Golden Visa vs. HQA Visa vs. D7 Visa
We get quite a few questions about how Portugal’s HQA Visa program differs from a Golden Visa. To…

We get quite a few questions about how Portugal’s HQA Visa program differs from a Golden Visa. To be honest there are quite a few differences but it really boils down to 3 main differences – Processing time, cost, and the activities associated with the visa.
- Processing time: The HQA Visa’s processing time is currently just 3 months, while currently the Golden Visa is tracking 2 years (as of May 2022).
- Cost: The Golden Visa’s investment costs are significantly higher than an HQA Visa. The lowest investment requirement for a Golden Visa is € 280K (and this must be invested in a touristic project that grants guaranteed annual returns and or guaranteed buyback in the same amount initially invested). The HQA Visa on the other hand has a €175K cost and your funds are invested in an innovative business of your choosing.
- Activities Associated: The HQA Visa Program is custom built for entrepreneurs who are interested in building a new business in Portugal. The Golden Visa is more geared toward real estate investors and those simply looking to make a capital investment.
Attribute | HQA Visa | Golden Visa | D7 Visa |
---|---|---|---|
Processing Time | 3 Months | 20 Months (as of 5/2022) | 7 Months (as of 5/2022) |
Family Eligibility | Yes – Spouses & Children under 18 Welcome | Yes | Yes |
Path to PR & Citizenship | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Minimum In-Country Stay Requirement | Flexible – Dependent on Business Activity | Yes – Not Flexible | Yes – Not Flexible – 6 Consecutive Months Per Year |
Portuguese Language Proficiency Requirement | None | None | None |
Non-Habitual Residency Tax Program Eligibility | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional Professional Service Fees | None | Approximately €25,000+ | Approximately €2,500 |
Recurring Income Required | None | None | Yes |
Medical Insurance Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Portuguese Tax Number Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Photo by Tatiana