Portugal HQA Visa: The Guide for Tech Founders and Highly Qualified Talent

What is the HQA visa?

The Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) visa is a Portuguese residence visa for non-EU professionals hired to perform highly qualified work — typically roles that require higher education or specialised experience, such as engineering, research, cybersecurity and senior management. It lets you move to Portugal, obtain a residence permit and, over time, build a path to long-term residence.

Who qualifies?

• A qualifying role: an employment contract or binding job offer for highly qualified work with a company operating in Portugal.
• Qualifications: a higher-education degree or proven specialised professional experience relevant to the role.
• Salary: pay at or above the minimum threshold set by Portuguese law, which is linked to the national average salary and updated periodically.
• Standard requirements: valid passport, clean criminal record, health insurance or coverage, and proof of accommodation.

Founders who are not employed by an existing company often look at the Startup Visa, which requires acceptance by an IAPMEI-certified incubator. Companies certified under the Tech Visa programme can also benefit from a faster process when hiring qualified talent.

How the application works

1. Secure the job offer or contract from the Portuguese employer.
2. Gather documents: passport, contract, diplomas or proof of experience, criminal record certificate, insurance and accommodation proof.
3. Apply at the Portuguese consulate or visa centre in your country of residence.
4. Travel to Portugal once the visa is issued.
5. Complete the residence permit with AIMA, the Portuguese immigration agency.

Processing times vary by consulate and season, so start early and keep certified, translated copies of every document.

HQA and the IFICI tax regime

Many HQA holders also apply for IFICI (often called NHR 2.0), which can tax qualifying Portuguese employment income at a flat 20% for up to ten years. It applies to eligible professions and employers, including certified startups and innovation-focused companies. Read our Founder's Tax Playbook for how IFICI combines with other incentives.

HQA visa vs. other routes

• HQA visa: for professionals hired into highly qualified roles.
• Startup Visa: for founders launching an innovative company through a certified incubator.
• EU Blue Card: an EU-wide permit for highly qualified workers with its own salary and contract rules.
• Digital Nomad visa: for remote workers employed by companies outside Portugal.

Author: Thiago Vieira — Founder & CEO, Incubou and Cybertech Acceleration.

This guide is informational and is not legal advice. Requirements and salary thresholds change — always confirm current rules with AIMA, the Portuguese consulate or a qualified immigration lawyer.