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.
Below is a chart that breaks down the differences between the HQA Visa, the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa.
Processing Timeline: 3 Months
Family Eligibility: Yes – Spouses & Children under 18 Welcome
Path to PR & Citizenship: Yes
Minimum In-Country Stay Requirement: Flexible – Dependent on Business Activity
Portuguese Language Proficiency Requirement: None
Non-Habiltual Residency Tax Program Eligibility: Yes
Additional Professional Service Fees: None
Recurring Income Required: None
Medical Insurance Eligible: Yes
Portuguese Tax Number Required: Yes
Processing Timeline: 20 Months (as of 5/2022)
Family Eligibility: Yes
Path to PR & Citizenship: Yes
Minimum In-Country Stay Requirement: Yes – Not Flexible
Portuguese Language Proficency Requirement: None
Non-Habiltual Residency Tax Program Eligibility: Yes
Additional Professional Service Fees: Approxamately €25,000+
Recurring Income Required: None
Medical Insurance Eligible: Yes
Portuguese Tax Number Required: Yes
Processing Timeline: 7 Months (as of 5/2022)
Family Eligibility: Yes
Path to PR & Citizenship: Yes
Minimum In-Country Stay Requirement: Yes – Not Flexible – 6 Consecutive Months Per Year
Portuguese Language Proficiency Requirement: None
Non-Habiltual Residency Tax Program Eligibility: Yes
Additional Professional Service Fees: Approximately €2,500
Recurring Income Required: Yes
Medical Insurance Eligible: Yes
Portuguese Tax Number Required: Yes
Photo by Tatiana
