The Portuguese HQA (Highly Qualified Activity) Visa is considered a beneficial alternative to the Golden Visa, offering similar advantages at a significantly lower investment threshold.
The HQA Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and investors who want to establish their own startup in Portugal in partnership with a Portuguese university.
Visa recipients receive extensive support from Portugal’s leading startup incubator for three years while developing their research project and/or creating intellectual property.
The HQA program combines two key components:
📌 Investment
A one-time fee of €175,000 to fund the company, with the possibility of returning your funds through the creation of a successful startup.
In comparison, the minimum investment option for Portugal’s Golden Visa starts at €280,000.
✓ Minimal Stay Requirement: Only 7 days per year in Portugal are necessary.
✓ No Job Creation or Asset Requirements: Unlike most other EU startup visa programs, the HQA has no requirements for job creation, asset value, or income.
✓ Family Inclusion: Your family members can be included in the HQA visa application. This includes your spouse, children, and parents (if they are financially dependent and/or over 65 years old). Additionally, your spouse is entitled to work in Portugal.
✓ Short Approval Times: All HQA visa applications must be processed within 30 days.
✓ Investment Guarantee: The HQA program offers a guaranteed full refund of your investment if your visa application is denied.
✓ Tax Residency Flexibility: You can choose whether or not to become a tax resident of Portugal.
✓ Access to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After just 5 years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a passport.
The HQA visa in Portugal is an excellent option for entrepreneurs looking to launch a research startup in one of Europe’s most favorable markets. This type of residence permit is also referred to as a “Plan B” due to its low stay requirements and a clear path to Portuguese citizenship and passport.
You can obtain residency in Portugal through the following programs:
READ ALSO:
🔹 Immigration and Moving to Portugal in 2023: Ways to Obtain Residency.
🔹 Conditions and Benefits of Registering a Company in Portugal and Madeira.
🔹 Taxes in Portugal for Businesses and Individuals: Non-Habitual Residents (NHR) Tax Status.
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