Portugal HQA Visa: An Independent, Verified Guide
The Portugal HQA visa is a residence route for highly qualified activity. Article 90 does not set a minimum investment payment. Some private providers sell packages that include company and research-project services; their price and scope are provider-specific. Packages are often quoted near €175,000, reported by providers, October 2026. No government body sets or checks them. This site explains what those packages are, what they are not, and how long the road to Portuguese nationality now takes.
Last verified: 19 October 2026
This site gives general information, not legal, tax or investment advice. Rules change. Speak to a qualified Portuguese lawyer before you commit money.
Key facts
No minimum payment in article 90. Article 90 does not set a minimum investment payment. Some private providers sell packages that include company and research-project services; their price and scope are provider-specific.
€175,000 is a reported price. Incubator and university research packages are sold at about €170,000 to €200,000, reported by providers, October 2026. No government body sets or checks them.
Citizenship takes 10 years. Since 19 May 2026, most applicants need 10 years of legal residence. EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language need 7.
Absence limits apply. A temporary permit may be cancelled after more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months, outside Portugal during the permit's total validity. The Golden Visa's 7-day rule does not apply.
Sources: Lei 23/2007, Lei Orgânica 1/2026. Package prices are reported by providers. See how we verify.
What the HQA visa actually is
"HQA" stands for highly qualified activity. It is not the name of a law or a government program. It is a label for two legal tools:
- The D3 residence visa (article 61), which lets you enter Portugal to carry out highly qualified work.
- The residence permit for highly qualified activity (article 90), which lets you stay and renew.
These tools were built for skilled workers, researchers and founders. An investment package is one way to qualify, not the only one. A job contract with a Portuguese employer that meets the salary and qualification rules can lead to the same permit with no investment at all.
What the €175,000 packages are
Private providers combine several services into one price:
- Setting up a Portuguese company
- A place in a certified incubator
- A research and development project with a Portuguese university or research center
- Legal and filing fees
In the packages we researched, the money funds a company and a research project. Whether any part is refundable, held in escrow or repayable depends on the provider's contract. Read the refund and return terms before you pay.
Lisbon at sunset.
The honest timeline
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| Stage | When | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Months 2 to 4 (provider estimate) | D3 visa at a Portuguese consulate |
| First permit | Year 0 | AIMA issues a 2-year residence permit |
| Renewals | Years 2 and 5 | Renewed for 3 years at a time |
| Permanent residence | Year 5 | Possible with basic Portuguese and other conditions |
| Citizenship | Year 10 | 10 years of legal residence (7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language) |
Who this route suits, and who it does not
It can suit you if:
- You have a business or research idea you want to build in Portugal
- You can meet the absence limits on a temporary permit
- You can treat the investment as money at risk
It is likely the wrong route if:
- You want a residence permit with minimal time in Portugal
- You need to be certain of getting your capital back
- You want Portuguese nationality in less than 10 years (7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language)
HQA packages and the Golden Visa
Scroll sideways to see the full table.
| HQA investment package | Golden Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum set by law | None | €250,000 to €500,000, depending on the option |
| Typical cost | About €175,000 (reported by providers, October 2026) | €500,000 for the fund route |
| Time in Portugal | A temporary permit may be cancelled after more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months, outside Portugal during the permit's total validity | 7 days in year 1, then 14 days |
| Family waiting period | None for art. 90 holders | None |
| Citizenship | 10 years of legal residence | 10 years of legal residence |
Before you sign with any provider
Download our free HQA due diligence checklist. It lists the 15 questions to ask a provider, the contract terms to check and the red flags we see most often.
Thank you. The checklist is ready to download.
Download the checklistGuides
- What is the HQA visa? The legal basis in plain English
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- Portugal HQA Visa Investment: What €175,000 Actually Buys
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa cost: the full breakdown
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa requirements and who qualifies
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa citizenship under the 10-year rule
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa presence rules: how long you must stay
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa and IFICI tax: who actually qualifies
Last verified: 20 October 2026
- Portugal HQA vs Golden Visa
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- HQA visa family: spouse, children and parents
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- Is the HQA visa legit? A due diligence guide
Last verified: 19 October 2026
- Portugal HQA visa for Americans
Last verified: 20 October 2026
- HQA vs StartUP Visa and Tech Visa
Last verified: 20 October 2026
- HQA visa permanent residency after 5 years
Last verified: 20 October 2026
- HQA visa status and law changes
Last verified: 20 October 2026
How we work
- Independent. We are not a provider and do not sell investment packages.
- Sourced. Every legal claim names its source, and we link the official text where one exists.
- Legal review. We are having every page reviewed by an independent Portuguese lawyer. A page shows its review date once its review is complete.
- Dated. Every page shows when we last checked it. We log changes on our status page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the HQA visa a real visa?
The underlying visa and permit are real and are set out in articles 61 and 90 of Lei 23/2007. "HQA visa" is an informal label, not an official program name.
Is €175,000 the official minimum?
No. Article 90 does not set a minimum investment payment. Some private providers sell packages that include company and research-project services; their price and scope are provider-specific. €175,000 is reported by providers, October 2026. No government body sets or checks it.
How long until I can get Portuguese citizenship?
Under Lei Orgânica 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026, most applicants need 10 years of legal residence. EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language need 7.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Family members of article 90 permit holders are exempt from the 2-year waiting period that applies to most other permits since October 2025.
Do I need to live in Portugal?
The law does not set a number of days you must be in Portugal. A temporary permit may be cancelled after more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 non-consecutive months, outside Portugal during the permit's total validity, unless the absence is justified.