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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.