Empowered Startups Launches New Investment Program for High-Net-Worth-Individuals Seeking Residency & Eligibility for Portugal’s IFICI Tax Regime
Empowered Startups is pleased to announce the launch of the Portugal Innovation Investment Program (PIIP) at Web Summit!…
Empowered Startups is pleased to announce the launch of the Portugal Innovation Investment Program (PIIP) at Web Summit! PIIP is designed for HNWI seeking residency and access to Portugal’s capital gains and personal tax incentives under the Scientific Research and Innovation Tax Incentive (IFICI), commonly known as NHR 2.0, while supporting Portugal’s expanding innovation economy. PIIP was designed with the consultancy firm, Forvis Mazars, aligning the technical excellence of the HQA program of Empowered Startups with Forvis Mazars’ IFICI tax expertise and will be available as of January 1, 2026.
PIIP connects experienced professionals, investors, and business owners with early-stage Portuguese companies that are developing scientific and innovative ventures in collaboration with leading universities and research institutions in Portugal. Participants in PIIP contribute investment capital, governance expertise, and strategic insight as shareholders and board members to drive the company’s growth and strengthen Portugal’s national innovation landscape, and advance the country’s economic development objectives.
Through PIIP, participants can access Portugal’s IFICI tax framework, which offers exemptions for various types of foreign-sourced income and capital gains. PIIP is particularly suited for highly qualified individuals planning to relocate to Portugal, while divesting or restructuring existing foreign businesses or assets as part of a broader investment strategy.
Interested individuals are invited to contact Forvis Mazars to discuss program eligibility and requirements. Because of the unique nature of PIIP, a limited number of spots will be available in 2026.
For more information on the program, please contact
Bernardo Masteling Pereira, Partner at Forvis Mazars – [email protected]
Mário Patrício, Senior Manager at Forvis Mazars – [email protected]
About the Program Administrators
Empowered Startups is the exclusive, government-endorsed partner for the Portugal HQA® Visa Program with extensive experience building innovation clusters in priority industries. The HQA® Program invites global academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs to bring their expertise to Portugal, launching and growing innovative ventures that make a real impact.
Forvis Mazars is a leading international professional services firm, providing audit, assurance, tax, advisory, and consulting services with a strong presence in Portugal and presence in more than 100 countries.
