Portugal’s HQA (Highly Qualified Activity) Visa is quickly becoming a top choice for entrepreneurs, researchers, and skilled professionals looking to relocate to Europe.
Designed to attract talent and innovation, this visa offers a fast-track residency option without the need for large capital investments or job offers.
In this article, we’ll break down how the HQA Visa works in 2025, its key benefits, who it’s for, and why it might be the smartest route to Portuguese residency.
What is the Portugal HQA Visa program
The Portugal Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) Visa is a streamlined residency-by-investment program aimed at attracting accomplished entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders from outside the EU.
Unlike the Golden Visa, the HQA Visa falls under the D3 category and is designed to encourage collaboration between international entrepreneurs and Portuguese research institutions.
With a minimum investment of €175,000, applicants launch an innovative R&D-driven startup in partnership with a local university or polytechnic.
The program is facilitated by Empowered Startups, the only government-endorsed delivery partner, and offers a clear, fast-track route to residency and eventual citizenship.
Eligibility for the Portugal HQA Visa
To qualify for the HQA Visa, applicants must:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a proven track record in business or entrepreneurship
- Be able to invest €175,000 in an R&D-focused startup
- Demonstrate the ability to lead and scale an innovative venture
- Pass a screening process by Empowered Startups’ Intake Committee
- Take part in the program for at least 3 years.
Notably, applicants are not required to have deep technical expertise in the startup’s domain, as the R&D component is supported by university partners.
Benefits of the Portugal HQA Visa Program
1. Benefits of the HQA Visa
Lower Investment Requirement: Requires only €175,000, compared to the €500,000 or more needed for Portugal’s Golden Visa.
Affordable for Families: Adding a family member costs approximately €2,000–€2,500 per person, far less than the €10,000+ often seen with the Golden Visa.
Fast Decision Timeline: Visa decisions are guaranteed within 30 days, unlike the often delayed timelines of the Golden Visa and D7 Visa.
Refund Guarantee: Applicants receive a full refund if their application is not accepted—offering added peace of mind.
Flexible Stay Requirements: You can maintain residency with minimal time in Portugal if you have professional commitments abroad—unlike the ~6-month stay required by most visas.
No Mandatory Tax Residency: You are not required to become a Portuguese tax resident unless you choose to—this flexibility is shared only with the Golden Visa.
Family Reunification Included: Immediate family members are eligible for residency under the main application.
2. Benefits of the Incubation Program
100% Ownership: You own the startup outright, including all assets and shares.
You Own the IP: All intellectual property rights remain with you, not the university or incubator.
No Performance Pressure: There is no requirement for your startup to succeed or generate revenue.
No Ongoing Investment Obligations: Once your initial €175,000 investment is made, there are no further capital contributions required.
Hands-Off Management Option: You’re not required to run the business day-to-day—a local team can manage operations on your behalf.
Potential Matched Funding: Partnering with a university may unlock additional research funding, increasing the impact and reach of your startup.
3. Benefits of Portuguese Residency
Path to Citizenship: Apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years, with minimal residency requirements.
Favorable Tax Regime: Benefit from Portugal’s updated tax rules (NHR 2.0), including flat 20% tax on local income for qualifying professionals.
Schengen Access: Enjoy visa-free travel across 26 European countries in the Schengen Area.
Public Healthcare Access: As a legal resident, you and your family can use Portugal’s public healthcare system.
Education Opportunities: Your children can attend Portuguese universities, and once they obtain citizenship, gain easier access to universities across Europe.
Required Documentation for the Portugal HQA Visa
Preparing a strong and complete documentation package is a critical step in securing the Portugal HQA Visa. Empowered Startups, the official facilitator of the program, works closely with applicants to ensure every document meets the legal and administrative standards set by Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA).
Here’s a detailed list of the documents you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Proof of investment funds (€175,000)
- Business CV
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Health insurance
- Academic qualifications (if applicable)
- Letters of support from Empowered Startups and university partners
All documents not originally in Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator and notarized and/or apostilled depending on the country of origin
Application Process for Portugal HQA Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Portugal HQA Visa application process is structured to ensure efficiency, clarity, and support at every stage. Empowered Startups, the government-endorsed program facilitator, provides full guidance throughout. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Step 1. Eligibility Review
The journey begins when a potential applicant expresses interest and connects with Empowered Startups. The Empowered team conducts a preliminary assessment of the applicant’s business background, financial capacity, and overall suitability for the HQA Visa. The applicant must demonstrate a proven track record of leadership and strategic direction in a business environment.
Step 2. Committee Interview
Eligible candidates are invited to a virtual interview with Empowered’s Intake Selection Committee. This session is designed to evaluate the applicant’s potential to lead an innovation-driven startup and to determine their fit for the program. If successful, the committee issues a formal invitation to join the program.
Step 3. Acceptance & Planning
Once accepted, the applicant begins working closely with Empowered to design their investment structure and R&D project. The startup concept is aligned with one of Empowered’s university or polytechnic partners, ensuring the project has both technical feasibility and academic support.
Step 4. Visa Application Submission
With documentation finalized, the HQA Visa application is submitted at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence. This includes the official invitation, project outline, and proof of investment readiness.
Step 5. AIMA Appointment Scheduling
Upon visa approval (typically within 30 days), the applicant can travel to Portugal. Empowered coordinates and schedules an appointment with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, formerly SEF), typically within 4 months of visa approval.
Step 6. Residency Permit Issuance
The final step takes place in Portugal. The applicant meets with Empowered’s legal team to sign the final R&D contract, and is accompanied to the AIMA appointment. Residency permits are usually issued within 30 to 60 days of the appointment, though many are approved even sooner.
HQA Visa Processing Time
One of the key advantages of the Portugal HQA Visa is its efficiency compared to other immigration programs such as the Golden Visa. The entire process is streamlined, allowing qualified applicants to secure residency in a relatively short timeframe.
1. Visa Approval: Once the application is submitted, the Portuguese consulate typically issues a decision within 30 days. This quick turnaround is possible because the HQA Visa falls under the D3 category, which is prioritized by immigration authorities due to its focus on attracting highly qualified talent.
2. Residency Appointment with AIMA: After the visa is approved, Empowered Startups coordinates the scheduling of an appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF). These appointments are usually confirmed within 4 months of program acceptance, providing applicants with a clear and predictable timeline.
3. Residency Permit Issuance: Following the AIMA appointment, Portuguese law requires that a decision on the residency permit be issued within 90 days. In practice, most HQA applicants receive their residency cards in 60 days or less, thanks to the priority status of this visa type and the proactive support from Empowered Startups’ legal and administrative team.
Cost for the Portugal HQA Visa
The Portugal HQA Visa is one of the most cost-effective and structured residency-by-investment options in the EU, especially when compared to programs like the Golden Visa. With a total investment requirement of €175,000, it offers a lower entry point while delivering a comprehensive support framework for entrepreneurs and their families.
a) Investment Breakdown: €175,000
To qualify, applicants must invest €175,000 in a new R&D-focused startup in Portugal, developed in partnership with a local university or research institution. This investment is fully managed and structured through Empowered Startups, the program’s government-endorsed facilitator.
€55,000 is allocated directly to your new Portuguese company:
- €43,000 (including VAT) is directed to the partner research institution to fund the R&D project.
- €12,000 is reserved for standard business expenses over three years, including accounting and compliance costs.
€120,000 covers the full scope of incubation and legal support:
- This includes business planning, legal structuring, company incorporation, ongoing advisory, and immigration support over the three-year incubation period.
b) Adding Dependents
Family reunification is supported under the HQA Visa. The cost of including a spouse, partner, or dependent child is approximately €2,500 per person, making it more affordable than most other visa routes, such as the Golden Visa.
c) Legal and Support Services
All necessary legal, corporate, and immigration support is bundled into the program. Empowered Startups provides:
- End-to-end visa and residency application handling
- Business setup and university matchmaking
- AIMA appointment scheduling and representation
- Residency permit renewal assistance
There are no hidden fees—the program is structured as a turnkey solution for ease and peace of mind.
Portugal HQA Residency Renewal: Year-by-Year Overview
The Portugal HQA Visa grants an initial 2-year residence permit, providing entrepreneurs time to establish a Portuguese company and oversee a research project in collaboration with a local university or research institution. This period is designed to lay the foundation for your innovation venture while giving you the flexibility to manage it according to your availability.
Year 1: Business Setup and Project Launch
During the first year, you will formally incorporate your Portuguese company and launch the R&D project in partnership with a designated research institution. While you are expected to monitor the project, much of the day-to-day operations can be delegated to local professionals, allowing you to focus on high-level oversight or other business interests abroad.
Year 2: Residency Renewal
As the initial 2-year residency permit nears expiration, you will renew your permit for an additional 3 years, bringing the total period of legal residence to five years—the minimum required to apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
The renewal process is fully supported by Empowered Startups and includes:
- Ensuring your company remains compliant with Portuguese legal and tax obligations
- Confirming ongoing collaboration with the university or research partner
- Gathering all required documentation for renewal
- Scheduling your renewal appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF)
- Extending residency for accompanying family members
To qualify for renewal, applicants must maintain an active business relationship with their R&D partner and remain in good legal standing in Portugal.
Year 3: End of Incubation and Strategic Decision Point
At the close of the 3-year incubation period, you are free to decide how to proceed. Options include:
- Investing further to expand the project
- Taking the innovation to market
- Winding down operations if the venture has fulfilled its purpose
- Reinvesting in a new R&D initiative
There are no performance requirements—meaning your visa status does not depend on the commercial success of the startup.
Year 4: Path Forward Based on Year 3 Decision
Depending on your choice in Year 3, this year may involve scaling the business, transitioning to a new model, or preparing for long-term residency or exit. Empowered Startups continues to offer support as needed during this phase.
Year 5: Residency Milestone and Citizenship Eligibility
After five consecutive years of legal residency, you become eligible to apply for:
- Permanent Residency, or
- Portuguese Citizenship (with A2-level Portuguese or 150 hours of accredited language instruction)
Flexibility of Presence
A major advantage of the HQA Visa is its flexibility around physical presence. Unlike the D7 or D2 visas, which require applicants to reside in Portugal for most of the year, the HQA Visa allows exemptions for those with valid professional obligations abroad. This makes it ideal for global entrepreneurs who split their time between countries but still want a clear, structured path to EU residency and citizenship.
Path to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
The Portugal HQA Visa not only provides immediate residency benefits but also offers a clear and attainable path toward long-term settlement and citizenship in the European Union.
After five consecutive years of legal residency in Portugal under the HQA Visa, applicants become eligible to apply for either permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
This timeline is consistent with Portugal’s general naturalization rules and applies regardless of whether the applicant chooses to live full-time in Portugal or qualifies under the legal exemption for time spent abroad due to professional obligations.
To qualify for permanent residency or citizenship, the applicant must:
- Demonstrate basic Portuguese language proficiency, either by passing an A2-level language test or completing 150 hours of accredited Portuguese language instruction.
- Maintain a clean criminal record in both Portugal and their country of origin.
- Show evidence of integration, such as maintaining ties to the country through business activities, property ownership, tax contributions, or participation in Portuguese social or economic life.
Once citizenship is granted, individuals gain full rights as EU citizens—including visa-free access to over 180 countries, the ability to live and work across the EU, and access to Portuguese healthcare and social security systems.
Importantly, Portugal allows dual citizenship, meaning applicants can typically retain their original nationality while enjoying the benefits of an EU passport.
Comparison between Portugal HQA Visa Program and the D2 Visa or Startup Visa
Startup Visa
The Startup Visa is designed for international entrepreneurs who want to actively launch and manage a startup in Portugal. Unlike the HQA Visa, this program focuses on startups with high-growth potential that can generate revenue and create jobs.
- Physical Stay Requirement: Yes – applicants must live and work in Portugal
- Tax Residency Requirement: Yes – applicants must become tax residents
- Application Decision Time: Slower – typically takes several months
- Other Key Features: No requirement to collaborate with universities or focus on R&D. The business must demonstrate strong market viability and readiness for local operations.
Portugal D2 Visa
The D2 Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs who plan to personally establish and run a business in Portugal, regardless of sector. It is broader in scope and doesn’t require an R&D component or incubation partnership.
- Physical Stay Requirement: Yes – typically 6 to 8 months per permit period
- Tax Residency Requirement: Yes – applicants must become tax residents
- Application Decision Time: Slower – processing takes several months
- Other Key Features: Offers flexibility in terms of business type, but requires full-time presence and management by the entrepreneur.
Comparison between HQA Visa Program and the Portugal D7 Visa or Portugal Golden Visa
Portugal D7 Visa
The D7 Visa is aimed at individuals with passive income—such as pensions, royalties, or rental earnings—who wish to live full-time in Portugal. To maintain the visa, D7 holders must spend at least 6 to 8 months per year in the country, and they are required to become Portuguese tax residents. The Digital Nomad Visa, though not in the table, follows a similar structure and is designed for remote workers and freelancers, also requiring long stays and tax residency.
In contrast, the HQA Visa offers far more flexibility. While you can choose to become a tax resident and live in Portugal full-time, it’s not required. The law allows an exemption from stay requirements if your professional commitments are abroad, making it ideal for globally mobile entrepreneurs and executives.
Portugal Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is another residency-by-investment option, typically requiring a minimum investment of €500,000, often in real estate or regulated investment funds. One of its key appeals is the low stay requirement—just 7 days per year—and the lack of tax residency obligation. In this respect, it shares some structural similarities with the HQA Visa.
However, the HQA Visa is not a Golden Visa alternative—it’s a different model altogether. Instead of fund investments or cultural donation, the HQA Visa focuses on active investment in research and development, in partnership with Portuguese universities. It’s tailored for entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and innovation-focused investors who see long-term value in supporting R&D and launching impactful ventures.
Importantly, the HQA Visa is also significantly more affordable, requiring an investment of €175,000, and delivers faster processing, with visa decisions made in just 30 days.
Why Choose Portugal Residency Advisors for Your Immigration Visa
Expertise in Portugal
With our in-depth understanding of Portugal, we focus solely on this destination to provide you with the most detailed and relevant information.
Comprehensive Approach
Experience a seamless process with one central point of contact for all your needs. Our service covers every aspect of your investment journey and Golden Visa application.
Transparency at Every Step
Benefit from our honest recommendations, tailored to your best interests. Our pricing is transparent and competitive, and we prioritize efficiency to save you time and money.
Streamlined Process
Harnessing the power of technology, we simplify paperwork and minimize your involvement. As clients ourselves, we understand your needs and strive to provide a hassle-free experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal's HQA Visa
What is the Portugal HQA Visa?
The HQA (Highly Qualified Activity) Visa is a fast-track residency program for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who invest in research or innovation projects linked to Portuguese universities.
How much investment is required for the HQA Visa?
You need to invest a minimum of €175,000, typically directed toward a research and development project in collaboration with a Portuguese academic institution.
How long does it take to get the HQA Visa?
The visa decision is usually made within 30 to 60 days, making it one of the fastest routes to Portuguese residency.
Do I need to start a business in Portugal to qualify?
Not necessarily. You can either actively start a business through an incubator program or passively invest in an approved innovation project without daily management involvement.
Can my family join me under the HQA Visa?
Yes! Spouses, children, and dependent family members can be included under family reunification rules.
Is it necessary to live full-time in Portugal?
Yes, the HQA Visa is designed for active residency. You are expected to live in Portugal most of the year to maintain your residency status.
Does the HQA Visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?
Yes, after five years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, provided you meet language and integration requirements.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for the HQA Visa?
No, Portuguese is not required to apply. However, basic Portuguese knowledge (A2 level) will be necessary when applying for citizenship.
What fields or industries are preferred for HQA projects?
Fields like technology, biotech, engineering, sciences, and innovative sectors are highly encouraged, but projects from a wide range of industries can be accepted if tied to research and development.
How is the HQA Visa different from the Golden Visa?
The HQA Visa focuses on skills and innovation, requiring active or passive engagement with a research project, while the Golden Visa is primarily about passive financial investment, like investing in funds.