Portugal’s HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa) is one of the fastest and most business-friendly pathways to European residency for entrepreneurs, founders, and tech talent. If you’re an ambitious professional looking to launch a company or bring innovation to Portugal, this visa was designed for you.
Let’s break down what the HQA Visa is, who qualifies, and how Borderless Lawyers can guide you through the process successfully.
🧠 What is the HQA Visa in Portugal?
The Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) Visa is a startup-oriented residence visa that allows foreign entrepreneurs and professionals to:
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Launch a company in Portugal
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Collaborate with a Portuguese tech incubator or university
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Gain fast-tracked residency (within 30–60 days)
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Build a pathway to permanent residency and EU citizenship
This visa is unique because it merges entrepreneurship with research-based innovation, and is exempt from minimum physical presence rules in some cases.
✅ Key Benefits of the HQA Visa
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🕒 Fast processing – residence card in 30–60 days
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🧳 Low physical stay requirement – as little as 7 days/year
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🌍 Path to EU citizenship after 5 years
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💼 100% ownership of your startup
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👨👩👧 Family reunification included
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💡 Work with accredited R&D institutions
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📈 No need for local employees or large upfront capital
👤 Who Qualifies for the HQA Visa?
The HQA Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who:
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Want to launch or relocate a tech, research, or innovation-driven business to Portugal
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Can invest at least €175,000 into the project (covers company setup, legal fees, and R&D partnership)
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Have a university degree or proven experience in business, tech, or research
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Have a clean criminal record and valid health insurance
This visa is often chosen by startup founders, business executives, and investors seeking EU mobility and tax-efficient residence.
🏢 HQA vs. D2 Entrepreneur Visa: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | HQA Visa | D2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Innovation & research startups | General small business or freelance |
| Investment Requirement | €175,000 | No minimum, but business funding needed |
| Processing Time | 30–60 days (fast-track) | 3–6 months |
| Incubator Partnership | Mandatory | Optional |
| Physical Presence Requirement | 7 days/year minimum | 183 days/year recommended |
| Ideal For | Startup founders, innovators | Entrepreneurs, freelancers |
🧾 Documents Required for the HQA Visa
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Valid passport
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Detailed business and R&D plan
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Proof of €175,000 investment capability
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University degree or proof of expertise
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Clean criminal background check (apostilled)
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Private health insurance
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Proof of accommodation (can be temporary or incubator-provided)
Important: The HQA visa application must be sponsored by a registered Portuguese incubator or R&D institution.
🛠️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps with Your HQA Visa
We work closely with licensed incubators, legal partners, and tax advisors in Portugal to ensure your HQA application is successful, fast, and fully compliant.
Our HQA Visa Services Include:
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✅ Eligibility assessment
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✅ Custom business plan drafting
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✅ R&D/incubator matching and negotiation
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✅ Investment structure setup
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✅ Company registration and NIF acquisition
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✅ Visa application and legal representation
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✅ Family reunification support
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✅ Post-arrival SEF registration and renewals
📍 Best Cities in Portugal for HQA Entrepreneurs
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Lisbon – Startup hub with global tech community
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Porto – Cost-effective, vibrant innovation ecosystem
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Coimbra – Strong academic and research presence
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Braga – Home to multiple tech incubators
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Aveiro – Focus on green and maritime innovation
🇪🇺 After the HQA Visa: Residency and Citizenship
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Initial residence permit: 2 years
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Renewal: Valid for 3 more years
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After 5 years: Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship
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Minimum stay: Only 7 days/year required to maintain residency
✅ Ready to Launch Your Startup in Portugal?
The HQA Visa is your gateway to the EU’s tech economy, lifestyle, and freedom of movement—without the heavy obligations of traditional visas. Let Borderless Lawyers take care of the legal work so you can focus on building your business.