Get matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on a project aligned with your professional background and interests.
Only Government of Portugal endorsed HQA provider€175K contribution vs €500K Golden Visa
Portuguese residency through research, not real estate
The HQA Visa Program connects highly skilled professionals and academics with 70+ Portuguese universities for R&D projects that earn residency. Keep your IP, bring your family, and pay 65% less than the Golden Visa threshold.
Initial conversation to determine fit and walk through program details.
The shift
A residency pathway built for innovators, not investors
Traditional immigration routes reward capital. The HQA program rewards expertise.
The traditional route
- ×Golden Visa requires €500,000 with no connection to your professional work
- ×Citizenship timelines in Portugal are extending, adding uncertainty
- ×Self-managed applications risk denials, wasted fees, and damaged prospects
- ×Innovation-focused professionals don't fit standard employment-based visa categories
- ×Research commercialization and immigration are handled separately, doubling complexity
The HQA route
- ✓€175,000 fund contribution, 65% below the Golden Visa threshold
- ✓Matched to an R&D project at one of 70+ Portuguese universities aligned with your expertise
- ✓Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle all legal work end-to-end
- ✓IP and commercialization rights stay with you, not the university
- ✓Residency for you and your family with a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10
Inside the product
A fully managed concierge experience from application to settlement
Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle every step so you can focus on your research and relocation.
University R&D matching
Get matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on a project aligned with your professional background and interests.
End-to-end immigration legal work
Portuguese immigration lawyers manage your application, documentation, and government liaison from start to finish.
You keep the IP
Intellectual property and commercialization rights from your R&D project remain with you, not the host university.
Family residency included
Your residency permit gives you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal.
Government-endorsed provider
Empowered Startups is the only Government of Portugal endorsed provider of the HQA program.
Potential tax advantages
Access Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, including exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and preferential personal income tax rates for up to 10 years.
Endorsed and partnered with
Government of PortugalInstituto Politécnico de TomarKIPT CoLAB70+ Portuguese research institutions
Your path
From application to Portuguese residency in four steps
Start fast and see the difference within weeks.
Initial consultation
Book a call to discuss your professional background, research interests, and goals. We assess fit and walk you through program details and the associated investment.
R&D project matching
Get matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on a project aligned with your expertise. You choose the project direction.
Application and legal processing
Portuguese immigration lawyers handle all documentation, submission, and government liaison. You contribute €175,000 to the program fund.
Residency and relocation
Receive your Portuguese residency permit. Move with your family, access the business incubator, and begin your R&D project with full IP ownership.
€175KRequired fund contribution
70+Portuguese university and research partners
$37MForeign direct investment driven
650+Innovation projects delivered
Common questions
Questions about the HQA Visa Program
What is the Portugal HQA Visa Program?+
The HQA Visa Program is a residency-by-innovation pathway for highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics. Participants contribute €175,000 to a fund and are matched with a Portuguese research institution to develop an R&D project, earning Portuguese residency for themselves and their families.
How is the HQA program different from the Golden Visa?+
The HQA program requires a €175,000 contribution compared to the Golden Visa's €500,000 threshold. Instead of a passive investment, you engage in an R&D project aligned with your expertise at a Portuguese university. You retain the intellectual property, and the program is delivered by the only Government of Portugal endorsed provider.
Who is the HQA program designed for?+
Highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and academics with advanced expertise in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, science, or business. Ideal candidates have research experience, entrepreneurial backgrounds, or significant professional accomplishments they want to bring to Portugal.
Do I keep the intellectual property from my research project?+
Yes. The intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your R&D project remain with you, not the host university. This is a core feature of the HQA program.
Can my family come with me?+
Yes. Your Portuguese residency permit gives you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal. The permit also opens a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
Are there business performance requirements?+
No. The HQA program does not impose business performance requirements. Its core focus is advancing research and innovation activities in partnership with Portuguese institutions.
What tax advantages are available?+
Participants may access Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, which can include exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and capital gains, as well as preferential personal income tax treatment for up to 10 years.
Is Empowered Startups officially recognized by the Portuguese government?+
Yes. Empowered Startups is the only Government of Portugal endorsed provider of the HQA program. The company has received an official endorsement video from the Government of Portugal, and its President Chris Lennon has met with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
Get started
Find out if the HQA program fits your profile
Book a confidential call with our team. We will assess your eligibility, explain the investment, and answer your questions before you decide anything.
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