HQA vs StartUP Visa Portugal: And the Tech Visa
HQA vs Startup Visa Portugal is a common comparison because the routes look alike: both involve a young company and an incubator. The difference is in the legal basis. HQA packages aim for a residence permit for highly qualified activity under article 90. The StartUP Visa uses article 89, which has different family rules. The Tech Visa is a third route, for people hired by a certified company.
Last verified: 20 October 2026
This page is general information, not legal advice.
Key facts
Different articles. HQA uses article 90, the StartUP Visa uses article 89, the Tech Visa uses article 90 through a certified company.
Family rules differ. Article 90 families are exempt from the 2-year wait. Article 89 families are not in that list, so the wait applies unless one of the exceptions does.
Different costs. HQA packages cost about €175,000, reported by providers, October 2026. No government body sets or checks that price. The StartUP Visa has no investment minimum.
All lead to the same citizenship rule. 10 years of legal residence for most nationals.
Article 90 families and the 2-year wait are explained on the family page. The package price is explained on the cost page. The shared citizenship rule is explained in the citizenship guide.
The three routes side by side
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| HQA investment package | StartUP Visa | Tech Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Articles 61 and 90 | Article 89 | Article 90, Portaria 328/2018 |
| Who it is for | Investors taking a highly qualified role in a funded project | Founders with their own startup idea | Skilled workers hired by a certified company |
| Who approves the company | Provider and its partners | An incubator certified by IAPMEI | IAPMEI certifies the employer |
| Investment | About €175,000 (reported by providers, October 2026) | No minimum; you need funds to support yourself | None |
| Family 2-year wait | Exempt | Not exempt | Exempt |
| Citizenship | 10 years (7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language) | 10 years (7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language) | 10 years (7 for EU nationals and nationals of countries where Portuguese is an official language) |
Which one fits you
HQA investment package
- You want a ready-made structure and are willing to pay for it
- You can meet the absence limits on a temporary permit
- You want family members exempt from the 2-year wait
StartUP Visa
- You have your own business idea and want to build it
- You can get accepted by a certified incubator
- You accept the 2-year wait for family members
Tech Visa
- You have a job offer from a Portuguese company certified for the Tech Visa
- You want residence without investing
Compare before you commit
Our free HQA due diligence checklist helps you compare any package with the StartUP Visa and Tech Visa.
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Download the checklistFrequently asked questions
What is the difference between the HQA visa and the StartUP Visa?
The HQA route uses article 90 (highly qualified activity). The StartUP Visa uses article 89 and needs acceptance by an IAPMEI-certified incubator. The family rules differ.
Is the StartUP Visa cheaper?
There is no investment minimum, but you build and fund your own startup, and incubators may charge fees.
What is the Tech Visa?
A route for skilled workers hired by a company certified for the Tech Visa by IAPMEI. It does not need an investment.
Which route gets citizenship fastest?
None. All three need 10 years of legal residence for most nationals.
Can I switch from the StartUP Visa to an HQA permit later?
Possibly, if you later meet the highly qualified activity conditions. Ask a Portuguese lawyer, because a change of permit type has its own requirements.
Disclaimer
This page gives general information, not legal advice. Speak to a qualified Portuguese lawyer before you choose a route.