Portugal HQA visa

The Portugal HQA Visa Program is a residence program for non-EU entrepreneurs, investors and professionals who want to develop an innovative business in Portugal. Applicants establish a Portuguese company and work with a Portuguese university or research institution on a research and development project. The program requires an investment of €175,000 and includes a three-year business incubation period.

Successful applicants receive a Portuguese residence permit that allows them to live, work and study in Portugal. A spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can also be included, subject to the applicable requirements. While some Portuguese residence routes are based primarily on making a qualifying investment, the HQA Visa is built around creating and developing a business in Portugal. This makes it an option for entrepreneurs and investors who want their residence plans to be part of their business project, with the possibility of permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship in the future if the relevant requirements are met.

1. Creating and developing an innovative business venture
2. Have a proven record of professional accomplishment
3. Securing the commitment of a governmentally supported business incubator in Portugal partnered with R&D facilities
4. Undergoing a 3-year incubation period
5. Proof that the applicant has no criminal record
6. The initial residence period is provided for 2 years, and subsequent renewed permits are valid for further 3 years
7. Cannot be out of Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or an aggregate of 8 non-consecutive months during the validity period of each residence card, with exceptions when the person who was absent proves that they carried out professional or business activities or activities of a cultural or social nature
8. Securing a long-term place of abode might be required

1. Submit initial documentation, including a detailed resume, passport copy and a one-page overview of the current business or area of business of interest
2. Schedule a video call with the incubator in Portugal
3. The incubator issues a Term Sheet
4. Meet all documentation requirements and transfer the incubation fee into a secured account, matching the investor’s expertise with a Portuguese university for a tailored R&D project
5. Meet with the incubator and government-supported R&D facilities for incorporation and strategic planning
6. Launch the research project and open a bank account
7. Submit the application to the relevant Portuguese authority, with an interview at the Consulate that may be waived in certain cases
8. Within 4 to 12 weeks, travel to Portugal for the biometrics appointment with AIMA