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Unlock European residency with the Portugal D2 Visa, designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals seeking growth. This visa allows you to establish a business, work with local or international clients, and experience life in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries.
With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and prime EU location, Portugal is an ideal base for expansion. The D2 Visa (Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa) offers a clear path to residency and the possibility of citizenship after five years.
📣 Portugal Citizenship Law Update 2025
On October 28, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved proposed amendments to the Nationality Law and the immigration framework, following their initial presentation by the government on June 23, 2025. This development marks a major step forward in Portugal’s ongoing legislative reform process.
The proposal aims to extend the minimum residency period for citizenship from five to ten years, or seven years for EU and CPLP nationals, and to revise how residency time is calculated—starting from the issuance of the first residence permit rather than the date the application was submitted.
The bill is not yet in effect, as it still requires Presidential review. The President may approve, veto, or refer the legislation to the Constitutional Court, and the final version could still be modified before promulgation.
What is the Portugal D2 Visa (Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa)?
The Portugal D2 Visa, often called the Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa, is a long-stay visa created in 2018 for entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Portugal. It’s open to non-EU citizens and allows an initial stay of up to four months, during which you apply for your residence permit.
Once approved, the residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for another three as long as your business or professional activity continues. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
This D2 Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa suits anyone investing in a Portuguese company or launching their own project. The requirements are relatively flexible — you can open a business in almost any sector, and there’s no need for incubator approval.
Who Can Apply for the Portugal D2 Visa?
- Entrepreneurs seeking to start a company in Portugal.
- Business owners who want to start a branch in Portugal but already have a company in their home country.
- Independent or liberal professionals who wish to work in Portugal and already have a job offer in writing or a work contract.
Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa Routes
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas find a way to start new companies within Portugal. Bringing fresh life into the entrepreneurial scene.
At the same time, established business owners seeking to expand their presence abroad can use the D2 Entrepreneur visa to start branches. Using their expertise to push economic growth.
Independent Service Provider
For independent or liberal professionals who have contracts for providing their services in Portugal, this visa offers a chance. They can easily fit into the country’s economic and cultural scene.
By welcoming these skilled people, Portugal not only fosters innovation within its industries. It also enriches its society through the mix of cross-cultural views and talents.
Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs
Schengen Area
The D2 Entrepreneur Visa Portugal allows you visa-free entry and circulation through the Schengen Area.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Under the entrepreneur route, you have the opportunity to establish your own business in Portugal, contributing to the local economy and fostering innovation which also grant you access to the broader EU market, which can be advantageous for trade and business expansion.
Access to Healthcare system
Being a resident in Portugal you gain access to National Healthcare, also called SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde) and covers primary and secondary healthcare needs.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of legal residency, you may apply for permanent residency or to citizenship. However, in this case you’ll have to pass a Portuguese language test.
Family Reunion
You are entitled to bring your family members who are already in Portugal or who will be joining you in Portugal such as your spouse or partner, children under 18 years, children over 18 years of age who are dependent on you or your spouse and your parents or your spouse/partner’s parents if they are dependent on you.
Portugal D2 Visa Requirements
Required Personal Documents
1. Personal NIF
To start the D2 Visa process, you must obtain a Portuguese Tax Number (NIF). For non-EU applicants, a fiscal representative is required so the tax authorities can send official communications on your behalf until you become a resident. The NIF is essential for all major steps in Portugal, from banking to signing contracts.
2. Bank Account
Once you have your NIF, the next step is to open a Portuguese bank account. This can be done remotely, and it’s where you’ll place the financial means required for the visa. Your fiscal representative can assist with this if needed.
3. Proof of Accommodation
To be eligible for the D2 Visa, you must show that you have secured housing in Portugal. This can be a rental contract valid for at least one year or proof of property ownership. It demonstrates that you have a stable place to live once you move.
4. Personal Financial Means
You need to prove you have enough funds to support yourself for at least one year. The minimum amount is €11,040, deposited into your Portuguese bank account before applying.
If family members are included:
- €5,520/year for a spouse or partner
- €3,312/year for each child
This shows you can cover your living expenses without relying on state support.
5. Visa Insurance
You must have travel medical insurance (Schengen insurance) covering the initial four-month visa period. It usually includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and repatriation. After receiving your residence permit, you’ll be eligible for Portugal’s public healthcare system.
Required Business Documents
1. Letter of Investment
You can provide a letter of intent or support from a potential customer, partner, or investor in Portugal.
The letter should show that the proposed business has a potential market in Portugal. And that it is likely to be successful.
2. Business Plan
You can have your business plan reviewed by a third-party expert. Such as a lawyer or accountant. To check its feasibility and viability.
3. Financial Resources
You can provide proof of enough financial resources to cover your business startup costs during your stay in Portugal.
This could include bank statements, investment portfolios, or proof of income from a job or other sources.
4. Share Capital
This initial investment guarantees that the business can keep running even if it is not profitable. Portugal’s small businesses have an average social capital of €5,000. You should take this into account when submitting your application.
5. Proof of Company Set-up
This includes any official documents showing that you have opened a limited company in Portugal (LDA). Which can have one or several partners. Or you have the means to start a company.
6. Portuguese Business Bank Account
You will need to move to the business bank account, the initial social capital defined when registering the company.
7. Contracts or Agreements
Independent providers require a written contract or agreement. This specifies the services they will render.
Portugal D2 Visa Application Process
The D2 Visa process has two main stages. First, you apply at the Portuguese consulate in your home country to obtain the D2 Visa, which is valid for 120 days and allows you to enter Portugal legally. The second stage takes place in Portugal, where you convert that visa into a residence card.
In the first stage, you submit your application along with your personal and business documents, such as your NIF, proof of financial means, accommodation, and company incorporation details. The consulate usually takes around 30 to 60 days to approve the visa. Once approved, the visa is stamped in your passport with the date of your AIMA appointment in Portugal.
At the AIMA appointment, you present the updated documents again and provide your biometric data. After this, your Portuguese residence card is issued, officially granting you legal residency under the D2 program.
Portugal D2 Visa Processing Time
Get In Touch With a Portugal Immigration Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international families in successfully relocating to Portugal and securing residency. Discover how our trusted, all-in-one solution makes your move simple and successful.
Portugal D2 Visa Costs and Fees
D2 Visa Costs
The cost of the Portugal D2 Entrepreneur visa is relatively low. It varies depending on the consulate where you apply. But for a single applicant, you may expect to pay:
- €90-€100 for your entry visa application at the Consulate in your home country
- €181 to submit and receive your resident permit from the AIMA in Portugal
You should consider some additional costs. These include flight tickets, travel insurance, relocation services, accommodation, paperwork, including translations or documents apostilled.
Cost of Incorporating a Company in Portugal
Starting a company in Portugal involves essential expenses. Aspiring entrepreneurs should carefully consider these. Here are the outlined costs and considerations for opening a company in Portugal:
- Initial company registration fee: €360.00
- Name reservation for the company: €75.00 within 10 working day or €150.00 for expedited 24-hour service.
- Monthly Accounting expenses: Approximately €250.00
Portugal D2 Visa Tax Benefits for Entrepreneurs
Portugal now offers a new tax incentive called IFICI — often referred to as NHR 2.0 — aimed at attracting professionals involved in scientific, research, and innovation activities.
For those who qualify, the regime provides a 20% flat tax rate on Portuguese-source income and potential exemptions on most foreign-sourced income. One important exception is pensions, which do not benefit from these exemptions.
If you don’t qualify for IFICI, you fall under Portugal’s general progressive tax system, where rates range from 13% up to 48%, and in some situations can reach 53% for higher income levels.
This means D2 Visa applicants who do not meet the IFICI criteria will be taxed according to the standard progressive brackets.
Portugal D2 Visa Minimum Stay Requirement
As a holder of a temporary permit, you must stay in the country at least 16 months during the first 2-year period. And for the next 3-year period. No absence for more than 6 consecutive months. Otherwise, your permit can be invalidated.
For the holder of a Permanent residency Permit, the minimum stay is 30 months every 5 years. No absence for more than 24 consecutive months. Otherwise, your permit can be invalidated.
Obtaining Portuguese Citizenship Through the D2 Visa
After living legally in Portugal for five years under the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, you can apply for either Portuguese citizenship or permanent residence. The basic requirements are similar, but the outcomes and processing times differ.
Citizenship can take up to 29 months to be approved, but it grants you a Portuguese passport. Permanent residence, on the other hand, is issued much faster but does not make you a Portuguese citizen.
Portuguese Citizenship Requirements
- Legal stay of at least 5 years: You must show continuous legal residency in Portugal.
- Clean criminal record: You cannot have been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison under Portuguese law.
- No debts: You must be up to date with Social Security and tax obligations.
- Portuguese language certificate: An A2-level Portuguese exam is required to prove basic language skills.
- Connection to Portuguese society: This is usually demonstrated through residency, integration, and your life established in Portugal.
Portugal D2 Visa vs Start-up Visa
Both the D2 Visa and the Start-up Visa are designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs to Portugal, but they serve different profiles. The D2 Visa is open to any non-EU citizen looking to start or buy a business in Portugal, while the Start-up Visa targets founders building innovative, scalable projects in tech or science.
The investment expectations also differ. The D2 requires a modest minimum investment in share capital (around €5,000), whereas the Start-up Visa is aimed at companies capable of reaching €325,000 in annual turnover or asset value over five years.
In terms of planning, the D2 focuses on a solid, practical business plan. The Start-up Visa demands high innovation potential and clear scalability. Residency conditions vary too: the D2 leads to a one-year residence permit, while the Start-up Visa grants two years, with renewals available.
A key advantage of the Start-up Visa is access to an acceleration program with mentorship, networking, and support. The D2 doesn’t require this and remains the more flexible route for traditional businesses.
Is Portugal a Good Place for Business?
Portugal offers a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs, with several advantages worth noting:
Easy Company Setup: Registering a business is straightforward, supported by simple online systems and clear administrative steps. This makes it easy for new entrepreneurs to get started.
Strategic Location: Portugal’s position at the edge of Europe gives access to EU markets and strong links to Africa and South America, making it ideal for international trade.
Attractive Tax Options: Madeira and the Azores offer special tax incentives, drawing foreign investment and making them appealing for certain business models.
Skilled Workforce: Portugal has a well-educated, multilingual workforce, ready to support both traditional industries and growing sectors like tech and innovation.
For more videos about investing or moving to Portugal, explore our YouTube channel here: YouTube Channel Portugal Residency Advisors.
Why Choose Portugal Residency Advisors For Your Immigration Visa
Local Expertise
We know Portugal. Due to our extensive local knowledge, we believe that concentrating our services in a single country destination is the best way to give you the most thorough and useful information.
Honest Guidance
We recommend what’s best for you based on an extensive process experience that saves time and money to clients. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and we don’t sell services that make us more money.
All-in-One Solution
One single channel of communication for the entire process. We provide you with a comprehensive service that covers all aspects of your move, from identifying the ideal residency visa to finding your new home or helping you to settle.
Seamless Process
Technology plays a very important role in our company. We minimize our clients’ involvement in paperwork. We are customers ourselves and we know how to serve you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Portuguese D2 visa?
The D2 visa is available for new business start-ups, independent professionals, immigrant entrepreneurs, company owners, shareholders seeking a long-term residence visa.
How long does it take to obtain a Portugal D2 visa?
After applying for a D2 visa at the Portuguese consulate, the expected processing time is up to 60 days. Related: Portuguese Nationality Application Processing Time: Why is Taking so Long?
How much is the minimum investment for the Portugal D2 visa?
The Portuguese authorities do not have a prescribed investment amount and it depends on your specific plan or project in Portugal. However, you must demonstrate a minimum of €760 per month in your bank account for basic living expenses.
Can I apply for the D2 visa Portugal with my family?
No, the D2 visa is primarily for business owners or partner shareholders. Family applications fall under the category of D6 Visa available for family reunification and require first a successful residency permit from the D2 visa holder.
Can I open a company remotely?
Yes, you need to delegate legal power of attorney to a Portuguese representative, lawyer, consultant, or any person who resides in Portugal.
The power of attorney must be validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
What is a D2 business plan in Portugal?
Prospective D2 visa applicants are obligated to present a robust business plan and a firm commitment to investment, which will be used to substantiate the feasibility of their business venture. Additionally, they must demonstrate the company’s significance in terms of its economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural contributions to the country.
How long is the D2 visa Portugal valid?
The D2 visa valid for 120 days. Upon arrival in Portugal, you must visit the AIMA (The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) for biometric data collection in order to obtain a residence permit which is valid for two years.
Can I legally work in other jobs while holding a D2 visa in Portugal?
Yes, you are allowed to work in multiple legal jobs while holding a D2 visa in Portugal.
After opening my company in Portugal, can I hire employees from other countries?
Yes, however the requirements for hiring employees are different from those of the D2 visa, so you will need to obtain a different visa to incorporate those employees.
What is the minimum stay in Portugal required after obtaining a resident permit?
You must stay in Portugal for either 6 consecutive months or 8 months intermittently.
What is the social security tax obligation for employees, partners, and directors?
The social security obligation for these individuals is 11% of their salary (paid by the employee) and 23.75% (paid by the company).
How long does it take to open a company or branch office in Portugal?
After submitting the necessary documents, creating a company can take one working day.
How do I get a D2 visa?
To obtain a D2 Visa, applicants must either establish a new company in Portugal, purchase an existing business, or acquire its shares. The D2 Visa does not specify a minimum investment requirement, but applicants are required to demonstrate sufficient funds to initiate and sustain their business endeavors.
What is the difference between D7 and D2 visa in Portugal?
The Portugal D2 visa is designed for foreign individuals seeking to make investments in businesses within the country. The D7 visa is tailored for foreigners with substantial passive income who wish to enter Portugal and secure residency.
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