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…

Plan B Citizenship in Portugal
Plan B Citizenship in Portugal

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.
AttributeHQA VisaGolden VisaD7 Visa
Processing Time3 Months20 Months (as of 5/2022)7 Months (as of 5/2022)
Family EligibilityYes – Spouses & Children under 18 WelcomeYesYes
Path to PR & CitizenshipYesYesYes
Minimum In-Country Stay RequirementFlexible – Dependent on Business ActivityYes – Not FlexibleYes – Not Flexible – 6 Consecutive Months Per Year
Portuguese Language Proficiency RequirementNoneNoneNone
Non-Habitual Residency Tax Program EligibilityYesYesYes
Additional Professional Service FeesNoneApproximately €25,000+Approximately €2,500
Recurring Income RequiredNoneNoneYes
Medical Insurance EligibleYesYesYes
Portuguese Tax Number RequiredYesYesYes

Photo by Tatiana

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