Portugal D2 Visa: All You Need to Know

The Portugal D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to establish a business or invest in Portugal. It allows foreigners to reside in Portugal and operate a business, either by starting a new one or acquiring an existing one.

The Portuguese government introduced this residency visa to attract foreign entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to relocate to Portugal. The goal is to encourage investment, job creation, and activities that can enhance the country's economy.

The D2 Visa offers several advantages, including the ability to travel freely across other Schengen countries and the possibility of obtaining a permanent residence permit.

We have created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the D2 Visa category and ensure a smooth application process.

You'll find out more about:

• The D2 Visa vs. the Golden Visa: A brief comparison
• Eligibility criteria for the Portugal D2 Visa
• Categories of the Portugal D2 Visa
• Advantages of the Portugal D2 Visa

What is the D2 Visa in Portugal?

The Portuguese D2 visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is a residence visa designed for non-EU citizens who wish to establish a business, start a new branch, or invest in an existing one in Portugal.

It offers a pathway to residency, potentially leading to Portuguese citizenship after five years. The D2 Visa is attractive to entrepreneurs and freelancers due to its low entry barrier, family reunification options, and access to the Schengen Area.

Compared to other visas, such as the Portugal Golden Visa or the Portugal D7 Passive Income Visa, the D2 doesn't require a significant investment or a regular passive income. Instead, it focuses on business investment and having a viable business idea.

Advantages of the Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa benefits include:

• Entrepreneurial opportunities: The D2 Portugal allows you to establish a business or work as an independent professional in Portugal, providing you with the opportunity to pursue your entrepreneurial aspirations.
• Schengen Area travel privileges: With the D2, you can freely enter and move within the Schengen Area, consisting of 26 European countries, without needing an additional visa. This grants you the same travel rights as European Union citizens, making networking and establishing business connections across Europe convenient.
• Family reunification: The D2 Visa also enables family reunification in Portugal. Your family members, including partners, children, parents, or dependent siblings, can apply for Family reunification after you've been a legal resident for at least two years.
• Path to permanent residency and citizenship: After five years of being a legal permanent resident in Portugal, you may qualify for permanent citizenship as part of the country's residency program. It's important to note that obtaining citizenship typically requires passing a basic Portuguese language and culture test.
• Residency rights and access to services: With Portuguese residency, you and your family will have access to the public healthcare system, and your children can enroll in the public education system, ensuring essential services for your well-being and that of your family members.

Eligibility Criteria for the Portugal D2 Visa

If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Switzerland freelancer, entrepreneur, or independent service provider, you might be considered for a Portuguese Entrepreneur Visa.

The Portugal D2 Visa requirements include:

• The acquisition of a Portuguese company
• Having a pre-existing company abroad
• Intending to open a branch in Portugal or proposing a comprehensive business plan for a new company in Portugal.

The applicant will be required to demonstrate their business’s potential economic and social contributions to Portugal.

Categories of the Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa is segmented into two distinct categories, each catering to different types of entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur: This option is ideal for those wishing to either start a new business or extend an existing one into Portugal. Essential requirements include getting a NIF (Portuguese tax number), setting up a business bank account with a Portuguese bank, establishing a Portuguese limited company (LDA), and employing an accountant well-versed in the Portuguese tax system.

It's also necessary to demonstrate sufficient financial means to launch and manage the company, including paying annual corporation tax and social security contributions.

Independent service provider: This alternative is designed for those offering services to local or global clients, with fewer requirements than the entrepreneur route. You don't need to create a Portuguese company or hire an accountant.

Instead, you must get a NIF, open a bank account in Portugal, provide proof of relevant experience or qualifications, and demonstrate that you have a contract with one or more clients.

D2 Visa Portugal Requirements: Business Documents

Securing the Portugal D2 Visa hinges largely on presenting a solid business plan. Portuguese authorities must be assured that your venture or service activities will generate sufficient income to support your stay in Portugal. This income could come from a locally incorporated company or contracts with clients.

1. Declaration of investment: You must submit a declaration stating that you have already made or plan to invest in Portugal, providing details about the nature, value, and duration of the investment. Factors such as the investment's economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural significance will be considered when evaluating your visa application. Additionally, the creation of job opportunities in Portugal will significantly contribute to the strength of your application.
2. Solid business plan: You must submit a well-structured and detailed business plan that will undergo a thorough evaluation based on its social, economic, and cultural impact. A solid business plan should demonstrate how your business will flourish and contribute to economic growth in Portugal.
3. Financial capacity: You need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support and sustain your company throughout the duration of your intended stay in the country (e.g., local bank statements). It is essential to demonstrate that your business is financially viable and has the resources to thrive during your time in Portugal.
4. Share capital: Share capital represents the initial minimum investment amount required to ensure the company's functioning, even in situations where it may not be generating profits. In Portugal, small companies typically have an average social capital of €5,000, a reference value to consider when submitting your application.
5. Company set-up: You must provide evidence of having established a company operating within Portuguese territory or possessing sufficient financial resources in Portugal, and submit documents that demonstrate your capability to establish a company in the country.
6. Service contract: Independent service providers must submit a written contract or proposal detailing the provision of their services as part of their application.

D2 Visa Required Personal Documents

1. Personal financial means: You must provide evidence of having sufficient financial resources to sustain yourself and your accompanying family members for a year, regardless of your business income. As the main applicant, you must possess at least 12 months of the Portuguese minimum wage, which equals €10,440.00. Additionally, a spouse requires 50 percent of this amount (€5,220.00), and 30 percent (€3,132.00) must be added for each dependent child. Therefore, a couple with one child would need approximately €18,792.00 per year to meet the financial requirements for the D2 Visa.
2. Criminal record check: You typically need a clean criminal record certificate from any country where you've resided for over a year. This criminal background check document should be less than three months old, and the timing is crucial for your application. Despite common misconceptions, prior criminal records do not automatically disqualify you from visa eligibility, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
3. Tax representative: As part of the Portugal D2 Visa application process, non-EU citizens are obligated to designate a tax representative in Portugal.
4. Proof of secure accommodation in Portugal: You must provide proof of secure, long-term accommodation in Portugal. This could be a rental agreement, property deeds, or an invitation letter from a friend or relative who is a legal resident of Portugal.
5. Purchase health insurance: You should have at least six months of travel insurance coverage, which covers the initial four-month Portugal D2 Visa. Private health insurance prices range between €30 and €150 per month, and the waiting period for registering as a resident with AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). Once you are a resident, you can apply for social security and health insurance through the State.
6. Passport: To apply for the Portugal D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa), you must possess a valid passport for at least six months beyond the expiration date of the visa you are applying for, which is four months long. You must also provide two recent passport-size color photos for your application.

NIF and Portuguese bank account

Obtaining a tax identification number (NIF) and opening a business account in Portugal are crucial steps in the D2 Visa application process.

To apply for a D2 Visa, you must obtain a tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or NIF) from the Portuguese tax authorities. The NIF is a unique identification number assigned to individuals for tax purposes in Portugal. It is required for various financial and administrative transactions in the country.

Opening an account in Portugal is necessary to manage your financial affairs while living in the country. It is recommended that you choose a reputable bank and meet its specific account opening requirements.

To complete the account opening process, you will likely need to provide your identification documents, address proof, and tax identification number (NIF).

Having an account with a bank in Portugal will enable you to receive funds, make payments, contribute to social security tax, and handle financial transactions related to your business and personal expenses during your stay in Portugal.

The tax identification number and the bank account in Portugal are essential documents demonstrating your commitment to establishing and maintaining financial ties in the country, supporting your business endeavors, and overall integration into Portuguese society.

Portugal D2 Visa Application Process

Acquiring a Portugal D2 Visa typically takes about two to three months if you already have a business plan or a company in Portugal. Following the acquisition of the Portugal D2 Visa, the applicant can apply for a Portuguese residency permit. You must follow the following steps to apply:

• Obtain a NIF
• Open a personal and business Portuguese bank account and deposit funds into it.
• Arrange for long-term accommodation in the country by either buying or leasing a property for a minimum of one year, even if the agreement includes a provision for early termination.
• Apply online via the E-Visa Portal or VFS Global. You can also do this through your home country's Portuguese Consulate or Embassy.

The Portugal D2 Visa application process occurs in two separate phases. In the first phase, most of your documents, including your business plan, are submitted to the Portuguese Embassy, Consulate, or the local VFS Global branch in your country of residence.

Upon approval of your application, you will be asked to attend an interview. If successful, a four-month Portugal D2 Visa will be granted, enabling you to travel to Portugal and enter Portugal to apply for temporary residency, and permanent residency after five years.

The second phase happens in Portugal with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA). AIMA schedules an appointment for you, and you’ll be sent an appointment date with your visa. If all available AIMA appointment slots exceed your visa's validity, your legal status in Portugal remains unaffected past the four-month visa term as long as an appointment is scheduled.

Your residency card will be valid for two years, after which it can be renewed for another three years. Similar to other EU countries, if you decide to make Portugal your permanent residence, you can apply to the immigration authorities to take the next steps.

Portugal's Entrepreneur Visa Processing Time

Processing a D2 Visa for Portugal typically takes 60 to 90 days after submitting the application. Timelines vary by consulate and depend on factors like appointment availability, document accuracy, and volume of applications. Applicants should prepare early to meet deadlines and avoid delays.

Portugal D2 Visa Costs

There is no specific amount required for business investment. However, entrepreneurs must show that they have the financial resources to operate their intended business. Additionally, you must provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself in Portugal for one year, which amounts to at least €10,440 (or 12 times the monthly minimum salary in Portugal).

It's also necessary to demonstrate proof of rented or owned accommodation in Portugal. However, there is a consular fee of €90, and a residence permit card fee of €155.50.

D2 Visa and Portuguese Citizenship

Once you’ve resided legally in Portugal for five years on a Portugal D2 Visa, you can apply for permanent residence and/or citizenship in Portugal.

It is vital to maintain your residency status for the entire five years, and one of the crucial requirements to become a Portuguese citizen is to prove a level A2 or higher proficiency in the Portuguese language. Language proficiency is required only for applicants who come from non-Portuguese-speaking countries.

Portugal D2 Visa vs. the Golden Visa Comparison

The Portugal D2 Visa and the Golden Visa both provide pathways to residency and eventual citizenship, but they are designed for very different types of applicants.

The D2 Visa is tailored for individuals who intend to live in Portugal and actively establish or manage a business. The Golden Visa, by contrast, is a residency-by-investment program aimed at attracting foreign capital.

It allows non-EU nationals to gain residency through specific types of investment in Portugal, such as contributing to investment funds, creating jobs, or supporting cultural and research initiatives.

How We Can Help

We can help you get your NIF and satisfy the mandatory tax representative requirements. Simply apply online, and we will send a NIF straight to your email inbox in two to three weeks.

This completely avoids having to fly to Portugal, wait for an appointment, or queue up for hours with your tax representative to get a NIF. We additionally provide a service whereby you can open a Portuguese bank account with one of Portugal's leading banks from anywhere in the world. Simply apply online, and we’ll connect you with a Portuguese bank account.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal D2 Visa

What is a D2 Visa in Portugal?

The D2 Visa in Portugal, also known as the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa, allows entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers to reside in Portugal while operating or establishing a business. Applicants must show financial means, a viable business plan, and demonstrate economic potential to Portugal. The visa leads to residency and possible citizenship.

What are the benefits of the D2 Visa Portugal?

The D2 Visa in Portugal offers benefits including residency rights, access to the Schengen Area, eligibility for permanent residency after five years, and a path to Portuguese citizenship.

How long does it take to get a D2 Visa for Portugal?

Processing a D2 Visa for Portugal typically takes 60 to 90 days after submitting the complete application. Timelines vary by consulate and depend on factors like appointment availability, document accuracy, and volume of applications. Applicants should prepare early to meet deadlines and avoid delays.

What is the difference between a D2 and a D7 Visa in Portugal?

The D2 Visa is aimed at entrepreneurs and those intending to start a business in Portugal, whereas Portugal D7 Visa, or the Passive Income Visa, is intended for individuals who have a regular passive income from sources such as pensions, rental income, or dividends. The D7 Visa is a popular choice for retirees or digital nomads, while the D2 Visa targets active business professionals.

What are the advantages of the D2 Visa?

The D2 Visa offers the chance to establish and run a business in Portugal, a country with a stable economy and a high standard of living. It provides the opportunity to enjoy the favorable Portuguese tax regime and potential access to the markets of EU countries. After five years of residency, it also offers a pathway to Portuguese permanent residence and EU citizenship.

What type of visa is the D2 Visa?

The D2 is a type of Portuguese residency visa. It's designed specifically for non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals who want to start a business or invest in Portugal. It's also known as the Entrepreneur Visa or the 'Start-Up Visa'.

Who is eligible for a D2 Visa in Portugal?

Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers are eligible for the D2 Visa in Portugal. Applicants must show a viable business plan, financial capacity to sustain themselves, and proof of intention to operate a business in Portugal that contributes economically or socially. If you are a remote worker, the Portugal D8 Digital Nomad Visa might be the best option.

What is the difference between a D1 and a D2 Visa?

The main difference between a D1 and a D2 Visa is that the D1 Visa is for individuals with a secured employment contract in Portugal, while the D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs, freelancers, or investors starting or running a business in the country. Each targets different residency paths.

What if I want to spend less than 183 days a year in Portugal?

If your business plan requires more flexibility than the Portugal D2 Visa offers, consider the Portugal Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3 Visa). This visa type offers a unique investor-entrepreneur residency pathway, partnering entrepreneurial investors with Portuguese universities to develop a research-driven startup.