Portuguese immigration lawyers prepare and submit your residency application. You and your family receive permits to live and work in Portugal.
Endorsed by the Government of Portugal70+ Portuguese research institutions
Portuguese residency through your research
A concierge pathway for highly skilled professionals and academics. Contribute €175,000 - a fraction of the Golden Visa - and get matched with a top Portuguese university to lead an R&D project you own.
Initial conversation to determine fit and walk you through what participation involves.
Recognized and partnered with
Government of PortugalInstituto Politécnico de TomarKIPT CoLAB70+ Portuguese research institutions
The case for change
A faster, lower-cost route to European residency
The traditional Golden Visa demands €500,000 and ties your capital to real estate or funds. The HQA Visa gets you to the same destination for €175,000 - through work you already care about.
The traditional route
- ×Golden Visa requires a €500,000 minimum contribution
- ×Capital locked in real estate or investment funds with no personal upside
- ×No connection to your professional expertise or research interests
- ×Complex immigration paperwork navigated alone or through generic agencies
The HQA route
- +€175,000 contribution - 65% less than the Golden Visa threshold
- +Matched with one of 70+ Portuguese universities on an R&D project you choose
- +You retain all intellectual property and commercialization rights
- +Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts handle every step
Capabilities
Everything handled, from application to arrival
One program. One team. Full concierge support across immigration, research matching, and settlement.
Immigration legal work included
Portuguese immigration lawyers prepare and submit your residency application. You and your family receive permits to live and work in Portugal.
R&D project matching
Get paired with a Portuguese research institution on a project aligned with your background and interests. You choose the direction.
You keep the IP
Intellectual property and commercialization rights from your research stay with you - not the university.
Business incubator access
Tap into Empowered Startups' Portuguese business incubator and connect with leaders, researchers, and commercialization opportunities.
Path to citizenship
Permanent residency after 5 years. Portuguese citizenship after 10 years. Your family receives residency rights from day one.
Potential tax advantages
Eligibility for Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, including exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and preferential rates for up to 10 years.
€175KRequired contribution vs €500K Golden Visa
70+Portuguese research institutions available
$37MForeign direct investment generated
650+Innovation projects completed
Getting started
Four steps to Portuguese residency
A clear path from first step to measurable outcome.
Initial conversation
Book a call to discuss your background, research interests, and goals. We determine whether the HQA program is the right fit for you.
Project matching
We match you with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on an R&D project aligned with your expertise and interests.
Application and legal work
Portuguese immigration lawyers handle your residency application end to end. You contribute €175,000 and submit your project plan.
Relocate and build
Receive your residency permit, move to Portugal with your family, and begin your R&D project with full IP ownership.
How we compare
HQA Visa vs Golden Visa
HQA VisaGolden Visa
Minimum contribution+×
€175,000 vs €500,000+×
R&D project aligned to your expertise+×
You retain intellectual property rights+×
Government of Portugal endorsed provider+×
Business incubator and ecosystem access+×
Potential IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax advantages+×
Family residency and work rights++
Path to permanent residency and citizenship++
FAQ
Questions about the HQA Visa Program
What is the HQA Visa Program?+
The Portugal HQA Visa Program offers residency to highly skilled professionals and academics who commit to developing high-value R&D projects with Portuguese research institutions. It is a faster, lower-cost alternative to the Golden Visa.
How much does it cost?+
The required fund contribution is €175,000, compared to €500,000 for the Portuguese Golden Visa. Additional program fees depend on your individual profile and project. Book a call for specifics.
Who is the HQA program for?+
Highly qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and academics with advanced expertise in fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, science, or business who want to relocate to Portugal through research and innovation.
Do I keep the intellectual property from my research?+
Yes. All intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your R&D project remain with you, not the university or research institution.
Can my family come with me?+
Yes. Your residency permit gives you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal from the start.
What is the path to permanent residency and citizenship?+
You become eligible for permanent residency after 5 years and Portuguese citizenship after 10 years.
Is Empowered Startups officially recognized?+
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 has met with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
Are there tax advantages?+
The HQA 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, plus preferential personal income tax rates for up to 10 years.
Ready when you are
Ready to explore Portuguese residency through your research?
Book a confidential call. We will walk you through the program, what participation involves, and the associated investment - so you can decide if it is right for you.
Book a call