The HQA VISA is intended for third-country nationals wishing to obtain a residence permit in Portugal to teach at a higher education institution or to carry out a highly qualified or cultural activity.

The Applicant, in addition to his higher education diploma, must also have an employment contract of at least one year's duration and an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual monthly salary (1,5x750€=1.125€) or three times the social support index value, which in 2023 was set at 480.43 euros, so the salary must be at least 1442.00 euros.

Whenever there is a doubt as to the nature of the activity and for the purposes of verifying the suitability of the applicant's professional experience, the ministries responsible for employment and education and science will issue a legal opinion prior to granting the visa.

The applicant should obtain a visa in order to enter Portuguese territory and obtain the corresponding residence permit.

The visa application must be made at the Portuguese Consulate of the respective country of citizenship or, failing that, at the Consulate that has jurisdiction over the applicant's country.