HQA: The smart route to Portuguese residence and citizenship

Portugal has a lot of immigration corridors for prospective residents to choose from. Some are fairly standard, such as work permits and study visas, but others are quite spectacular, like the Golden and D7 visas.

However, one immigration option that does not get enough attention is the magnificent Highly Qualified Activity Visa (HQA), a simplified route for investors that requires a lower outlay than the Golden Visa but comes with a similar set of benefits.

What is the HQA visa?

The Portuguese HQA visa is an exciting initiative designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs to establish their business in the country.

The program is launched by the Portuguese Government in cooperation with the High-Level Qualifications Authority (HLQA).

The main objective of this program is to attract foreign entrepreneurs who have the necessary skills and qualifications to establish their business in Portugal.

The program also seeks to attract innovative companies and projects with the potential to create jobs and generate economic growth.

Through the HQA, applicants only need to invest €175,00 into their own business in Portugal and need to register in a certified business incubator program for three years.

The money stays within the investor’s ownership under their company, and the HQA does not require its holders to physically reside in Portugal to maintain their status.

Investors can also add their spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents to their HQA visa, making it an excellent option for those looking for Portuguese residency that can eventually lead to citizenship after five years, if the conditions of naturalization are met, of course.

The simplicity and affordability of the HQA make it one of the most interesting Portuguese immigration routes.

Who can apply for the HQA

The HQA program is open to any foreign national with a valid passport who is willing to set up a business in Portugal. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed project meets certain criteria, such as having the potential to create jobs, generate economic growth, or contribute to the development of the Portuguese economy.

The HQA Program grants a residence permit for up to two years, with the option of renewing the visa for another two years perpetually as long as the investment is maintained.

The HQA is an excellent opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs to establish their business in Portugal. With its attractive benefits, the program is sure to attract a growing number of entrepreneurs to the country.

It offers a range of benefits to applicants, including access to employment and business opportunities, access to public services, and the ability to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence.

How to apply for an HQA visa?

The process of applying for HQA status is relatively straightforward and can be done remotely. All applicants must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the program, especially the enrollment into a business incubator program.

The process of obtaining HQA status is divided into two stages: the first stage is an application process, which requires applicants to provide information about their professional background, qualifications, and other relevant information.

The second stage is the approval process, where the Portuguese Government assesses the application. Once an applicant has been approved, they must register with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services Agency (SEF) and submit the necessary paperwork.

This includes a copy of their passport, a copy of their university degree, and proof of professional experience. They must also provide proof of their financial resources and health insurance.

Once all the paperwork has been submitted, applicants can apply for a residence permit and begin the process of running their business.

Once an applicant has obtained their residence permit, they must comply with certain requirements to maintain their legal residence in Portugal. These include registering with the local authorities, obtaining a tax identification number, and paying taxes on time.

In addition to the requirements for residence, applicants must also fulfill certain requirements to become eligible for Portuguese citizenship. These include a minimum of five years of legal residence in the country and the ability to speak, read and write Portuguese at an A2 (beginner) level.

HQA is an excellent program for those looking to obtain Portuguese residence and, eventually, citizenship. It is a fast-track route to gaining legal residence in the country and offers a range of benefits to applicants. Furthermore, the process of applying for HQA status is relatively straightforward and can be done online. Overall, HQA is a great option for those looking to live and work in Portugal.

With a lower investment amount compared to the Golden Visa and greater flexibility compared to the D7, the HQA is truly the smart way to immigrate to Portugal.

To know more about the HQA, contact us today to book a free, comprehensive consultation with one of our experts.