIPA) and one in Faial (promoted by Horta City Council). Each course has a limit of 20 trainees to ensure close supervision and high-quality teaching. The course attended by Paulo Estêvão at its launch includes citizens from Nepal, Slovenia, Australia, Ukraine, Russia and Colombia.
February 19, 2026 Paulo Estêvão chaired opening of Portuguese as Host Language Course The Regional Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs and Communities, Paulo Estêvão, chaired the opening session of the 14th edition of Portuguese Courses for Non-Native Speakers, now redesignated Portuguese as a Host Language Courses, held on Wednesday in Ponta Delgada. During the session, the government official emphasised that learning the language is the first and most decisive step towards full integration into Azorean society, giving immigrants not only access to the labour market but also the opportunity to fulfil their rights as citizens. "Welcome to the Azores. I promise to meet with you again at the end of the course to discuss this experience together," the government official stated, speaking at the premises of CRESAÇOR, a partner organisation. On that occasion, the government official also announced an increase in instructors' hourly pay from €19 to €25, "a rate that had not been updated for many years." Paulo Estêvão further committed to the goal of launching additional courses in this area, ensuring a response to "all those who have chosen to live in the Azores, and who feel the urge and need to learn the Portuguese language." Since the programme began in 2013, a total of 525 students from 58 countries have completed this training. The most recent data, covering 2025, reveal an increasingly skilled immigration profile: among the nearly 100 trainees enrolled, 60% hold higher education qualifications and are already integrated into the labour market. The majority of trainees continue to be from Eastern Europe and North America, confirming the Region's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Last year, five courses funded by the Regional Directorate for the Communities were held on the islands of São Miguel (three), Terceira (one) and Faial (one). The programme will be expanded in 2026. Although applications for promoters are open until March 31, six courses are already planned: four in São Miguel (promoted by CRESAÇOR), one in Terceira (promoted by AIPA) and one in Faial (promoted by Horta City Council). Each course has a limit of 20 trainees to ensure close supervision and high-quality teaching. The course attended by Paulo Estêvão at its launch includes citizens from Nepal, Slovenia, Australia, Ukraine, Russia and Colombia.
Nota de Imprensa
February 18, 2026 Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, signed today the acceptance certificate for the servicing of nine plots in the Galega housing development in Ribeira das Tainhas, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, an investment of over half a million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The new plots will be awarded through a public tender to be launched in the first quarter of this year and are intended for the construction of private permanent housing. During the ceremony, the government official emphasised that the completion of this public investment "represents not only the efficient implementation of the RRP but also, above all, the fulfilment of the political commitment to promote decent housing at prices compatible with household income." With this in mind, the Regional Government is promoting an integrated investment that combines increased public supply with stronger support programmes, namely through the lease with purchase option scheme, expanding the range of eligible applicants for land allocation and increasing support for self-build projects for first homes. "The aim is to reduce the burden on families, including middle-class families and young people, because owning a house cannot be a dream – it must once again become a plan," stated Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary, “no other Regional Government has put as much public effort into public housing as the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government.” In the case of the serviced plots provided by the Region for the construction of private permanent housing, the maximum income coefficients for applicants have been revised for 2026. The new criteria now include, for example, a young couple with two children and a gross monthly income of €3,100 or a young couple with one child and a gross monthly income of €2,850. Also for 2026, the Regional Government has created a support scheme in the form of non-repayable financial aid for the acquisition of architectural and specialist projects up to a maximum amount of €5,000 per beneficiary for the construction of permanent housing on private or serviced plots granted by the Region. Regarding the programme to support self-build projects on private land or land provided by the Region, the Azorean Government has also introduced changes not only to reduce the burden on Azoreans in accessing their first home, but also to mobilise complementary solutions to promote public and private housing. Support for self-build projects has increased by 25%. This change, which took effect on January 1 of this year, means that the support granted could reach €75,000, up from the previous maximum of €60,000 that was available until December 31, 2025. The amount of support provided will depend on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. "We are working to ensure that the largest ever investment in public housing in the Region, with EU and regional funding, makes a difference in people's lives," Maria João Carreiro reiterated, pointing out that in Vila Franca do Campo, alone, more than €3.6 million is being invested in housing, including 38 new housing solutions. Among these new solutions, in addition to the Galega housing development, is the Foros Sol Mar housing development in the parish of São Pedro, which will provide 23 new apartments (four one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments) on a lease with purchase option scheme. The ceremony was attended by, among other guests, the President of the Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Assembly, Flávio Pacheco; the Councillor of the Vila Franca do Campo Town Council, José Eduardo Costa; the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, Eugénia Leal; the President of the Parish Council of Ribeira das Tainhas, Carla Vieira; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, and representatives of the companies Norma Açores, Gabinete 118 and Albano Vieira.
February 18, 2026 Government bolsters support for self-build projects on private land or land granted by the Region to reduce burden on Azoreans seeking their first home The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, signed today the acceptance certificate for the servicing of nine plots in the Galega housing development in Ribeira das Tainhas, Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island, an investment of over half a million Euros financed under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). The new plots will be awarded through a public tender to be launched in the first quarter of this year and are intended for the construction of private permanent housing. During the ceremony, the government official emphasised that the completion of this public investment "represents not only the efficient implementation of the RRP but also, above all, the fulfilment of the political commitment to promote decent housing at prices compatible with household income." With this in mind, the Regional Government is promoting an integrated investment that combines increased public supply with stronger support programmes, namely through the lease with purchase option scheme, expanding the range of eligible applicants for land allocation and increasing support for self-build projects for first homes. "The aim is to reduce the burden on families, including middle-class families and young people, because owning a house cannot be a dream – it must once again become a plan," stated Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary, “no other Regional Government has put as much public effort into public housing as the PSD/CDS-PP/PPM coalition Government.” In the case of the serviced plots provided by the Region for the construction of private permanent housing, the maximum income coefficients for applicants have been revised for 2026. The new criteria now include, for example, a young couple with two children and a gross monthly income of €3,100 or a young couple with one child and a gross monthly income of €2,850. Also for 2026, the Regional Government has created a support scheme in the form of non-repayable financial aid for the acquisition of architectural and specialist projects up to a maximum amount of €5,000 per beneficiary for the construction of permanent housing on private or serviced plots granted by the Region. Regarding the programme to support self-build projects on private land or land provided by the Region, the Azorean Government has also introduced changes not only to reduce the burden on Azoreans in accessing their first home, but also to mobilise complementary solutions to promote public and private housing. Support for self-build projects has increased by 25%. This change, which took effect on January 1 of this year, means that the support granted could reach €75,000, up from the previous maximum of €60,000 that was available until December 31, 2025. The amount of support provided will depend on the household size and income, as well as the type of dwelling being built. "We are working to ensure that the largest ever investment in public housing in the Region, with EU and regional funding, makes a difference in people's lives," Maria João Carreiro reiterated, pointing out that in Vila Franca do Campo, alone, more than €3.6 million is being invested in housing, including 38 new housing solutions. Among these new solutions, in addition to the Galega housing development, is the Foros Sol Mar housing development in the parish of São Pedro, which will provide 23 new apartments (four one-bedroom, nine two-bedroom and ten three-bedroom apartments) on a lease with purchase option scheme. The ceremony was attended by, among other guests, the President of the Vila Franca do Campo Municipal Assembly, Flávio Pacheco; the Councillor of the Vila Franca do Campo Town Council, José Eduardo Costa; the Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Azores, Eugénia Leal; the President of the Parish Council of Ribeira das Tainhas, Carla Vieira; the Regional Director for Housing, Daniel Pavão, and representatives of the companies Norma Açores, Gabinete 118 and Albano Vieira.
Nota de Imprensa
February 16, 2026 Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2 The public tender for the allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, will take place from March 2 to 27, pursuant to the order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The new apartments, including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, were built as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an investment of over €2.2 million. They are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households, and are allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Housing Directorate (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, accompanied by the documents listed in Article 7 of the Regulations on the Lease with Purchase Option Scheme, and delivered in one of the following formats: DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. The Regulations, which contain all the information about the procedures and conditions for accessing and allocating housing, are available for consultation on the DRH website. Any requests for clarification on the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, they should be sent to the email address [email protected] no later than March 13, 2026. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received.
February 16, 2026 Regional Government opens public tender for allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, Ribeira Grande, on March 2 The public tender for the allocation of 12 new apartments in São Pedro Neighbourhood, parish of Maia, municipality of Ribeira Grande, São Miguel Island, will take place from March 2 to 27, pursuant to the order of the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, Maria João Carreiro, published today in the Official Journal. The new apartments, including six two-bedroom and six three-bedroom apartments, were built as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, with an investment of over €2.2 million. They are intended for the permanent residence of applicants and their respective households, and are allocated under the lease with purchase option scheme. Applications must be submitted by completing the appropriate form, available on the Regional Housing Directorate (DRH) website at https://portal.azores.gov.pt/web/drh/concursos, accompanied by the documents listed in Article 7 of the Regulations on the Lease with Purchase Option Scheme, and delivered in one of the following formats: DRH Services, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, no. 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; RIAC - Integrated Citizen Support Network Offices; Registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the Regional Housing Directorate, located at Rua Dr. João Francisco de Sousa, n.º 30, 9500-187 Ponta Delgada; DRH email address - [email protected]. The Regulations, which contain all the information about the procedures and conditions for accessing and allocating housing, are available for consultation on the DRH website. Any requests for clarification on the understanding and interpretation of the Regulations should be addressed to the president of the jury and submitted by the interested parties in writing to the DRH Services in Ponta Delgada. Alternatively, they should be sent to the email address [email protected] no later than March 13, 2026. Requests will be answered within a maximum of three working days from the date on which they are received.
