Portugal HQA Visa Programme, Benefits, Requirements, Process

Portugal HQA visa overview

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.

Portugal HQA visa benefits

Fast track for foreign investors from non-EU countries to obtain a Residence Permit in Portugal
The applicant can enter, live, work and study in Portugal
Allows visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for 90 days in every 180-day period
Dependents that can be included:
Spouse or common-law partner (subject to conditions)
Dependent children
Parents and in-laws (subject to conditions)
No language or business performance requirement
Pathway to obtaining Permanent Residency in Portugal after 5 years and Portuguese Citizenship after 7–10 years under separate law (both subject to conditions, including language knowledge)

Portugal HQA visa requirements

Creating and developing an innovative business venture
Have a proven record of professional accomplishment
Securing the commitment of a governmentally supported business incubator in Portugal partnered with R&D facilities
Undergoing a 3-year incubation period
Proof that the applicant has no criminal record
The initial residence period is provided for 2 years, and subsequent renewed permits are valid for further 3 years
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
Securing a long-term place of abode might be required

Portugal HQA visa investment options

R&D investment activities to support the investor’s new venture at one of Portugal’s universities, with an investment of EUR 175,000, including EUR 45,000–55,000 for capitalization and research
Working together with a Business Incubator for 3 years
Supported by Portuguese immigration authorities
Provides operational, legal and accounting support in Portugal for selected projects
Research and development of the idea will be supported by governmentally backed Portuguese research facilities
The incubation fee is refundable if the Residence Permit is denied

Portugal HQA visa application process

Submit initial documentation, including a detailed resume, passport copy and a one-page overview of the current business or area of business of interest
Schedule a video call with the incubator in Portugal
The incubator issues a Term Sheet
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
Meet with the incubator and government-supported R&D facilities for incorporation and strategic planning
Launch the research project and open a bank account
Submit the application to the relevant Portuguese authority, with an interview at the Consulate that may be waived in certain cases
Within 4 to 12 weeks, travel to Portugal for the biometrics appointment with AIMA

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