This study aimed to examine the effect of public policies on talent retention in the Portuguese Public Administration and whether the participants' managerial status moderates this relationship. A total of 282 individuals, active workers in public administration, participated in this study, with 11.7% of the total occupying management positions. The approach was quantitative and qualitative, using a questionnaire. The results showed that public policies (recruitment, training and performance evaluation) have a positive and significant effect on talent retention. Whether an individual is a manager or not has a significant effect on performance evaluation. No moderating or mediating effect was found. This study aims to provide data that can inform managers' decisions and enhance talent management in public administration.