Premium Residency Programme

HQA — Portugal's Highly Qualified Activity Programme

A premium residency pathway for entrepreneurs and professionals, combining company formation with university R&D at a fraction of the Golden Visa cost.

What Is the HQA Programme?

The Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) programme is a structured residency pathway built on Portugal's D3 visa category — the visa class reserved for highly qualified professionals and entrepreneurs engaged in research and innovation. Unlike traditional startup visas, the HQA programme combines the formation of a Portuguese company with a formal R&D partnership at a Portuguese public research institution, creating a legally robust foundation for long-term residency.

The programme operates as a three-year incubation arrangement. Your company is incorporated in Portugal and paired with one of several accredited public universities, where your R&D activities are hosted and supervised. This structure satisfies the D3 visa's requirement for highly qualified professional activity while giving you access to Portugal's thriving innovation ecosystem, EU research funding opportunities, and world-class academic infrastructure.

The HQA offers two distinct participation pathways, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants — from hands-on founders to passive investors seeking residency without operational involvement.

Active Pathway

Hands-On Startup

Ideal for entrepreneurs who want to actively build and manage their company. You participate directly in R&D activities at the partnering university, shape your company's research agenda, and engage with Portugal's startup ecosystem. This pathway suits founders with a specific innovation focus or technology they wish to develop within the EU market.

Passive Pathway

Investment in Qualifying Projects

Designed for professionals and investors who prefer residency without day-to-day operational involvement. You invest in qualifying R&D projects managed by the partnering university, and your company participates in the incubation programme on your behalf. This pathway delivers the same residency benefits and IFICI eligibility without requiring you to be physically present or operationally active.

Modern university research laboratory in Portugal
Why HQA

Key Benefits

The HQA programme offers a compelling combination of affordability, speed, and flexibility that positions it as the leading alternative to the Golden Visa.

€175K

Fraction of Golden Visa Cost

The total HQA investment is approximately €175,000 — roughly 35% of the €500,000 required for a Golden Visa fund subscription. A significantly more capital-efficient path to Portuguese residency with identical long-term outcomes.

3–5 Months

Faster Than Golden Visa

While Golden Visa applications currently take 18 to 24 months to process, the HQA programme delivers your residence permit in just three to five months from initial engagement. No years-long backlog, no uncertain waiting periods.

No Mandatory 183-Day Stay

The HQA programme does not require you to spend 183 days per year in Portugal. Maintain your existing lifestyle, business operations, and travel schedule while holding valid Portuguese residency. True geographic flexibility.

Full Family Inclusion

Include your spouse or civil partner, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application. All family members receive residency permits and access to Portuguese healthcare, education, and the full Schengen Area.

20%

IFICI Tax Eligibility

HQA holders qualify for the IFICI regime (formerly NHR), providing a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income and potential exemptions on foreign-sourced income for 10 years. The D3 visa's highly qualified activity classification is among the strongest IFICI qualifying categories.

5 Years

Path to EU Citizenship

After five years of legal residency, you become eligible for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport. Visa-free access to 180+ countries, and the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union — for you and your family.

Eligibility

Who Qualifies?

The HQA programme has streamlined eligibility requirements with no business plan, revenue targets, or job creation obligations.

Personal Requirements

  • Clean criminal record from your country of origin and any country of residence in the past year
  • Relevant industry experience or a tertiary degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate) in a qualifying field
  • Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
  • No specific age restrictions — the programme is open to applicants of all ages
  • No Portuguese language requirement at the application stage

Programme Requirements

  • Available capital of approximately €175,000 to cover the full programme investment
  • No business plan required — the R&D framework is provided by the partnering university
  • No revenue targets or profitability milestones to meet during the incubation period
  • No job creation obligations — you are not required to hire Portuguese employees
  • Willingness to engage with the university's research framework (active or passive participation)
Investment

Investment Structure

The HQA programme follows a phased payment structure with built-in refund protection at every stage.

Payment 1
€10,000
Due Diligence & Onboarding

Paid upon engagement. Covers your initial due diligence review, eligibility assessment, university matching, and programme onboarding. This payment initiates the formal process.

Payment 2
€80,000
At SEF Appointment

Paid when your SEF (immigration) appointment is confirmed. This instalment funds the company formation, university R&D agreement, and your formal application preparation.

Refundable
Payment 3
€80,000
At Residence ID Issuance

Paid upon issuance of your Portuguese residence identification card. This final instalment completes the programme investment and activates your full three-year incubation period.

Refundable

100% Refund Guarantee: If your HQA application is rejected at any stage, the two €80,000 instalments are fully refundable. The €10,000 onboarding fee and a €5,000 service fee are non-refundable. Total programme cost: approximately €175,000 including all fees.

Your Journey

How It Works

From initial engagement to holding your residence permit, the HQA programme follows a clear, structured six-step process.

1

Due Diligence

We conduct a comprehensive review of your background, qualifications, and financial standing. This includes verifying your criminal record, assessing your professional experience or academic credentials, and confirming your eligibility for the D3 visa category. We also identify the optimal university partner and research area based on your profile and interests. This stage typically takes one to two weeks.

2

University Interview

You participate in a structured interview with representatives from the partnering university. This is not an academic examination — it is a professional dialogue to align your background and objectives with the university's research framework. The interview confirms the R&D partnership and establishes the formal basis for your company's incubation. Interviews are conducted remotely and typically last 30 to 45 minutes.

3

Service Agreement

Upon successful interview, you sign the formal service agreement and your Portuguese company is incorporated. The R&D agreement between your company and the partnering university is executed, and all supporting documentation for the D3 visa application is prepared. Your company is registered with Portuguese tax authorities and enrolled in the university's incubation programme.

4

SEF Appointment

Your appointment with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) is scheduled. You travel to Portugal for the biometric appointment, where your fingerprints and photograph are captured for your residence permit. Our team accompanies you throughout this process, ensuring all documentation is in order and the appointment proceeds without complications. The second programme payment (€80,000) is due at this stage.

5

Application Submission

Your complete D3 visa application is formally submitted to Portuguese immigration authorities. The dossier includes your company registration, university R&D agreement, biometric data, criminal record clearance, and all supporting financial and personal documentation. Processing typically takes four to six weeks from submission, during which our legal team monitors progress and responds to any requests for additional information.

6

Permit Extension & Renewal

Upon approval, you receive your Portuguese residence permit. The final programme payment (€80,000) is made, and your three-year incubation period formally begins. Your initial residence card is valid for two years and renewable for successive periods. After five years of continuous legal residence, you become eligible for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. We provide ongoing support through renewals, family reunification, IFICI registration, and your eventual citizenship application.

Comparison

HQA vs Golden Visa vs D7

Understand how the HQA programme compares to Portugal's other major residency pathways across investment, timeline, and flexibility.

Criteria HQA Programme Golden Visa D7 Visa
Minimum Investment €175,000 €500,000 (fund subscription) No investment required
Processing Time 3–5 months 18–24 months 3–6 months
Stay Requirement No mandatory 183-day stay 7 days in year 1, 14 days in subsequent years Must maintain habitual residence
Family Reunification Spouse, children, dependent parents Spouse, children, dependent parents Spouse, children, dependent parents
IFICI Eligibility Yes — strong qualifying category Yes — if tax resident Yes — if tax resident
Path to Citizenship 5 years 5 years 5 years
Income Requirement None None €820/month minimum
Business Plan Required No No No
Refund if Rejected Yes — €160K refundable Varies by fund N/A
Research Areas

Qualifying Sectors

The HQA programme supports R&D across a wide range of high-impact sectors aligned with Portugal's innovation priorities.

AI & Machine Learning
Biotechnology
Renewable Energy
Healthcare
E-commerce
Fintech
SaaS
AgriTech
Blockchain
STEM Fields
Creative Professions
EdTech
Academic Partners

Partnering Universities

The HQA programme partners with accredited Portuguese public research institutions across the country, each offering specialised R&D capabilities.

Universidade do Algarve

Based in Faro, with strong programmes in marine sciences, biomedical research, tourism innovation, and environmental engineering.

Universidade de Évora

Located in the Alentejo region, specialising in agricultural sciences, heritage studies, geosciences, and renewable energy research.

Politécnica de Leiria

A polytechnic institution in central Portugal with expertise in engineering, health sciences, design, and applied computing research.

Instituto Politécnico de Bragança

In the northeast, known for agri-food technology, environmental sciences, industrial engineering, and sustainable development research.

Our Expertise

Why Choose Portugal Prime for HQA

We are one of Portugal's most experienced HQA advisory firms, with deep university relationships and a proven track record of successful applications.

End-to-End Management

From initial eligibility assessment through to citizenship, we manage every stage of the HQA process. Company incorporation, university matching, SEF appointments, documentation, and renewals — all handled by our dedicated team.

Direct University Partnerships

We maintain established relationships with all four partnering universities, ensuring fast interview scheduling, smooth onboarding, and alignment between your profile and the optimal research institution.

Refund-Protected Structure

Our phased payment model means you never commit the full programme investment upfront. With €160,000 of the total investment refundable if your application is unsuccessful, your capital is protected throughout the process.

Integrated Wealth Advisory

Beyond immigration, we provide IFICI tax registration, global tax structuring, property advisory, and estate planning. Your HQA residency is the foundation of a comprehensive Portugal relocation strategy.

Common Questions

HQA Programme FAQ

Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Portugal's Highly Qualified Activity programme.

What is the HQA programme and how does it differ from a standard startup visa?

The HQA (Highly Qualified Activity) programme is built on Portugal's D3 visa category, which is designated for highly qualified professionals and entrepreneurs. Unlike a standard startup visa, the HQA does not require a business plan, revenue projections, or proof of a viable startup concept. Instead, it structures your residency around a formal R&D partnership with a Portuguese public university, with your company incubated over a three-year period. This creates a legally robust and repeatable pathway that is not dependent on the commercial success of a startup.

How much does the HQA programme cost in total?

The total programme investment is approximately €175,000, paid in three instalments: €10,000 at onboarding, €80,000 at your SEF appointment, and €80,000 upon residence card issuance. There is also a €5,000 service fee. This compares favourably to the Golden Visa, which requires a minimum €500,000 fund subscription. Importantly, €160,000 of the HQA investment is refundable if your application is rejected.

Do I need to live in Portugal to maintain my HQA residency?

No. The HQA programme does not impose a mandatory 183-day annual residency requirement. You have flexibility to maintain your existing lifestyle, business operations, and travel schedule. However, if you intend to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years, you should maintain sufficient ties to Portugal and meet the general residency requirements for naturalisation. Our advisory team can guide you on maintaining the appropriate balance.

Can I include my family in the HQA application?

Yes. The HQA programme supports full family reunification. You can include your spouse or civil partner, dependent children (including adult children up to age 26 in full-time education), and dependent parents aged 65 and over. All family members receive residency permits with the same validity as the main applicant and have access to Portuguese healthcare, education, and free movement within the Schengen Area.

What qualifications or experience do I need to apply?

You need either relevant professional experience in a qualifying sector or a tertiary degree (bachelor's, master's, or doctorate). The programme accepts a wide range of backgrounds, from technology and finance to healthcare and creative professions. There is no Portuguese language requirement at the application stage, and the university interview is conducted in English. A clean criminal record is required.

Is the HQA programme eligible for IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax benefits?

Yes. The D3 visa's classification as a highly qualified activity makes it one of the strongest qualifying categories for the IFICI regime. Eligible HQA holders can benefit from a flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced employment and self-employment income, along with potential exemptions on certain categories of foreign-sourced income for a period of 10 years. We recommend registering for IFICI as part of your overall relocation strategy, and our tax advisory team handles the full registration process.

What happens if my HQA application is rejected?

The HQA programme includes a refund guarantee. If your application is rejected at any stage, the two €80,000 instalments (totalling €160,000) are fully refunded. Only the initial €10,000 onboarding fee and the €5,000 service fee are non-refundable. Our thorough due diligence process is designed to identify and resolve potential issues before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

How long does it take to get my HQA residence permit?

The typical timeline from initial engagement to holding your residence permit is three to five months. This includes approximately two weeks for due diligence, one to two weeks for the university interview, two to three weeks for company formation and documentation, and four to six weeks for immigration processing. This is dramatically faster than the Golden Visa, which currently takes 18 to 24 months due to processing backlogs.

Start Your HQA Application

Our team manages the entire process — from eligibility assessment and university matching to your residence permit and beyond.

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