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Portugal Accelerated Academic Residency Program is carried out in collaboration with leading Portuguese universities and authorized local institutions. Also known as, the Portuguese HQA (Highly Qualifed Activity) Visa or Global Talent Visa Program, it is a specialized, hybrid residency model designed to facilitate the integration of qualified individuals into Portugal in the fields of academia, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Applicants participating in the program are provided with:
- A fast-tracked and prioritized residence permit application,
- Access to academic and professional networks in Portugal,
- The opportunity to participate in projects through direct collaboration with universities.
Portuguese HQA is not limited to individuals with an academic background; it is also open to active professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. The Portugal residence card is typically issued within an average timeframe of 4–6 months. Applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residency after five years, and for citizenship after ten years (seven years for EU and CPLP nationals) under legislation in force since May 2026.
As Ketenci & Ketenci, we directly represent our clients at every stage of the process, from the preparation of the application file through to the issuance and delivery of the residence card.
Why Choose the Accelerated Academic Residency (HQA) Program?
Portuguese HQA is a specialized residency model developed by Portugal in collaboration with universities, with the aim of attracting qualified professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to the country. The program's primary advantage lies in the fact that the process is conducted directly by Portuguese universities, and applications are reviewed under priority file status before AIMA (the Portuguese Immigration Authority).
Due to structural delays experienced within the Portugal Golden Visa program, the issuance of residence cards may take up to 3–4 years, whereas the process under the HQA framework operates significantly faster. Applications coordinated through universities are finalized more efficiently compared to similar residency models, and applicants typically obtain the right to legal residence within an average of 4–6 months.
With these features, the program offers a predictable, fast, and reliable alternative for investors and their families seeking residence in Portugal.
Key Advantages of the Portuguese Global Talent Visa / HQA Program
Fast-Track Processing
The Portugal Residence Card is typically issued within 4–6 months.
Priority Review
Applications are reviewed by AIMA under priority file status.
Academic Collaboration
Direct engagement with leading Portuguese universities; applications are formally endorsed by the universities.
Family Inclusion
Spouse, children, and the applicant's parents may be included.
Freedom of Movement in Europe
Visa-free travel within 29 Schengen countries.
No Physical Residence Requirement
No obligation to reside continuously in Portugal.
Permanent Residency (PR)
Eligibility for PR after 5 years of legal residence.
EU Citizenship Pathway
Under legislation in force since May 2026, citizenship is available after 10 years of legal residence (7 years for EU and CPLP nationals).
Not Sure If the HQA Route Fits Your Situation?
Our legal team will review your circumstances and confirm eligibility, at no obligation.
Get in Touch Call Us: +90 532 132 92 33Who Can Apply?
- Professionals with experience in science, technology, innovation, R&D, or entrepreneurship
- Individuals willing to contribute to Portugal's academic, technological, economic, or social ecosystem
- Candidates who are active in the business world, with management or entrepreneurial experience, even without a university degree.
- Applicants who can make meaningful contributions to Portugal within their field of expertise
Eligible Family Members
- Spouse
- Children under 18
- Unmarried children between 18–25 who are continuing their education.*
- Subject to specific conditions, the parents of the main applicant may also be included.
*Legislative changes are pending for children over 18.
Strategic University Collaboration & Academic Integration
The HQA Program is not merely a fast-track residency model. It is a strategic collaboration framework aimed at integrating applicants into Portugal's academic, technological, and professional ecosystems.
Universities participating in the program provide direct support throughout the application process. They offer opportunities for project development, access to professional networks, academic guidance, and connections with local institutions.
Through this collaboration model, applicants gain more than residence rights. They obtain a sustainable pathway into Portugal's innovation-focused ecosystem. Candidates may access long-term academic and commercial opportunities in R&D, technology, innovation, and start-up sectors.
This structure enables applicants to both secure legal residence and actively participate in Portugal's growing science and entrepreneurship environment.
Partner Universities
- Universidade de Lisboa (Lisbon)
- Universidade do Algarve (Faro / Algarve)
- Universidade de Coimbra (Coimbra)
- Universidade do Porto (Porto)
Residency & Legal Rights in Portugal under the HQA Program
Initial Residence Permit:
Applicants are granted an initial 2-year temporary residence permit, allowing them to reside, work, and access public healthcare in Portugal. This is renewable for an additional 3 years.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship:
After a total of five years of legal residence, applicants become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Citizenship may be applied for after ten years of legal residence (seven years for EU and CPLP nationals), under the Nationality Law amendment in force since 19 May 2026. A transitional regime for residents who held their permit before that date is still being clarified through the courts.
Schengen Area Mobility:
Holders of a valid Portuguese residence permit enjoy visa-free travel and free movement across 29 Schengen countries.
EU Blue Card Eligibility:
Holders of Portuguese residence may apply for the EU Blue Card, provided that the relevant criteria are met.
Program Fee & Government Charges
Under the Portugal HQA Program, the total fees including university contribution and related costs amount to EUR 175,000. This amount is non-refundable.
The investment contribution is paid in three stages, in parallel with the progress of the application process.
Step-by-Step HQA Application Process
Given its coordination by universities and certified institutions, the HQA program follows a clear and predictable structure, involving two mandatory visits to Portugal:
Preparation Stage
- Execution of Legal Services Agreement with Ketenci & Ketenci
- Obtaining Portuguese tax number (NIF)
- Compilation and legalization of documents (notarization and apostille)
- Selection of partner university and issuance of official invitation letter
- Execution of project agreement with university or accredited entity
Visit 1 – Lisbon
- First trip to Portugal
- Opening a Portuguese bank account
- Verification of original documents
- Execution of Academic Collaboration (Hosting) Agreement with university
AIMA Application & Biometrics Scheduling
- Submission of application to AIMA under university coordination
- Scheduling of biometric appointment
Visit 2 – Biometric Appointment
- Second visit to Portugal on the date assigned by AIMA
- Collection of biometric data, signature, and submission of all documents
- Attendance of all family members is mandatory
Delivery of Residence Card
- Residence cards are issued approximately 90 days after biometrics
Ketenci & Ketenci directly manages all stages of the application; full legal representation and guidance are provided throughout the process.
Program Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | EUR 175,000 in fees and costs for a family of four. The amount is non-refundable. An additional EUR 5,000 applies for each extra family member. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Applicants with relevant professional experience or expertise. Candidates must be suitable for projects and collaborations with Portuguese universities. A university degree is not mandatory. |
| Residence Duration | The initial residence permit is issued for two years and is renewed for an additional three years. After five years, permanent residency may be applied for. |
| Program Speed | Residence cards are typically issued within 4–6 months. The program is among the fastest residency models in Europe. Applications are reviewed under priority file status. |
| Schengen Free Movement | With a Portuguese residence card, applicants can travel visa-free to 29 Schengen countries. Free movement within Europe is permitted. |
| Permanent Residency (PR) | After five years of legal residence, applicants can apply for permanent residency. PR grants the right to indefinite residence, independent of citizenship. |
| Portugal / EU Citizenship | Under the Nationality Law amendment in force since 19 May 2026, citizenship can be applied for after ten years of legal residence (seven years for EU and CPLP nationals). A transitional regime for residents who held their permit before that date is still being clarified through the courts. |
| Family Inclusion | Spouses, children, and the applicant's parents may be included. New regulations are pending for children over 18. |
| Application Location | Applications are submitted directly in Portugal through AIMA. Consular procedures apply only where a Schengen visa is required. |
*Important Note: Organic Law 1/2026 extended the citizenship timeline from five to ten years (seven years for EU and CPLP nationals), in force since 19 May 2026. Whether residents who held a permit before that date remain under the previous five-year rule is a transitional question still being addressed by the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Begin Your Portugal HQA Application Today
Our team is ready to guide you through the process, fully remotely or in person.
Speak With Our Legal Team +90 532 132 92 33
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Fees, processing times, and legislative developments referenced above are subject to change by the Portuguese authorities. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact our legal team directly.