Salary Reimbursement Scheme supports Goa based startups by paying back a part of the salary given to freshers and local employees. Run under the Goa Start-up Policy by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, this scheme lets eligible startups claim up to ₹15,000 per month for each fresher recruit. It helps businesses manage salary costs while creating jobs for local talent in Goa.
Applications for 2026 are open through the Goa Online portal. The scheme is handled by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC), so the benefit amount depends on the approval given by this cell after checking the application.
Salary Reimbursement Scheme - Introduction
Salary Reimbursement Scheme is a state level scheme from the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa. It is part of the Goa Start-up Policy and is meant to cut down the salary burden on certified startups. By paying back a share of the salary, the scheme encourages startups to hire freshers and local people.
The scheme works in two ways. A startup can claim 50% of the salary paid to a fresher, or it can claim up to 25% of the salary of its local workforce when at least 60% of the staff are locals. Getting the benefit is not a guaranteed right. The SITPC decides whether to accept or reject each application as per its own rules.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Salary Reimbursement Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Goa |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Business Entity |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Implementing Agency | Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC) |
| Official Website | Startup Goa official website |
Benefits
Startups can get support through two separate routes based on their hiring pattern. The details are given below.
| Category | Reimbursement Detail | Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring Freshers | 50% of salary | Up to ₹15,000 per month per recruit |
| Local Workforce (60%) | Up to 25% of salary | Up to ₹25,00,000 per year |
For example, if a startup hires a local fresher for a monthly salary of ₹20,000, it can claim ₹10,000 as reimbursement. A startup can claim for a maximum of 25 employees over a period of 3 years. Each year, 100 startups are chosen for these benefits based on SITPC guidelines. The benefit is subject to approval and is not an entitlement, so the SITPC keeps the final say on every application.
Eligibility
To qualify for this support, a startup should meet the following conditions:
- The startup must hold a valid certificate issued by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC).
- Employees must be hired for a minimum period of 12 months.
- Under the fresher salary benefit, the employees must be professionals. Freshers mean graduates or postgraduates who have completed their course within the last 2 years.
- The bank accounts of all directors and employees must be linked to their Aadhaar numbers.
- Salary payments should be made digitally. Non digital payments may be considered only as per SITPC guidelines.
- Local means a person born in Goa, a person with domicile in Goa for 10 years or more, or the spouse of such a person through a marriage registered in Goa.
Application Process
Applications for the scheme are accepted online through the Goa Online portal. There is no separate offline form for this scheme.
STEP 1 - Go to the official Salary Reimbursement Scheme page on the Goa MSME website and check the scheme details.
STEP 2 - Click on the Apply button for the scheme. You will be taken to the Goa Online portal to submit the application.
STEP 3 - Fill in the company details, upload the self attested documents, and submit the application for tracking.
The SITPC will review the submission and inform the startup about the approval or rejection. A startup can apply at any time after the related salary expenses are incurred.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar cards of all company directors.
- Aadhaar cards of the employees being claimed for.
- A formal HR letter confirming that employment contracts meet the policy conditions.
- Signed employment contracts with a minimum 12 month tenure.
- Recent salary slips and salary increment letters of the claimed employees.
- Bank statements or certificates showing proof of salary debits.
- Degree certificates of the employees and proof of Goan residence.
References
Click here to view the official scheme details on the Goa MSME website.
Click here to view the official Startup Goa incentives page.
Click here to download the official scheme PDF.
Click here for official contact details.
FAQ's
What is the maximum reimbursement for a local fresher recruit?
A startup can claim up to ₹15,000 per month for each eligible fresher recruit under Salary Reimbursement Scheme.
How many employees can I claim for?
A startup can claim salary reimbursements for up to 25 employees for a period of 3 years.
Are non IT staff covered under the fresher hiring benefit?
No, the fresher salary reimbursement is limited to professionals, mainly IT and technical staff.
What is the maximum yearly benefit for a startup with 60% local staff?
For startups where at least 60% of the workforce is local, the benefit can go up to ₹25,00,000 per year for 3 years.
How do I apply for the scheme?
Applications are submitted online through the Goa Online portal after logging in from the official scheme page on the Goa MSME website.
Do I need Aadhaar linked bank accounts?
Yes, the bank accounts of both the company directors and the employees must be linked to their Aadhaar cards to qualify for the scheme.