Hi there!

This month’s highlights include new program insights, success stories from our founders, and updates from some of our partners.

We hope these stories spark some ideas, or maybe even your own next big move.

Warm regards,

The Empowered Startups Team

PIIP: A Pathway to Portugal for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Launched in 2025, the Portugal Innovation Investment Program (PIIP) offers high-net-worth individuals a way to access IFICI (NHR 2.0) while investing in a company in Portugal.

Developed with Forvis Mazars, PIIP aligns with Portugal’s forward-looking IFIC tax regime, offering potential exemptions on foreign-sourced income and capital gains.

Curious how innovation can open doors to new opportunities in Portugal?

Read the full article to learn more.

From Silicon Valley to Portugal: Vijay’s Journey with Empowered Startups

What happens when a Silicon Valley founder chooses Portugal’s HQA® Program over the Golden Visa? For Vijay, the decision opened unexpected doors.

Partnering with Empowered Startups and IP Leiria, he began exploring AI knowledge graphs, which led to the development of groundbreaking technology.

In this video, Vijay shares why he wanted more than a passive investment and how Portugal’s innovation ecosystem inspired his next big idea.

Watch Vijay's story

Exploring new residency or investment options?

Book a free consultation and discover global pathways aligned with your goals.

Schedule a Call

Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Startup Portugal

A shared vision for a thriving startup ecosystem lies at the core of Startup Portugal and Empowered Startups’ goals in Portugal.

Because of this, the partnership between the two organizations has been both strong and organic.

We're excited to look back at how far this partnership has come and look forward to the collaborations ahead.

Learn about the partnership

Stuck in Start-Up Visa Limbo? How the Alberta FGES May Be the Path Forward

In December 2025, the Government of Canada closed the Start-Up Visa (SUV) program to new applicants. Those who entered before the deadline could be stuck in large processing backlogs.

For applicants who were expecting the SUV path to be available, the question has become: What now?

Learn more about your options and the Alberta FGES program.

In the Media

Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Startup Portugal. Read the article.