The HQA Visa Program in Portugal has grown in popularity as it offers a fast-track to residency in Europe. Empowered Startups is the only government-endorsed delivery partner of the program and has successfully supported many entrepreneurs in their journey to Portugal.
Empowered Startups – your HQA Visa delivery partner
Portugal remains a desirable destination in the world of immigration by investment.
For accomplished businesspeople seeking Portuguese residency and citizenship, the HQA Visa Program emerges as a more expedited, cost-effective, and tax-advantageous alternative to the well-known Golden Visa scheme.
The HQA Visa Program offers a swift track to EU residency, catering to transnational entrepreneurs looking to establish roots in Portugal while balancing the demands of their businesses and lives internationally. In contrast to the lengthy processing times associated with the Golden Visa, processing is extremely efficient for the HQA Visa – with recent residency permits issued within four weeks of meeting with Portuguese immigration (AIMA, formerly known as SEF).
Another major advantage of the HQA Visa is that there is no in-country stay requirement as Portuguese law provides an exemption for those whose professional demands require them to operate abroad. What’s more, apart from the valuable tax incentives for foreign entrepreneurs, the required investment for the HQA Visa is significantly less than half of that needed for the Golden Visa investment options. Revenue generated by the new start-up is subject to a flat tax rate of 20% while there is 0% tax paid on foreign-earned income.
Empowered Startups is the only government-endorsed delivery partner of the HQA Visa, and has successfully brought over 70 international entrepreneurs to Portugal since the program’s inception. Through its large network of partnerships with Portuguese universities and polytechnics, Empowered pairs incoming businesspeople with leading R&D facilities to collaborate in launching a new, innovative endeavour.
Read more: Why Empowered Startups is the Perfect Partner for Portugal’s HQA Visa
How to Qualify for the HQA Visa in Portugal
Who qualifies for the HQA Visa, and what does the application process entail?
- Making Contact: Individuals who express interest in the HQA Visa Program are promptly contacted by an experienced member of Empowered’s Intake Selection Team. This initial discussion aims to address queries about the program and assess eligibility.
- Qualification: Eligibility for the HQA Visa requires a proven track record in business, a demonstrated ability to steer an innovative venture toward significant growth, and substantiated funds for program admission. Successful candidates meet with Empowered’s Intake Selection Committee, and assuming all three conditions are met, those eligible receive an invitation to join the program.
- Ideation Phase: The journey toward Portuguese residency and startup launch is facilitated by Empowered’s dedicated legal and operational team. During the ideation phase, collaboration between the entrepreneur and the Portuguese team finalizes the scope of the innovative R&D project that will become the basis of their new start-up. This involves determining which higher institution is best equipped to provide the necessary R&D resources for the start-up during its three-year incubation with Empowered Startups.
- Document Gathering: Concurrent with developing the start-up, the entrepreneur will take steps toward obtaining residency permits for themselves and their family. At the direction of an accomplished immigration lawyer in Portugal, applicants assemble all necessary documentation, expressions of support for their innovative R&D project, and any requisite biographical documents. The lawyer secures an appointment with Portuguese immigration (AIMA) for the entrepreneur, who receives a tangible timeline to plan around. Typically, a confirmed appointment with AIMA falls within four months of the initial acceptance of an offer to pursue an HQA Visa with Empowered Startups.
- Taking Flight: Upon arriving in Portugal for their appointment with AIMA, the entrepreneur meets Empowered’s skilled team and signs a finalized R&D. An immigration lawyer accompanies the entrepreneur to the AIMA appointment – the final step in earning a residency permit. HQA Visa processing is remarkably swift, with a guaranteed response within 60 days and approval often granted within 30 days of the AIMA meeting.
- Incubation Period: Upon receiving the residency permit, the entrepreneur embarks on a three-year incubation with Empowered Startups and the chosen higher education institution that will partner with the innovative R&D start-up. The initial residency permit is valid for two years and renewable for up to three years, paving the way for Portuguese citizenship after a five-year residency period.
The HQA Visa Program – a Portugal Residency Route
The HQA Visa Program offers a direct and expeditious route to obtaining residency in Portugal, coupled with significant financial advantages for transnational entrepreneurs. Check your eligibility and apply today at Empowered Startups. Interested applicants or advisers who wish to learn more can complete the form below.
Learn more: Empowered Startups
