Portugal HQA Visa Program
Empowered Startups is the exclusive, government-endorsed partner for the Portugal HQA Visa Program. This unique program invites global academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs to bring their expertise to Portugal, launching and growing innovative ventures that make a real impact. Plus, the HQA Visa is one of the fastest residency programs to Portugal and the EU, with processing times as short as 3 months.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro shakes hands with Empowered Startups' President Chris Lennon.
Portugal Endorses Empowered Startups’ HQA® Visa Program
In February 2023, the Portuguese government officially endorsed Empowered Startups and its HQA Visa Program. The HQA Visa allows accomplished professionals and investors to balance the competing demands of running their existing businesses internationally while seeding an option on their future in the European Union.
Under authority of the Government of Portugal, Empowered Startups administrates and controls selection for the HQA Visa. The program was co-created with top R&D institutions in Portugal as a superior migration opportunity to the Golden Visa program.
HQA Program Benefits for Entrepreneurs & Skilled Professionals
The HQA Visa Program is an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a pathway to Portuguese citizenship and EU residency. As a government-endorsed program, the HQA Program offers a streamlined process with numerous advantages for qualified applicants and their families. From expedited processing to significant tax benefits, this program provides a comprehensive, low-maintenance route to establishing residency in Portugal.
To learn more about the HQA Visa Program, watch the latest video from Empowered Startups: Ask the Expert: Portugal HQA Visa.
- The HQA Visa is a fast-track path to EU residency and Portuguese Citizenship.
- Family included – all immediate family members.
- Extremely fast processing at AIMA (formerly SEF) as a government-endorsed program.
- No burdensome residency requirements for qualified candidates.
- Significant tax benefits
- No business performance requirements.
- Concierge white glove service: Full-service immigration, business incubation, and corporate legal services provided.
- Dedicated Portuguese team to assist you in navigating Portugal.
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![We look at you [Empowered Startups] as a close friend and partner [of Portugal].](https://empoweredstartups.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/square-chris-minister-shaking-hands-copy-e1721411437316.webp)
We look at you [Empowered Startups] as a close friend and partner [of Portugal].
DR. ANA ABRUNHOSA
SPEAKING AS PORTUGAL’S MINISTER OF TERRITORIAL COHESION ON FEBRUARY 8, 2023
How the HQA Visa Program Works
Empowered Startups has been asked by the Portuguese government to vet, invite and concierge qualified professionals to invest in R&D projects within our trusted network of Portuguese University partners. 
Founders invited to join the program also launch a new Portuguese business to commercialize R&D outcomes with the guidance of our expert business incubator. We provide various intuitive and optimized tools to facilitate comprehensive training and support for startups.
As a trusted government partner, our clients have a fast and confident path to Portuguese residency and citizenship that otherwise is unattainable. Empowered Startups plays a crucial role in supporting new businesses, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the necessary resources and mentorship to succeed.
Your startup could join the quickly growing list of companies founded in Portugal through the HQA® Visa Program.
How to Qualify for the HQA Program
To qualify for the HQA Visa program, the applicant must fit the following criteria:
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Have a proven record of professional accomplishment
- Demonstrate the ability to provide strategic direction to an innovative venture with the potential for significant growth
- Substantiate the funds necessary for admission into the program
Timeline To Portuguese Residency
Empowered Startups makes the journey to Portugal seamless and efficient. You can move from application to residency permit submission in as little as a couple months. Below are the stages you'll go through. With clear guidance at every stage, Empowered Startups ensures a direct path to residency while making an impact in Portugal.
1
Empowered Startups Intake Process
Time: 1 to 2 weeks
Fill out our HQA Program application, we will review it. We will contact you to set up a meeting to talk about the program and your professional qualifications.
2
Scope & Sequence of R&D Project
Time: 2 to 3 weeks
Once your R&D project is determined, we will work with you to determine how to best sequence your project, find the right post-secondary institution to work with, and associated timelines.
3
Receive Official Documents & Begin Residency Application
Time: 4 to 6 weeks
Within a few weeks, you’ll receive your formal documents and complete your residency applications.
4
Travel to Portugal for Biometrics Appointment with AIMA
Time: Immediate to 4 weeks
AIMA will reach out with a date for the biometrics appointment. This can be a faster process if you can legally travel to Portugal. If not, you will need to secure a Portuguese visitor visa from your nearest embassy before your appointment.
5
Receive your Residency Permit
Time: 4 weeks to 4 months
Following your meeting with AIMA, you’ll wait to receive your Residency Permit.
World-Class Resources for Your R&D
One of the requirements of the HQA Visa program is making an investment in research and development activities that can be used to support your new venture at one of Portugal’s universities.
We have relationships with more than 15 universities and polytechnics in the interior regions of Portugal to best pair you with the facility that specializes in your area of research.
Get Started Immediately with the Portugal HQA Visa Program
We have a dynamic team of experts waiting to learn more about your startup ideas, business, and immigration goals. Our programs offer immediate enrolment for the right people and startup ideas.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us or you can also download this program brochure.
HQA Visa Program Video Library
Mohamed Emam – Egyptian entrepreneur shares his opinion on the HQA® Program
David Rojas – American entrepreneur provides his perspective on the HQA® Program
International Talent for Innovation at Coimbra
HQA® Visa Program Reception in Lisbon
The Power of Partnership with Empowered Startups
Dr Jessica Boyatt HQA Testimonial
Empowered Startups Presents Bold Vision to Prime Minister in Évora
HQA Visa Program supports Research in Portugal
How does the HQA Visa Program cater to busy international entrepreneurs?
What role does Empowered Startups play in the HQA Visa Program?
Empowered Signs New Pact with Historic University of Coimbra
Hear From The Experts: Portugal’s HQA Visa
Learn more about how exactly the HQA Visa works from Portuguese immigration lawyer Joana Ferreira Reis
How exactly do the R&D and business startup requirements work for the HQA Visa?
Frequently
Asked Questions
The card is typically sent to the address of the client’s company unless they instead give a residential address.
Even though the current time frame to issue residency permits is 4-6 weeks (about 1 and a half months), on AIMA’s website it indicates that their standard window of issuing permits is 30 –90 days (about 3 months)
The HQA® program gives flexibility with no in-country requirements due to exemptions available to participants. The residency exemption is stated in the Portuguese legislature in Article 85, Part 4.
Article 85 – Cancellation of residence permit
- Part 4: The residence permit of citizens who are absent for periods longer than those provided for in paragraph 2 shall not be cancelled, provided that they prove that during their absence from national territory they carried out professional or business activities or activities of a cultural or social nature.
Family reunification applications, as of January 2023, can be added to the principal applicant’s file from the very beginning. There may be a short gap between issuance of residence permits for the principal applicant and their family members.
Using Joana Reis law firm for family reunification, the cost per family member/dependent added to the principal applicant’s file is ~€2,500. This covers the initial visa, residency permit application, and residency permit renewals in year 2.
Are you working with an Authorized HQA® Partner?
The HQA® Visa Program is a program developed and delivered exclusively by Empowered Startups. The only parties authorized to promote and pre-qualify candidates for the HQA® Visa Program are Empowered Startups and its Authorized HQA® Partners. Don’t be fooled by unauthorized recruiters promoting a counterfeit program claiming to be the HQA® Visa Program.
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