Empowered Startups is the only provider of the HQA program endorsed by the Government of Portugal, with an official endorsement video and meetings at the Prime Ministerial level.
Only Government of Portugal endorsed provider€175K vs €500K Golden Visa
Portuguese residency built on your research
The HQA Visa Program matches your professional expertise with one of 70+ Portuguese universities for a fast-tracked residency pathway. You keep the intellectual property, your family gets the right to live and work in Portugal.
Initial conversation to determine fit and walk through program details.
HQA Visa Program
You are matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions and universities to undertake a high-value R&D project aligned with your professional background and interests.
Intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your research project remain with you, not the university. Your work stays yours.
€175KRequired contribution vs €500K Golden Visa
70+Portuguese research institutions and universities
$37MIn foreign direct investment driven
650+Innovation projects delivered
The case for change
A residency pathway designed for innovators, not just investors
Traditional immigration routes reward capital alone. The HQA Visa rewards your expertise.
The traditional route
- ×Golden Visa requires €500,000 with no connection to your professional work
- ×Innovation-focused professionals don't fit standard employment-based immigration categories
- ×Self-managed applications risk denials, wasted fees, and damaged future prospects
- ×Navigating foreign immigration systems without specialized expertise is overwhelming
- ×No clear path to commercialize your research in a new country
The HQA route
- ✓€175,000 fund contribution - 65% less than the Golden Visa threshold
- ✓Matched with a Portuguese research institution on an R&D project aligned to your background
- ✓Portuguese immigration lawyers handle all legal work end-to-end
- ✓Intellectual property and commercialization rights stay with you, not the university
- ✓Access to a Portuguese business incubator and innovation ecosystem
Your path
From application to arrival in four stages
Start fast and see the difference within weeks.
Initial assessment
Book a call to determine whether the HQA program fits your profile, goals, and qualifications. We walk you through what participation involves and the associated investment.
R&D project matching
Based on your professional background and interests, you are matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions and universities to define a high-value R&D project.
Immigration legal work
Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle all documentation, application submission, and government liaison on your behalf.
Relocation and settlement
Receive your residency permits, relocate with your family, and access the Portuguese business incubator and innovation ecosystem to begin your R&D work.
The toolkit
A fully managed concierge experience from application to settlement
Every step is handled by Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts.
Government-endorsed provider
Empowered Startups is the only provider of the HQA program endorsed by the Government of Portugal, with an official endorsement video and meetings at the Prime Ministerial level.
R&D project matching
You are matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions and universities to undertake a high-value R&D project aligned with your professional background and interests.
You keep the IP
Intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your research project remain with you, not the university. Your work stays yours.
Family residency included
Residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal, with a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
Business incubator access
Gain entry to Empowered Startups' Portuguese business incubator, connecting you with business leaders, researchers, and commercialization opportunities across Portugal.
Potential tax advantages
The program may offer significant tax benefits through Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) regime, including exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and preferential income tax treatment for up to 10 years.
Good to know
Questions about the HQA Visa Program
What is the Portugal HQA Visa Program?+
The HQA Visa Program offers Portuguese residency to highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics who commit to developing high-value R&D projects in partnership with Portuguese research institutions. It is a fast-tracked, cost-effective alternative to the traditional Golden Visa, with a required fund contribution of €175,000 compared to the Golden Visa's €500,000 threshold.
Who is the HQA program designed for?+
The program is designed for highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and academics seeking to establish themselves in Portugal through research, development, and business activity. Ideal candidates combine advanced expertise with an interest in commercializing research and relocating to Europe.
Do I keep the intellectual property from my R&D project?+
Yes. The intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your research project remain with you, not the university. This is a core distinction of the HQA program.
Can my family come with me?+
Yes. The initial residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal. The program also provides a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 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 President Chris Lennon has met with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
Are there tax advantages to the HQA program?+
The program may offer significant tax advantages through Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, including exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and capital gains, as well as preferential personal income tax treatment for up to 10 years.
Are there business performance requirements?+
No. The program does not impose business performance requirements. Its core focus is advancing research and innovation activities in partnership with Portuguese institutions.
Next step
Find out if the HQA program fits your profile
Book a call with our team to discuss your qualifications, research interests, and the pathway to Portuguese residency. We will walk you through the program, what participation involves, and the associated investment so you have everything you need before deciding.
Book a call