The Entrepreneur Visa in Portugal: A comprehensive guide to the D2 Visa
Navigating the D2-Entrepreneur Visa in Portugal
The Portugal D2 Visa is a residence visa specifically designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors from non-EU/EEA/Swiss countries who wish to start or manage a business in Portugal. Unlike Portugal’s Golden Visa, which primarily attracts passive investors through financial investment, the D2 Visa focuses on active entrepreneurial contributions to the Portuguese economy. By offering residency, Portugal encourages foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses, thus supporting job creation, innovation, and overall economic development. Through the D2 Visa, entrepreneurs gain the right to live and work in Portugal and benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen area, making it an attractive opportunity for individuals who wish to broaden their business connections in Europe while residing in a culturally rich, safe, and business-friendly environment.
Key highlights include:
- Business Investment Threshold: There is no mandatory minimum, however, the required amount is dependent on the individual business plan.
- Visa-Free Schengen Access: Immediate freedom to travel within the Schengen zone.
- Citizenship: Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after five years.
Table of Contents:
- Benefits: Advantages of the Entrepreneur Visa
- Eligibility: Qualifying for the Entrepreneur Visa
- Requirements: Prerequisites of the Entrepreneur Visa
- Application Process: Steps to get the Entrepreneur Visa
- Quality of Life: Living in Portugal on a Entrepreneur visa
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Entrepreneur Visa
- Contact Us: Expertise You Can Count On
Benefits: Advantages of the Entrepreneur Visa
Extensive Travel Benefits
The D2 Visa automatically registers you in the Schengen Area’s central system, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen Zone, which includes 27 European countries. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, holders gain visa-free access to 189 destinations worldwide.
Permanent Residency and Potential Citizenship
After acquiring the D2 Visa, a residence permit is granted and can be renewed for up to five years. This enables entrepreneurs to live and work in Portugal, giving them access to Portugal’s quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and supportive business environment. After five years of legal residence, permanent residency and citizenship through naturalization become options, though passing a Portuguese language test is required.
Eligibility for Dependants
Main applicants may extend their D2 Visa benefits to family members. Eligible dependants include spouses, minor children, financially dependent children over 18 who are full-time students, parents and even minor siblings.
European Business Environment
Portugal offers a stable business environment, attractive tax incentives, and access to the larger EU market. With a D2 Visa, entrepreneurs enjoy visa-free travel within Portugal and the Schengen area. This is particularly valuable for business development, allowing entrepreneurs to expand their reach across Europe and make connections in multiple markets. Entrepreneurs can also enjoy competitive corporate tax rates, and, depending on their business activities, may even qualify for tax breaks or exemptions.
Eligibility: Qualifying for the Entrepreneur Visa
Nationalities
The D2 Visa is open to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals.
Basic Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a clean criminal record from both their home country and Portugal.
Family Members
The main applicant can extend the visa benefits to family members through a family reunification process. Eligible dependants include spouses, minor children, financially dependent children over 18 who are full-time students, parents and even minor siblings. Legal documentation must be presented to prove relationships for all family members included.
Sufficient Funds
Minimum qualifying funds must be shown by the main applicant to prove that they can support themselves (and their family) during their stay in Portugal.
Basic Business Requirements
Applicants must be business owners, entrepreneurs, independent professionals, freelancers, or investors. Eligible categories include company owners, start-up founders, directors, shareholders, and other business professionals.
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners: Those who wish to establish a new company, branch, or subsidiary in Portugal or buy an existing business are eligible to apply.
- Freelancers and Independent Professionals: Non-EU freelancers and professionals offering services can apply, particularly if they plan to work with Portuguese clients or companies.
- Investors: Those who invest in a Portuguese company may qualify for the D2 Visa if they can demonstrate their business’s potential to benefit the Portuguese economy.
Requirements: Prerequisites of the Entrepreneur Visa
Financial Requirements
Business Requirements
Applicants must prove that they have either started a business, purchased an existing business or intend to establish a new business/branch in Portugal. If they do not have an existing Portuguese company, they can demonstrate that they have sufficient resources to open a branch or subsidiary. Business types can vary, as there are no restrictions on the industry.
- Minimum Capital Investment: Portugal does not set a strict minimum capital investment for the D2 Visa. Therefore, any financial commitment that must be shown will be based on the applicant’s business plan. Applicants should be prepared to show proof of finances, such as bank statements or a Portuguese bank loan.
Personal Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability with savings of €9,840, increasing by 50% (€4,920) for a spouse and 30% (€2,952) for each dependent child. Proof of savings is necessary, typically via bank statements.
Business Plan
The applicant must submit a detailed, feasible business plan demonstrating the business’s viability and its potential contribution to the Portuguese economy. This plan plays a crucial role in the application, as it undergoes a review by immigration officers.
This business plan should:
- Demonstrate the viability and profitability of the business
- Outline the projected economic, social, or cultural contribution of the business to Portugal
- Include realistic financial forecasts, and strategies for market entry and growth
- Highlight the potential for creating jobs, providing services, or contributing to Portugal’s economy
Reasons for choosing Portugal for business
Applicants must provide an explanation for choosing Portugal as their business location, such as market research indicating a demand for their product or service in Portugal, or their intention to hire Portuguese employees. The explanation should be business-focused and go beyond mentioning just the weather and low cost of living as primary motivations. This helps authorities understand the applicant’s motivations and commitment to contributing to the local economy.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance is required for the Entrepreneur Visa for the first 4-6 months until the residence permit is granted. It must have a coverage of at least €30,000 and repatriation. Once the residency permit is granted, it will provide access to the Portuguese healthcare system.
Portuguese Address
The main applicant must provide proof of having acquired a residence address in Portugal.
Residence Requirement
To qualify for visa renewal, D2 Visa holders must fulfill a minimum stay requirement. During the first year, holders must reside in Portugal for at least four months, with six months required in each of the following years.
Documentation Required
Applicants must provide a range of documents, including:
- A Valid Passport
- Passport-sized photos
- A declaration outlining reasons for obtaining Portuguese residency
- Business Plan
- Health insurance with coverage in the entire Schengen area or an affidavit stating that you will acquire health insurance in Portugal within 90 days of arriving there
- Criminal record certificate
- NIF Registration Certificate: A Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
- Proof of legal residency if applying from outside of your home country
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient finances in Portugal
- Proof of savings meeting the threshold (€9,840 plus dependents).
Legalizing and Translating Documents
Documents issued by non-Portuguese entities must be legalized, with an apostille if applicable. Documents not in Portuguese must be translated and notarized.
Application Process: Steps to get the Entrepreneur Visa
Obtain a NIF and a NISS
Getting both a Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number) and NISS (Social Security Identification Number) is usually quick, and a legal representative can obtain one for you if you’re not in Portugal.
Securing Accommodation
Adequate housing is required for the application. Renting or purchasing property in Portugal fulfils this requirement.
Gather Necessary Documents
Next, collect all required documents for both yourself and any dependents. Common documents include identification, a clean criminal record certificate, proof of health insurance, and proof of residence. Many of these will need to be translated, notarized, and certified. Working with an Entrepreneur Visa advisor can simplify this part by providing checklists and guidance.
Apply for the D2 Visa at a Portuguese Consulate
You will need to apply online for an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your current region. The exact documents required can change between regions. In most cases, the documents mentioned above will suffice.
Apply for a Residence Permit in Portugal
Once you have entered Portugal with your newly granted D2 Visa, you must apply for a residence permit at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA) within four months. Required documents include a passport with a D2 Visa, proof of accommodation, proof of financial resources, and health insurance.
Receive and Renew Your Residence Permit
Temporary residence permits last two years and must be renewed for continued residency. Applicants are required to stay in Portugal for at least 4 months during the first year, and at least 6 months every year after the first year.
Apply for Permanent Residency or Citizenship
After five years, you may apply for Portuguese permanent residency or citizenship. Citizenship provides a Portuguese passport, freedom of movement within the EU, and voting rights, but you’ll need to demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese.
Timeline and Renewal for the Entrepreneur Visa
The document preparation phase generally takes between 30 and 60 days. The consulate process timeline varies on a case-to-case basis for the D2 visa. Delays are common with missing or incorrect documentation, as resubmissions may require in-person follow-ups. Once in Portugal, AIMA (formerly SEF) appointment wait times vary by location. In high-demand cities like Lisbon and Porto, appointments can take up to 180 days, whereas less populous areas may offer availability within 30 days.
The Portugal Entrepreneur Visa follows the provided timeline:
- Years 1–2: The initial residence card is valid for two years, with a stay requirement of 4 months in the first year and 6 months in the second year.
- Years 3–5: Each renewal permit is valid for two years, with a stay requirement of 6 months out of every year.
- Year 5 and Beyond: After five years, applicants are eligible to apply for either permanent residency or citizenship. Citizenship processing typically takes between 12 to 18 months.
Important Considerations: Key Points for the Entrepreneur Visa
Market Research and Business Viability:
- Prospective applicants should thoroughly research the Portuguese market, evaluate their business model’s adaptability, and assess the competitive landscape.
Cultural and Legal Familiarity:
- Understanding Portuguese regulations, cultural norms, and potential business challenges will help applicants better prepare for establishing their business and integrating into Portuguese society.
Compliance and Renewals:
- Meeting the residency requirements and maintaining business activity is crucial for renewing the D2 Visa. Applicants should ensure they can meet the residency minimum requirements and fulfill financial obligations.
The Portugal D2 Visa provides a structured yet flexible opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to live and work in Portugal while contributing to its economy. By meeting the requirements and approaching the process with a prepared mindset, applicants can pave the way to not only a successful business venture but also a fulfilling life in Portugal, with the added advantage of long-term residency and potential EU citizenship. The D2 Visa is a beneficial route for individuals looking to establish a business, build a network, and enjoy the many privileges of residency in Portugal and the EU. By following the guidelines and meeting the requirements outlined in this guide, you can enhance your chances of securing the D2 Visa and taking advantage of all that Portugal has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Step into a World of Possibilities
Discover the life-changing benefits of Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa:
Portugal is ranked the #1 investment destination by PWC
Security is ranked #3 in the world by the Global Peace Index
Portugal ranked #1 in places to retire by International Living
Portugal ranked #1 most friendly country for expats by InterNations
Portugal ranked #3 for patient care and medical services by the World Index of Healthcare Innovation
Portugal ranked with Very high proficiency by the EF English Proficiency Index
Portugal is just a two-hour flight away from major European cities
Get citizenship after just 5 years
Citizenship is permanent and passes down to your future generations
The Portuguese passport is the 6th strongest in the world, with 189 destinations visa-free
As a Portuguese citizen, you have the right to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in the European Union
Expertise You Can Count On
Why UAE and MENA-based clients trust us to help them with their Portuguese Entrepreneur Visa:
- We are a firm with an office and representatives in Dubai providing a convenient point of contact for all your needs.
- We specialize in the UAE market, so we know exactly what our Dubai-based clients need to make their Portuguese dreams come true.
- As certified immigration consultants and lawyers, we'll certify, apostille, and translate your documents, taking care of as much as possible on your behalf.