Secure Portugal Residency with the HQA Visa Program

Launch your career in Portugal with peace of mind. Lexidy’s legal experts guide you through the entire Highly Qualified Activity Visa process, ensuring every detail is handled so you can focus on innovation, investment, and life in Portugal with confidence.

Secure Portugal Residency with the HQA Visa Program

Understanding the Highly Qualified Activity Visa in Portugal

The Portugal HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa), also known as the Portugal D3 Visa, provides a streamlined path for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to live, work, and grow in Portugal. Created for highly qualified professionals and business leaders, the HQA visa Portugal combines professional opportunity with access to Europe’s thriving startup and research scene.

Through the HQA Visa program, applicants collaborate with accredited Portuguese universities and innovation hubs to establish a company, conduct research, develop new ventures, or work for a Portuguese company as a highly qualified professional. This program connects global talent with Portugal’s expanding technology and science sectors.

Visa holders gain residency rights, access to public healthcare, and the option to include family members. Lexidy’s legal experts manage the process from start to finish, ensuring your high qualified visa application is accurate and compliant.

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Just Like You

5 Star Ratings

By Over 1,200 Clients

Over 45

Experienced International Lawyers

95% Success Rate

in Securing Positive Outcomes

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Portugal D3 Visa Requirements

Understanding the D3 Visa requirements in Portugal is the first step toward building your future in one of Europe’s most innovative economies. The Portugal HQA Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and highly qualified professionals who want to invest, conduct research, start a business in partnership with a Portuguese university, or work in Portugal under a highly qualified activity exercised by a subordinate worker.

1. Non-EU/EEA Citizenship

The Portugal D3 Visa applies to professionals from outside the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland who wish to carry out a highly qualified activity in Portugal.

2. Employment Contract or Invitation Requirements

Applicants must present one of the following documents, depending on their professional activity:

Teaching, Highly Qualified, or Cultural Activity:

A valid work contract, promise of a work contract, or a service provider contract; or

An invitation letter issued by a higher education or professional training institution; or

A term of responsibility issued by a company certified under the terms defined by the Portuguese government authorities for internal administration and the economy; or

An invitation letter from a company or entity developing a relevant cultural activity in Portugal, recognized by the government as being of national interest or defined as such by law; or

An invitation letter issued by a research center.

Highly Qualified Activity Exercised by a Subordinate Worker:

A valid employment contract or a promise of employment contract of at least six months’ duration.

For regulated professions, the applicant must hold the professional qualifications required to access and practice that profession in Portugal.

For non-regulated professions, the applicant must hold high-level professional qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector specified in the employment contract or promise of employment contract.

3. Minimum Salary Threshold

The offered salary must equal or exceed 1.5 × Portugal’s average gross annual salary or at least 3 × the IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais), whichever is higher.
In 2025, this amounts to about €31,000 gross per year (≈ €2,600 per month).

4. Higher Education or Equivalent Experience

Candidates must hold higher-education qualification(s) or professional certificate(s) and/or diploma(s), duly legalized according to the applicable international conventions, or demonstrate equivalent professional experience in their field of expertise.

5. Clean Criminal Record

Criminal record from the applicant’s country of nationality or criminal record from the country where the individual has resided for more than one year, prior to residing in Portugal, duly authenticated.

6. Health Coverage

Valid private health insurance for one year. It must cover the applicant until enrollment in Portugal’s national healthcare system.

7. Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must show sufficient resources to support themselves and any accompanying family during their stay in Portugal.
This can include recent bank statements, employment contracts, or income tax documents proving financial means under Portugal’s immigration criteria.

8. Optional HQA Program Route

Some applicants choose the HQA Visa Program, a private initiative linking investors with Portuguese universities and incubators.
This model typically includes company incorporation and an investment from around €170,000–€175,000, but these figures are program-specific, not government-mandated.

9. Family Inclusion (Optional)

Spouses, partners, and dependent children may apply simultaneously for residence under Portugal’s family reunification rules.
Only after the main applicant gets is resident permit, it is possible to apply at the same time if they request a visa at the consulate

How a Lawyer Can Simplify Your HQA Visa in Portugal

Relocating to Portugal through the HQA Visa Program should be simple, but immigration procedures, documentation, and coordination with universities or incubators can become complex.

Our experienced immigration lawyers handle the entire process for you, ensuring your Highly Qualified Visa application in Portugal is accurate, compliant, and stress-free. With professional legal guidance, you can avoid bureaucratic hurdles and focus on building your career, business, or research project in Portugal.

Navigate Eligibility Requirements

Skip the guesswork. Your lawyer will assess your qualifications, job offer, or investment plan to ensure you meet all the Portugal HQA Visa criteria before applying.

Streamline Your Application

Avoid administrative back-and-forth. Legal experts manage your documents, translations, and filings so your D3 Portugal Visa application is complete and approved faster.

Receive Ongoing Support

Avoid administrative back-and-forth. Legal experts prepare your documentation, translations, and filings so your Portugal D3 Visa application is complete and processed faster.

Ensure Compliance and Accuracy

Portugal’s immigration requirements can change. Your legal team ensures every document meets official standards, minimizing any risk of delay or rejection.

Peace of Mind

Focus on your career and personal transition to Portugal while professionals handle every legal detail. The process becomes transparent, reliable, and stress-free from start to finish.

Ready to launch your next chapter in Portugal? Let experienced immigration lawyers guide you through the Portugal HQA Visa process with tailored legal support.

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Steps To Apply For The Portugal HQA Visa

Gather Required Documents

Prepare all essential documents, including proof of income, proof of qualifications with specialization in technical skills, proof of accommodation (rental or purchase), a clean criminal record certificate, and a foreigner with a service agreement or work contract (or promissory contract) with a company based in Portugal, and certified by IAPMEI, I.P.

Submit Your Visa Application

Schedule an appointment and submit your D3/HQA Visa application at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of legal residence (or through the e-visa portal, if available). Lexidy manages the submission and ensures your application meets all standards.

Attend Consular Interview

Attend the required consular interview to confirm your intention to reside in Portugal and verify your qualifications and supporting documents.

Obtain the Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary 4-month visa that allows you to travel to Portugal and apply for your residence permit during that time.

Enter Portugal & Apply for your Residence Permit

Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary 4-month visa that allows you to travel to Portugal and apply for your residence permit during that time.

Provide Biometrics

After entering Portugal legally, attend your pre-scheduled appointment with AIMA (Immigration Service) to apply for the temporary residency permit.

Steps To Apply For The Portugal HQA Visa

Gather Required Documents

Submit Your Visa Application

Attend Consular Interview

Attend the required consular interview to confirm your intention to reside in Portugal and verify your qualifications and supporting documents.

Obtain the Visa

Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary 4-month visa that allows you to travel to Portugal and apply for your residence permit during that time.

Enter Portugal & Apply for your Residence Permit

After entering Portugal legally, attend your pre-scheduled appointment with AIMA (Immigration Service) to apply for the temporary residency permit.

Provide Biometrics

Provide your fingerprints and photo at the AIMA appointment and pay the required fee. After processing, you will receive your Residency Permit.

Unlock Your Path to Success in Portugal

Step into your new chapter with confidence. Let us handle the complexity so you can enjoy the journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for the Portugal HQA Visa?

The Portugal HQA Visa, also known as the D3 Visa for Highly Qualified Activity, is for non-EU citizens who want to live and work in Portugal in a highly qualified role.

Eligible applicants include entrepreneurs, researchers, and professionals with a higher-education degree or equivalent experience who are employed by a Portuguese company or participating in the HQA visa program with a local university or incubator.

2. What is the Portugal D3 Visa processing time?

The Portugal D3 visa processing time is typically 30 to 60 days, depending on the consulate and whether you apply through a direct employment contract or an HQA university partnership. Once approved, you can enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit through AIMA.

3. Can I bring my family with me under the HQA Visa in Portugal?

Yes. The Portugal highly qualified activity visa allows spouses, registered partners, and dependent children to be included in the same application. Family members receive residence permits that allow them to live, study, and access healthcare in Portugal.

4. Does the Portugal D3 Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. After five years of continuous residence in Portugal under the Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3 Visa), you can apply for permanent residency.

However, for Portuguese citizenship, the new law increases the required residence period to 10 years, provided you meet the integration and language requirements.

Secure Portugal Residency with the HQA Visa Program