R & D Visa
Fast-track your EU residency through innovation and investment in Portugal.
The Portuguese government is focused on attracting highly skilled applicants to invest in the vibrant startup eco-system. This innovative program is one of the fastest residency programs available in the European Union.
Investment Options:
The R & D Visa is an exclusive business immigration program that allows qualified professionals to obtain EU residency through investment in Portugal’s research and innovation ecosystem.
Investors commit €175,000 towards a full-service R&D startup incubation program, which includes funding research at a recognized Portuguese institution and establishing a wholly owned Portuguese company.
Who can
be included?
The R & D Visa program is designed for investors and entrepreneurs but also extends benefits to immediate family members (at an additional fee), including:
-
Spouse or legal partner
-
Dependent children (single, financially dependent and enrolled in education)
-
Dependent parents (if financially dependent on the main applicant or older than 65)
This ensures that families can secure residency together while benefiting from access to Portugal’s healthcare, education, and high quality of life.
Key advantages:
Why Portugal?
-
Fast-track EU residency with a clear path to Portuguese citizenship after five years
-
No physical stay requirement, allowing investors to maintain their global business and lifestyle
-
Full family inclusion, ensuring residency for spouse, children, and dependent parents
-
No business performance requirement, meaning the company does not need to generate revenue for renewal
-
Comprehensive legal and immigration support, ensuring smooth processing and renewals
-
Government-endorsed and prioritized program, guaranteeing efficiency and high approval rates
What about taxes?
One of the most attractive features of the R & D Visa is Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which offers:
-
Zero tax on foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years (subject to specific conditions)
-
No wealth, inheritance, or gift tax
-
Flat 20% tax rate on Portuguese-sourced income from high-value professions
Since there is no requirement to relocate full-time to Portugal, investors can structure their tax residency in a way that optimizes their global income and assets.
How does it work?
The R & D Visa process is structured for simplicity and efficiency:
Providing a low-risk, high-reward immigration pathway for investors seeking EU access, business expansion, and long-term residency benefits.
1
Apply & Qualify
-
Submit information for initial due diligence purposes
-
Submit credentials for review by the incubator’s intake committee
-
Receive an invitation to join the program upon approval
2
Make Your Investment
-
Commit €175,000 towards the research and business incubation program
-
Finalize legal and corporate structuring
3
Secure Residency
-
Travel to Portugal to collect residence permits and initiate the research project
-
Begin the 3-year concierge incubation program
4
Add family members
5
Monitor & Renew
-
Oversee research progress while renewing your residence permit after 2 years
-
Continue building business opportunities through your fully owned Portuguese company
Can it lead to citizenship?
Yes, after 5 years of holding residency, complying with the stay requirements, and proving your language skills at an A2 level, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.
Take control of your future
Portugal’s R&D visa offers more than just residency—it provides a strategic gateway to European opportunities, business expansion, and long-term security. With a streamlined process, family inclusion, and a clear path to citizenship, this program is designed for visionary investors ready to secure their future. Take the first step toward EU residency today.
