Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle all legal work from application to residency permits.
Only Government of Portugal endorsed HQA provider€175K contribution vs €500K Golden Visa
A faster, simpler route to Portuguese residency
The HQA Visa Program matches your expertise with a research project at one of 70+ Portuguese universities. Our team manages the immigration. You keep the intellectual property.
A 30-minute conversation to assess fit and answer your questions.
€175KRequired contribution (vs €500K Golden Visa)
70+Portuguese research institutions and universities
$37MForeign direct investment driven
650+Innovation projects completed
Endorsed and partnered with
Government of PortugalKIPT CoLABInstituto Politécnico de Tomar
Getting started
Four steps to Portuguese residency
A clear path from first step to measurable outcome.
Initial consultation
Discuss your background, research interests, and eligibility with the Empowered Startups team.
Project matching
Get paired with a Portuguese university on an R&D project that fits your expertise and goals.
Legal processing
Portuguese immigration lawyers prepare and submit your residency application on your behalf.
Relocate and settle
Receive your residency permits and move to Portugal with your family.
What you get
Everything handled, from application to arrival
A fully managed concierge experience that supports you at every stage.
Concierge immigration service
Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle all legal work from application to residency permits.
R&D project matching
Get paired with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on a project aligned with your professional background.
You keep the IP
Intellectual property and commercialization rights from your research stay with you, not the university.
Business incubator access
Connect with Portuguese business leaders, researchers, and commercialization opportunities through the Empowered Startups incubator.
Tax advantages
Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) regime offers exemptions on certain foreign income and capital gains, plus preferential tax rates for up to 10 years.
Family residency
Residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal.
Versus the old way
HQA Visa vs Golden Visa
Common questions
Questions about the HQA Visa Program
What is the HQA Visa Program?+
The HQA Visa Program offers Portuguese residency to highly skilled professionals and academics who develop high-value R&D projects in partnership with Portuguese research institutions. It is a faster, more affordable alternative to the Golden Visa.
How much does the program cost?+
The required fund contribution is €175,000, compared to €500,000 for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Book a call for full program details specific to your situation.
How long until permanent residency and citizenship?+
The initial residency permit opens a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
Who owns the intellectual property from the research?+
You do. All intellectual property and commercialization rights from your R&D project remain with you, not the university.
Can my family join me in Portugal?+
Yes. Residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal.
What tax advantages are available?+
Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime may offer exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and capital gains, plus preferential personal income tax rates 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. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro met with President Chris Lennon, and the government released an official endorsement video on May 5, 2025.
Take the next step
Ready to explore Portuguese residency?
Book a call to discuss your eligibility, the program details, and whether the HQA Visa is the right fit for you and your family.
Book a call→