PORTUGAL AAQ
RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Atividade Altamente Qualificada (AAQ): Highly Qualified Activities Visa Program
A Strategic Pathway to European Residency Through Innovation and Investment
A forward-looking European residency program designed for globally minded investors, the Portugal AAQ program offers a structured pathway to Portuguese residency through participation in government-aligned research and innovation initiatives. This program provides long-term mobility, access to the European Union, and a clear path to citizenship: all within a flexible investment framework.
RESIDENCY
APPROVAL IN
MONTHS
- The most affordable EU residency with a citizenship pathway.
- Minimal stay requirement.
- Family inclusion available.
- Pathway to Portuguese citizenship.
Secure European residency in approximately 3 months from approval through Portugal’s innovation-focused residency by investment program designed to attract globally minded investors and entrepreneurs. The Portugal AAQ program provides residency rights in Portugal, access to the Schengen Area, and eligibility for citizenship after 10 years. Secure European residency today – and unlock long-term global mobility for the future.
FAST PROCESSING
Residency approval typically within months
EU RESIDENCY
Live, work, and study in Portugal
CLEAR CITIZENSHIP PATHWAY
Eligible for PR after 5 and citizenship after 10 years
FAMILY INCLUSION
Include spouse, children, and qualifying dependents
LOW PHYSICAL PRESENCE REQUIREMENT
Flexible residency obligations
STABLE EU COUNTRY
Portugal offers political stability and EU membership
INNOVATION-BASED INVESTMENT
Participate in research and innovation initiatives
GLOBAL MOBILITY
Visa-free travel across Schengen countries
Why Portugal?
Portugal is one of Europe’s most attractive residency destinations, offering a high quality of life, strong economy, and access to the European Union. Known for its safety, modern infrastructure, and welcoming environment, Portugal has become a preferred destination for global investors and families seeking long-term mobility and security.
As a member of the European Union and Schengen Area, Portuguese residency provides access to travel throughout Europe, along with long-term opportunities for business, education, and lifestyle flexibility.
The Portugal AAQ Residency by Investment program is particularly suited for internationally minded individuals seeking European residency through a structured investment framework.
Common applicants include:
Entrepreneurs and investors seeking EU residency
Families planning long-term European relocation
Business owners operating internationally
Individuals seeking geopolitical diversification
Global professionals pursuing European mobility
Streamlined Process
Our streamlined process is designed to minimize administrative burden and ensure efficient document handling throughout each stage of the application. Applications are supported by experienced professionals to ensure a structured and efficient process from initial consultation through residency approval.
Initial Consultation & Eligibility Check
ROUTE STRUCTURING, PROJECT MATCHING & ELIGIBILITY CONFIRMATION
DOCUMENTATION PREPARATION & DUE DILIGENCE
PORTUGAL ENTRY-
RESIDENCE PERMIT APPOINTMENT
RESIDENCY APPROVAL
The process begins with a confidential consultation to assess client objectives, eligibility, and suitability for the Portugal AAQ program. During this stage, applicants receive a detailed overview of program requirements, investment structure, and timeline. A preliminary document review is conducted to confirm eligibility prior to proceeding.
A qualifying route is selected based on the applicant’s profile. This may involve a Portuguese University, certified incubator, innovation project, or research relationship. Terms, budget, and compliance requirements are aligned before filing begins.
A qualifying route is selected based on the applicant’s profile. This may involve a Portuguese University, certified incubator, innovation project, or research relationship. Terms, budget, and compliance requirements are aligned before filing begins.
First milestone payment of €20,000 is due at this stage.
Following visa approval, the applicant enters Portugal and completes the residence permit appointment stage with AIMA. Tax registration, social security registration, local address confirmation, and other onboarding steps are handled as required by the selected route and the applicant’s chosen operating model. Second milestone payment of €75,000 is due at this stage.
Upon approval, applicants receive Portuguese residency authorization.
Residency permits are issued granting the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, with eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years and Portuguese citizenship after 10 years subject to program requirements
Final milestone payment of €75,000 is due at this stage.
BENEFITS OF PARTNERING WITH ABROAD MOBILITY
Working with Abroad Mobility provides access to exclusive, carefully vetted, efficient, and globally competitive residency and citizenship solutions: including the Portugal AAQ Program and other strategic mobility options designed for individuals and families seeking greater global access, flexibility, and long-term security.
The Portugal AAQ Program offers a structured and attractive pathway to Portuguese residency with potential eligibility for citizenship. Through Abroad Mobility, applicants benefit from access to over 20 Portuguese universities, one of the fastest timelines available for the program, flexible residency requirements, and family inclusion options.
Abroad Mobility provides strategic guidance in matching applicants with the most suitable university and research or innovation project for their investment. This personalized approach helps ensure alignment with the applicant’s goals, risk profile, and long-term mobility strategy, while also improving application efficiency and overall program success. With vetted partners and a streamlined process, applicants receive professional guidance, transparent timelines, and an efficient pathway to long-term European mobility and opportunity
ABROAD MOBILITY PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT INCLUDING:
- Initial eligibility assessment and applicant pre-screening
- Guidance on selecting the most suitable program and investment route
- Document requirement and preparation guidance
- Full application coordination and submission
- Ongoing support
This enables partner firms to expand their global mobility offering while maintaining focus on client relationships and business development.
Portugal AAQ programs typically require €150,000–€175,000 investment into a research or innovation initiative, making it one of the lowest-cost EU residency programs available.
FEE TYPE
Amount (EUR)
Initial Engagement / Application Fee (One-Time)
€20,000
Each additional family member/dependant
€1,500 €7,500
Due Diligence & Case Preparation
Included
Government Processing Fees
Per Applicant
Investment Contribution (After Approval in Principle)
Investment Type
Amount (EUR)
Primary Applicant Investment
From €150,000
Premium / Accelerated Project Options
Up to €175,000
Research & Innovation Participation
Included
Portuguese Company Formation
Included
Project Management & Incubator Support
Included
Government Fees (Estimated)
Fee Type
Amount (EUR)
National Residency Visa Application
€110 per applicant
Residency Permit Issuance
€85–€185 per person
Biometrics / Residency Card
€85–€160 per person
Residency Renewal (after 2 years)
€300–€600 approx
Permanent Residency (after 5 years)
€250–€300 approx
* Reach out for a customized precise quotation.
Private Consultation
Immigration professionals, law firms, and wealth advisors are invited to schedule a confidential consultation regarding client suitability, route structuring, and program costs.
Abroad Mobility works with immigration professionals to expand access to emerging citizenship and residence by investment pathways, active investor visas, and entrepreneurship-linked migration solutions.
Required Documents
Main documents needed to qualify:
- Passport
- Professional Resume (including post-secondary education & 5 years of professional working experience)
Once approved, and client signs:
- Passport of all family members
- Proof of Address
- Certified Police Clearance Certificate
- Certified copy of university/post secondary certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
In market usage, “AAQ” refers to a Portugal pathway built around academically qualified activity and innovation-aligned residence structures for entrepreneurs, researchers, executives, and other strong applicants. Depending on the case design, the file may also incorporate entrepreneur or Startup Visa elements with certified incubators or qualified host entities.