Hey Paul, herewith some key info on the HQA Visa:
LEGAL BASIS:
The HQA Visa is essentially a "packaged flavor of the D3 - Highly Qualified Activity Visa (so a concierge style program. D7 = retirement / passive income visa, Golden Visa = D9 category).
The key basis for obtaining it is a combination of innovative company formation, and the funding of a high-value tech / R&D research project with a Portuguese university or “public research facility”. Said institution’s endorsement is the key thing around which your HQA application hinges.
Hope this helps!