Business Strategist

Portugal D2 Visa: A Guide to Securing Residency for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs can apply for Portugal’s D2 Visa by establishing or acquiring a business within the country. This visa offers a residence permit, granting the right to live in Portugal and travel visa-free throughout the Schengen area. Processing time typically exceeds three months. The D2 Visa has flexible business requirements, as applicants are free to start companies in various sectors without needing approval from local business incubators, making it an appealing pathway for those interested in relocating to Portugal.
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What is Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa grants residency to entrepreneurs launching or acquiring a business in Portugal. This visa doesn’t have a minimum investment requirement, but applicants must prove they have sufficient funds to start their business and support themselves for a year. Initially valid for four months, the visa allows entry to Portugal, where the applicant can then obtain a residence permit. After five years of residency, the applicant may apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence, and family members can join through family reunification.
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Eligibility for the Portugal D2 Visa includes entrepreneurs who meet at least one of these criteria:

1. Purchasing a Portuguese company or a share in one.
2. Expanding an existing foreign company by opening a branch in Portugal.
3. Submitting a detailed business plan for a new enterprise in Portugal.
Applicants can select any business sector without requirements on profitability or job creation, but must demonstrate that their business will benefit Portugal and that they have sufficient funds for investment.
Other requirements apply for the D2 Visa:
To qualify for a Portugal D2 Visa, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, secure housing in Portugal (either rented or owned), demonstrate financial means to live in Portugal for a year, and purchase health insurance. Family members, including spouses, children, and parents, may apply for residency through family reunification. Adult dependents must verify financial reliance on the visa holder and confirm sufficient housing and funds to reside in Portugal.
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Required Documents for a Portugal D2 Visa Application

When applying for a D2 Visa, you’ll need to submit several business documents. The required documents include:
  • A comprehensive business plan.
  • If you have an existing company, submit founding documents, registration papers, contracts, invoices, financial reports, and a bank statement showing the company’s account balance.
  • If you plan to start a new company, include proof of available funds for business investment, such as a statement from a Portuguese bank.
Additionally, personal documents and completed forms are necessary for visa and residence permit applications. Entrepreneurs must prepare and submit the following:
  • An application form.
  • A passport and a copy of it.
  • A document demonstrating sufficient funds for living in Portugal, such as a bank statement.
  • Proof of housing in Portugal, like a rental agreement.
  • A criminal record certificate from the country of residence, with an apostille.
  • Authorization for the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum of Portugal to verify criminal records.
  • Health insurance.
  • Two color photographs (3×5 cm).
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How to Apply for a Portugal D2 Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Obtaining a Portugal D2 Visa typically takes 2-3 months if you already have a business plan or company in Portugal. After securing the visa, additional time is needed to obtain a residence permit.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Prepare your business plan, financial proof for starting a business, and all necessary personal documents. It may be helpful to consult experienced lawyers to ensure everything is in order.
Step 2: Apply for a D2 Visa
Book an appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence or citizenship, and submit your application in person.
Step 3: Await Approval and Receive Your Visa
The typical processing time for a visa application is up to 60 days. Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
Step 4: Obtain a Residence Permit in Portugal
The visa is valid for four months. Within this period, you must travel to Portugal and submit your residence application and biometrics to the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum by appointment. After approval, you will receive your residence permit card.
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What is the Cost of Obtaining a Portugal D2 Visa?

Applicants for the Portugal D2 Visa face several costs, with the most significant being the business investment. While there is no minimum investment threshold, entrepreneurs must demonstrate sufficient funds to operate their business and support themselves. The minimum annual income requirement is at least €9,840, based on Portugal’s minimum wage, which will increase to €820 in 2024. Additionally, securing housing is mandatory, but there are no specific cost requirements. Other costs include government fees, health insurance, and potential professional service fees, which vary by provider.
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Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa offers numerous advantages for immigrants seeking to relocate to a safe, developed European country known for its mild climate, beautiful Atlantic coastline, and access to affordable healthcare and education. Portugal provides a stable economy and banking system, making it an attractive location for businesses. Additionally, individuals can benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident tax status, which allows for reduced taxes on income earned within Portugal and no taxes on foreign income for the first ten years. Businesses can also take advantage of tax optimization opportunities, especially if registered in Madeira or the Azores.
Visa-free travel to the Schengen Area allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with time spent in Portugal not counted against this limit. After five years of residency and achieving at least an A2 level in Portuguese, an entrepreneur may apply for permanent residency or citizenship. This is one of the most lenient requirements in the EU, especially compared to the longer residency periods needed in countries like Greece, Italy, or Spain.
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Portugal D2 Visa vs the D7, Startup and Golden Visas

what option to choose?
If your goal is to immigrate to Portugal, there are some options to consider apart from theD2 Visa. Some of them, like the Visa, don’t require starting a business at all.
The D7 Visa  is intended for financially independent foreigners. They prove to have funds and housing to live in Portugal to get a residence permit alongside all the rights the D2 Visa holders have.
 The startup Visa Is for those who wish to open an innovative startup in Portugal. It’s one of the most affordable: applicants don’t need to invest in their businesses, and the amount of money for living to prove is about €5,200.
 The Golden Visa Is residence by investment in fund units, culture, science or businesses. It allows one to maintain residency without living in Portugal permanently. The minimum investment is €250,000.
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How to Obtain Portugal Citizenship or Permanent Residency After the D2 Visa

To apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency following your D2 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
  • Residency Duration: You must maintain residency in Portugal for a minimum of five years.
  • Language Proficiency: Achieve at least an A2 level in the Portuguese language.
  • Clean Criminal Record: You must have no criminal convictions.
  • Financial Stability: Demonstrate that you have adequate housing and sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Portugal.
Portugal allows its citizens to hold multiple passports. Therefore, if your country of origin permits dual citizenship, you will not be required to renounce your previous nationality.
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Portugal D2 Visa: A Simple Checklist for Entrepreneurs

  • Establish or Purchase a Business: Either buy an existing company in Portugal or prepare a detailed business plan for your new venture. Clearly outline the investment you’ll make and the benefits it will bring, such as creating jobs for locals.
  • Prepare Required Documents: Gather necessary paperwork, including your business plan, bank statements, and other supporting documents.
  • Apply for the Visa: Submit your visa application to the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. The processing time typically takes around 60 days.
  • Travel and Submit Residency Application: After arriving in Portugal, apply for residency at the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (SEF). This must be done within four months of receiving your D2 Visa.
  • Obtain Residence Permit: Once approved, you’ll receive your residence permit. To maintain residency, you must spend 16 months in Portugal over the first two years or 1.5 consecutive years.
  • Apply for Family Reunification: If your family members also plan to move, you can apply for residence permits for them through family reunification.
  • Immigrant Invest: With 15 years of expertise, we are licensed agents specializing in citizenship and residency by investment programs across the EU, Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global experience!
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Costs Associated with the Portugal D2 Visa

Business Investment
Amount not defined; varies based on the business plan.
Living Expenses
€9,840 required for the year.
Housing
Not defined; actual price depends on location.
Rent for a 1-Bedroom Apartment (monthly):
Lisbon: €750+
Porto: €600+
Funchal: €600+
Government Fees
€90 consular fee, €155.50 for the residence permit card.
Health insurance
€400+
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Comparison of D2, D7, Startup and Golden visas to Portugal

Condition
D2 Visa
D7 Visa
Startup Visa
Golden Visa
Grounds
for obtaining residency
Buying a company or starting
a new one
Housing and enough money to live in Portugal
Startup with a Portuguese business incubator
Investment in the country’s
economy
Financial conditions
€9,840+ for living in Portugal
Rent or buy housing
Business
investments
€9,840+ for living in Portugal
Rent or buy housing
€9,840+ for living in Portugal
Rent or buy housing
€9,840+ for living in Portugal
Rent or buy housing
Time of obtaining a residence permit
3+ months
3+ months
3+ months
8-10 months
Obligation to live in Portugal
1.5 consecutive years in the first 2 years
or 16 months in total over 2 years
1.5 consecutive years in the first 2 years
or 16 months in total over 2 years
1.5 consecutive years in the first 2 years
or 16 months in total over 2 years
7 days a year
Family members who can obtain residency
Spouse, children, parents by family reunification
Spouse, children, parents by family reunification
Spouse, children, parents by family reunification
Spouse, children under 26, parents – with the investor