Empowered Startups is the only provider of the HQA program endorsed by the Government of Portugal, with an official endorsement video and direct engagement with the Prime Minister.
Only Government of Portugal endorsed HQA provider€175K contribution vs €500K Golden Visa
Portuguese residency built on your research
The HQA Visa Program matches highly skilled professionals and academics with 70+ Portuguese research institutions. Government-endorsed, lawyer-administered, and fully managed from application to settlement.
Initial conversation determines fit and walks you through the program details.
The toolkit
A fully managed residency program, not a DIY application
Every element is handled by specialists with direct government relationships and institutional access.
Government-endorsed provider
Empowered Startups is the only provider of the HQA program endorsed by the Government of Portugal, with an official endorsement video and direct engagement with the Prime Minister.
Lawyer-administered immigration
Portuguese immigration lawyers manage your application, documentation, and government liaison from start to finish.
R&D project matching
You are matched with one of 70+ Portuguese research institutions on a project aligned with your professional background and interests.
You keep your IP
Intellectual property and commercialization rights from your research stay with you, not the university.
Family residency included
Residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal, with a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10.
Tax advantages through IFICI
Potential exemptions on certain foreign-sourced income and capital gains, plus preferential personal income tax treatment for up to 10 years under Portugal's NHR 2.0 regime.
Your path
From initial conversation to life in Portugal
From first touch to real results, without the guesswork.
Book an initial conversation
A structured call to determine fit, answer your questions, and walk you through what participation involves and the associated investment.
Get matched to an R&D project
Based on your professional background and interests, you are paired with a Portuguese research institution on a high-value innovation project.
Lawyers handle your application
Portuguese immigration lawyers and business experts prepare and submit all documentation, managing government liaison throughout.
Relocate and settle
Receive your residency permit, access the business incubator ecosystem, and begin your research and life in Portugal with your family.
$37MForeign direct investment generated
650+Innovation projects completed
70+Portuguese research university partnerships
600+Student research placements
Compare
HQA Visa vs the Portuguese Golden Visa
HQA VisaGolden Visa
Required contribution✓×
€175,000 vs €500,000✓×
Connected to your professional expertise✓×
R&D project at a Portuguese university✓×
You retain IP and commercialization rights✓×
Government of Portugal endorsed provider✓×
Lawyer-administered end-to-end✓×
Family residency and work rights✓✓
Pathway to citizenship after 10 years✓✓
Answers
Questions professionals and academics ask
What is the Portugal HQA Visa Program?+
The HQA Visa Program offers Portuguese residency to highly skilled professionals and academics who develop high-value R&D projects in partnership with Portuguese research institutions. It is a faster, more cost-effective alternative to the Golden Visa, with a required fund contribution of €175,000.
Is Empowered Startups officially recognized by the Portuguese government?+
Yes. 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, and its President Chris Lennon has met directly with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
Do I keep the intellectual property from my research project?+
Yes. The intellectual property and commercialization rights developed through your R&D project remain with you as the participant, not the university or research institution.
Can my family come with me?+
Yes. Portuguese residency permits give you and your family the right to live and work in Portugal. The program also provides a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10 years.
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, as well as preferential personal income tax treatment for up to 10 years.
How does the cost compare to the Golden Visa?+
The HQA program requires a fund contribution of €175,000, compared to the Golden Visa's €500,000 threshold, making it less than half the cost while being directly connected to your professional expertise.
Ready when you are
Find out if the HQA Visa is right for you
Book a confidential call with our team. We will answer your questions, walk you through the program, and help you determine whether there is a good fit before you decide anything.
Book a call→