Mecanismo de Continuidade Territorial (formerly SSM)
If you live on Madeira, you can get part of your flight cost back through the Mecanismo de Continuidade Territorial — the programme formerly known as Subsídio Social de Mobilidade (SSM), renamed in June 2026.
What Changed in June 2026
On 6 June 2026, Lei n.º 23/2026 renamed the SSM to Mecanismo de Continuidade Territorial (MCT). Both names refer to the same programme — you’ll still see “SSM” used on the platform and in older documents.
The same law removed the requirement to have your tax/social security situation regularised, and dropped the legal maximum eligible ticket price. In practice, the online platform was still applying the old price caps shortly after the law changed — always check the live numbers on the portal before applying, don’t rely on fixed figures from any guide, including this one.
Who Can Apply
- Residents of Madeira — any nationality, legally resident for at least 6 months before travel
- Students living in Madeira but studying on the mainland (or vice versa) — no age limit
- Certain public servants and military personnel serving in the region
Where to Apply
Online (main option): ssm.gov.pt — log in via Chave Móvel Digital or Cartão de Cidadão through Autenticação
CTT counters are still available (extended through 30 June 2027) for specific cases:
- applications submitted by companies/associations on behalf of travellers
- pairing a one-way ticket bought before 15 January 2026 with a later return
- Programa Estudante Insular (Madeira)
If you’re an individual resident applying for a standard trip, use the online portal.
When to Apply
You have 90 days from your travel date. For round trips, the 90 days count from the return flight.
- TAP, SATA, easyJet: apply right after buying the ticket — boarding confirmation is sent automatically.
- Ryanair and others: apply only after the trip is completed.
How Much You Get Back
The government covers the difference between the ticket price and your fixed contribution.
Madeira ⇄ Mainland (round trip): residents up to €79, students up to €59. One-way: half that.
Madeira ⇄ Porto Santo: same €79/€59 contribution, higher ticket price threshold.
Madeira ⇄ Azores: amounts can differ from the mainland route under the new rules — use the calculator on ssm.gov.pt for your exact route.
Example: €250 round-trip ticket to the mainland → you pay €79, €171 is reimbursed.
Before You Start
- Portuguese NIF
- Chave Móvel Digital (CMD)
- IBAN (Portuguese or any SEPA IBAN — Revolut/N26 etc. accepted with proof of ownership)
- Invoice (fatura) showing your name and NIF
- Booking confirmation / e-ticket
- Boarding pass (Ryanair)
Your NIF must be on the invoice. If the airline issued it without your NIF, the application is usually rejected and can’t be corrected afterwards — check before you fly if you can.
Documents by Airline
- TAP / SATA: invoice with NIF + e-ticket
- easyJet: Payment Confirmation from your account (name, NIF, fare, taxes)
- Ryanair: invoice with NIF + boarding passes (not connected to the automatic system)
Step by Step
- Get your CMD — via Autenticação.gov.pt, or in person at Loja de Cidadão / Espaço Cidadão
- Log in to ssm.gov.pt with your CMD
- Fill in beneficiary details (name/NIF/DOB auto-filled — add phone, email, category)
- Add your IBAN + upload proof of ownership
- Enter flight details (PNR, airline, dates, route) and upload documents
- Review, accept the declarations, submit
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your reference number.
Tracking Your Application
Statuses: Submetido → Em análise → Aprovado → Pago
If It’s Rejected
You’ll get an email with the reason — usually unreadable/missing documents or incorrect info. You have 10 days to fix it via “Responder” in your account — no need to start a new application.
FAQ
Can I pay with a non-Portuguese card? Yes — the card doesn’t matter. Reimbursement only goes to an account with a valid SEPA IBAN.