What is the Portugal HQA Visa program?
The Portugal HQA Visa, which falls under the Portugal D3 Visa, is a program designed for skilled individuals seeking to live and work in Portugal.
Portugal’s HQA Visa has a range of benefits. Successful applicants are allowed to bring their direct family members to Portugal, and the processing time is relatively quick, as decisions are usually made within 30 days of application.
The HQA Visa program has the same stay requirements as other Portugal D-Visas: you can’t be outside of Portugal for more than six consecutive months a year. However, professionals who have international work commitments, such as offshore engineers, can be exempt from this rule.
Additionally, the program promotes innovation through collaboration with Portuguese university partners and research institutions, allowing entrepreneurs to work with leading experts in their fields.
Who can be considered ideal applicants for the Portugal HQA Visa program?
The Portugal HQA Visa is suited for highly skilled individuals seeking to establish their careers and secure permanent residence in Portugal. Here are some ideal applicants for the residence permit:
- High-level executives: Those in leadership positions who want a reliable residency solution that supports their professional ambitions and personal lives.
- Innovators in science and research and development: Scientists leading cutting-edge research and development projects or start-up founders scaling high-tech ventures.
- Entrepreneurs and investors: Business owners looking to expand into new markets or a strategic backup plan for their operations.
- Specialized technical experts: Specialists in sectors such as biotechnology, information technology, engineering, artificial intelligence, science, or renewable energy, who hold master’s or doctoral degrees and can demonstrate significant experience.
- Senior managers or executives: People who are recruited by Portuguese business owners of companies for leadership positions, with proven track records in finance, operations, or strategy.
Reasons to Choose the Portugal HQA Visa
Here are some of the best benefits that you’ll get with the HQA Visa:
- European Union residency: The HQA Visa program lets you travel through the European Union and other Schengen countries without the need for additional visas.
- Family reunification: The visa allows you to bring your family to Portugal through the Family Reunification Visa, and enjoy the same benefits as you.
- Universal healthcare access: Healthcare is provided to all legal residents, not just citizens, funded through taxes.
- Quality of life: Living in Portugal means enjoying a high standard of living, and our Global Passport Index ranks Portugal 12th for quality of life.
- Stability: Portugal has a very low crime rate and a stable economy. This places it 7th on the 2025 Global Peace Index and the 6th safest country in the world.
- Permanent residency: After 5 years (for now), you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship in Portugal.
- Dual citizenship: Portugal allows dual citizenship if you gain Portuguese nationality, so you won’t have to renounce your current citizenship.
Eligibility for the Portugal HQA Visa Program
To qualify for the Portugal HQA Visa program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 18 years old or older.
- Be a citizen of a non-European Union country and not have permanent residency in the European Union.
- Regular tax and social security contributions are necessary if applicable.
- Must have valid health insurance coverage.
- Have a clean criminal record.
- Be a qualified specialist in a field related to intellectual labor.
- Having a higher education diploma and a work agreement or a written guarantee from a Portuguese employer are essential.
- The salary must be at least 1.5 times the Portuguese national average monthly wage of €920.00 OR three times the IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais, which in 2026 is €537,13 per month). For US nationals, the salary must be at least 1.2x the national monthly average gross OR twice the IAS.
Additionally, you must demonstrate your ability to perform a qualified activity by fulfilling one of the following:
- Possessing a minimum qualification level of Level 6 according to ISCED 2011.
- If you hold a Level 5 qualification, you must show exceptional technical skills gained through at least five years of relevant experience.
Before applying, you will need to provide evidence of:
- An employment contract or a promise of employment with a minimum duration of 12 months.
- A salary that meets the specified criteria of 1.5 times €920.00
- Proficiency in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, suitable for the role you will be performing.
Family Members for the Portugal HQA Program
Family members can also apply for residency under the HQA Visa after the main applicant, through family reunification. This includes your spouse and children under 18.
If you have children over 18 who are financially dependent on you, they can also be included in your HQA application, provided they are studying in Portugal, have no criminal record, and remain single. Thus, they shouldn’t be included as family members in the family reunification application.
Required Documents for the Portugal HQA Visa
When applying for the Portugal HQA Visa, you’ll need the following documents:
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of address in Portugal
- Updated CV
- Completed HQA Visa application form
- Two recent photographs
- Copy of your higher education diploma or degree
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Employment contract or guarantee
You must ensure all documents are up to date and accurate, and some documents may also need to be translated into Portuguese.
Applying for Portugal HQA Visa: A Step-by-Step Process
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to navigating the application process:
Step 1: Prepare your documents. The first step is to gather all necessary documents to ensure your eligibility for the Portugal HQA Visa.
Step 2: Schedule your visa interview. All applicants must attend an interview at either the application center or the Portuguese Consulate. This meeting is essential for verifying your plans to relocate to Portugal, as well as your qualifications and other information.
Step 3: Receive your visa. The HQA Visa is prioritized, and if your application is approved, you can expect to receive your visa within 30 to 90 days.
Step 4: Travel to Portugal and secure your residence permit. Upon arrival in Portugal, schedule an appointment at AIMA to submit your residency permit application in person. It’s important to bring all required documents to this appointment. The processing time for your residence permit typically ranges from 6 to 10 weeks, during which your application will be evaluated.
HQA Visa renewal
The initial residence permit is valid for two years. To maintain your residency status, it is important to apply for an extension 90 days prior to the expiration of your permit. Upon successful renewal, your residence permit will be extended for an additional three years, allowing you to continue your stay in Portugal.
Apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship
After five years (for now) of residency in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship if you meet the requirements set out by the government.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Application Cost for the Portugal HQA Visa
The application fee for the HQA Visa in Portugal is €90, but it can vary depending on which you country you are applying from. This amount is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.
Once your visa is granted and you have entered Portugal, you must pay €85 for the issuing of your residency permit.
Portugal HQA Visa Processing Times
The HQA Visa is designed as a fast-tracked, priority residency visa. If you meet all eligibility requirements, successfully complete your application interview, and receive approval, your visa can be issued within 30 days (approximately 4.5 weeks) from the date of application.
How Does the Portugal HQA Visa Differ From Other Visas?
The Portugal HQA Visa aims to attract top talent to strengthen Portugal’s workforce and drive innovation. In contrast, other visas serve different purposes:
- Portugal Golden Visa: This program grants non-EU nationals a Portuguese residence permit in exchange for a qualifying investment through several options, such as a fund subscription, donation to arts and culture, or scientific research.
- Portugal D2 Visa: Designed for entrepreneurs and independent service providers, the D2 Visa allows individuals at any qualification level to start or expand a business in Portugal, offering flexibility for those without specific educational credentials.
- Portugal D7 Visa: This visa is aimed at retirees or individuals with a stable passive income, such as from real estate or investments. It is not intended for those actively seeking employment.
- Portugal D8 Visa: The Digital Nomad visa is for individuals who have an independent income of at least four times the Portugal minimum wage of €920.00, targeting remote workers rather than traditional professionals.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
