Talent Mobility
December 9, 2024
Entrepreneurship
Author: Tim Sitdikov
Portugal’s business-friendly environment and vibrant startup ecosystem have transformed it into a global hotspot for international entrepreneurs. Businesspeople are also attracted by the high living standards and a favorable tax regime in one of the EU’s most welcoming countries.
Crucially, Portugal offers entrepreneurs a fast track to residency via the “Atividade Altamente Qualificada (AAQ)” — “Highly Qualified Activities” in English — provision of its D3 residency permit scheme. In exchange, these businesspeople must contribute directly to the Portuguese economy.
As stipulated in Portugal’s Immigration Act, AAQ applicants for the D3 residency permit can apply by having an invitation letter to partner with a Portuguese University.
Portugal’s business-friendly environment and vibrant startup ecosystem have transformed it into a global hotspot for international entrepreneurs. Businesspeople are also attracted by the high living standards and a favorable tax regime in one of the EU’s most welcoming countries.
Crucially, Portugal offers entrepreneurs a fast track to residency via the “Atividade Altamente Qualificada (AAQ)” — “Highly Qualified Activities” in English — provision of its D3 residency permit scheme. In exchange, these businesspeople must contribute directly to the Portuguese economy.
As stipulated in Portugal’s Immigration Act, AAQ applicants for the D3 residency permit can apply by having an invitation letter to partner with a Portuguese University.
Transparent, Accessible Route to Residency
This legal route to Portuguese residency is transparently designed to benefit both the host country and the applicants — a broad range of highly qualified entrepreneurs, investors, and skilled professionals hailing from every part of the world.
On the one hand, the entrepreneur can capitalize on a rapid route to permanent residency and a clear pathway to citizenship while growing their business in a vibrant, innovation-driven economy.
On the other, Portugal benefits from the increase in global talent, investment, and knowledge transfer.
A recent sponsored article on the same topic published on IMI seemed to indicate that only one entity is allowed to process AAQ applications for Portugal’s D3 residency permit.
This insinuation is misleading and completely unfounded.
On the one hand, the entrepreneur can capitalize on a rapid route to permanent residency and a clear pathway to citizenship while growing their business in a vibrant, innovation-driven economy.
On the other, Portugal benefits from the increase in global talent, investment, and knowledge transfer.
A recent sponsored article on the same topic published on IMI seemed to indicate that only one entity is allowed to process AAQ applications for Portugal’s D3 residency permit.
This insinuation is misleading and completely unfounded.
Inclusively Global
Applying for the D3 residency permit is open to anyone from around the world who fits the criteria and meets the requirements as stipulated in Portugal’s Immigration Act.
The Portuguese government has not granted rights to any organization to control the application process.
The Immigration Act clearly lays out the criteria and eligibility for D3 residency permits related to highly qualified activities — without any provision for exclusive control by any one agent or entity.
Some independent, private initiatives exist to guide applicant entrepreneurs and match them with the most suitable business partners within Portugal to help ensure the success of the joint ventures for both sides.
The Portuguese government has not granted rights to any organization to control the application process.
The Immigration Act clearly lays out the criteria and eligibility for D3 residency permits related to highly qualified activities — without any provision for exclusive control by any one agent or entity.
Some independent, private initiatives exist to guide applicant entrepreneurs and match them with the most suitable business partners within Portugal to help ensure the success of the joint ventures for both sides.
Case in Point: Global Talent Portugal Program
The Global Talent Portugal Program stands out in this regard, having successfully facilitated hundreds of R&D-focused collaborations between international entrepreneurs and universities across Portugal.
One such initiative, with the University of the Algarve, has led to the launch of a series of innovative startup partnerships across the region while also generating more than a million euros in direct funding for educational programs.
On top of its deep ties with a number of Portugal’s top universities, the Global Talent Portugal Program connects participants with business mentors and funding networks to ensure that their Portuguese business growth matches their ambitions.
Program participants also become part of the World Talents network of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across the globe.
One such initiative, with the University of the Algarve, has led to the launch of a series of innovative startup partnerships across the region while also generating more than a million euros in direct funding for educational programs.
On top of its deep ties with a number of Portugal’s top universities, the Global Talent Portugal Program connects participants with business mentors and funding networks to ensure that their Portuguese business growth matches their ambitions.
Program participants also become part of the World Talents network of entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators across the globe.