Over the past 18 months, the HQA Visa has emerged as a serious alternative to the Portugal Golden Visa — and it’s now formally endorsed by the Portuguese government.
In February 2023, Empowered Startups received official recognition to administer the HQA programme, developed in collaboration with leading Portuguese research and innovation institutions. The intention was clear: create a high-calibre migration route for accomplished entrepreneurs, senior executives and internationally active investors who want a European base without parking €500,000 into a passive fund structure.
The Golden Visa remains the cleanest “capital-only” solution. €500,000 into a regulated fund, minimal stay requirements, five-year citizenship pathway (subject to the law at the time). Simple and effective.
The HQA approaches things differently.
Instead of a passive fund allocation, applicants participate in a structured innovation and incubation framework, typically involving around €170,000. This isn’t about launching a risky start-up from scratch or meeting aggressive commercial targets. There are no business performance requirements placed on the applicant. The structure is professionally managed, government-aligned and designed specifically to satisfy immigration criteria.
For many clients, the mindset shift is important. If you are comfortable allocating €170,000 as a strategic relocation cost — effectively securing EU residency, family inclusion and access to Portugal’s five-year citizenship framework — then the HQA can represent significantly more capital efficiency than the traditional Golden Visa route.
It is particularly suited to founders, consultants, tech operators and globally mobile families who are open to demonstrating genuine ties to Portugal. As a government-endorsed programme, it benefits from streamlined AIMA processing and dedicated local support, with full concierge-style assistance covering immigration, incubation and legal coordination.
The Golden Visa is passive and flexible. The HQA is structured and strategic.
The right choice depends entirely on profile, liquidity and long-term objectives.
If you’d like to explore which route is the smarter fit for you and your family, get in touch and we’ll map it out properly.