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Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Program Type:
Active Investor Visa
Processing Time:
2 months
Citizenship Timeline:
5-6 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
5 years
Physical Presence Required:
N/A
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
187 countries
Minimum Contribution:
€175,000
Contribution Options:
Business Investment
On This Page
Program Overview
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Often described as a hybrid between Portugal’s other popular means-based visas, the Golden Visa and the D7 Visa, the HQA gives third-country nationals the opportunity to establish their own company in Portugal by investing EUR 175,000 (an amount that includes business formation costs and visa application fees) in their new business. The business must take part in a government-approved incubator program for the first three years but there are no job-creation or business performance requirements.
As with the Golden Visa, physical presence requirements are minimal and passive-type investments are permitted. Application processing times, however, are far shorter than for the Golden Visa.
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
How to Qualify
Applicants must establish a new corporation in Portugal into which they must invest €175,000. Furthermore, applicants must obtain the support of an HQA business incubator.
All application fees and company formation costs are included in the €175,000 investment.
The startup founder must participate in one of the government-approved business incubators for at least three years. The applicant is free to take a hands-off approach by appointing managers to handle day-to-day operations.
Applicants may include their spouses and up to two other dependents in their applications.
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Salient Benefits
- Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
- Path to citizenship
- Minimal physical presence requirements
- Permits dual/muliple citizenship
- Lower cost of living
- Safety and security
- Warm climate
- Enhanced education opportunities
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Short processing time
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
The initial HQA visa is valid for four months. After receiving approval, the applicant must travel to Portugal to obtain their two-year HQA residence permit. After two years, applicants can extend their residence permits by a further three years.
After five years of residency, the applicant may apply for permanent residency, as well as citizenship. Prospective citizens must command basic Portuguese.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to AIMA.
Legislation upon which this program is based Portugal’s Immigration Act, Article 61(A) and 90 of REPSAE.
Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
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Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
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Portugal Highly Qualified Activities (HQA) Visa (D3)
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.