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Portugal offers two attractive residency pathways for entrepreneurs and investors: the D2 Visa and the Golden Visa. While both lead to residency and a potential route to citizenship, they are designed for very different profiles.
The D2 is aimed at business owners, freelancers, and startup founders looking to build or expand a venture in Portugal. The Golden Visa, on the other hand, is tailored to investors who prefer a flexible stay requirement and want to secure residency through qualifying investments.
This overview breaks down the key differences so you can easily understand which option aligns best with your goals and long-term plans in Portugal.
📣 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.
D2 vs Portugal Golden Visa Overview
What is the Portugal D2 Visa?
Portugal’s D2 Visa, also know as D2 Entrepreneur Visa, is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals looking to establish or expand their activities in the country.
It includes two distinct categories. The entrepreneur route is ideal for those planning to start a new business or extend an existing company into Portugal. The independent service provider route suits freelancers or consultants who offer services to clients locally or internationally.
What is the Portugal Golden Visa?
The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program aimed at individuals who prefer a flexible stay requirement. Instead of proving income or running a business, applicants qualify by making an eligible investment—typically €250,000 in cultural projects or €500,000 in investment funds.
It’s a popular route for investors seeking European residency with minimal time spent in the country while maintaining the option for long-term residency and citizenship.
What Are the Similarities Between the D2 and Portugal Golden Visa?
Despite targeting different types of applicants, the D2 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa share several key benefits that make both programs attractive to those seeking long-term residency.
Visa-free Travel Within the Schengen Area
Once you become a resident through either program, you can move freely across the Schengen Zone, making short-term travel throughout Europe simple and convenient.
Family Reunification
Both visas allow you to bring eligible family members to Portugal through the D6 family reunification visa. This includes your spouse or partner, dependent children, and dependent parents.
Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship
Both programs offer a clear route to permanent residency and citizenship after five years of legal residency. Applicants must meet basic requirements, including passing the A2 Portuguese language exam.
Access to Services
D2 and Golden Visa residents gain access to essential public services such as the Portugal healthcare system, including the National Health Service (SNS), education system in Portugal, and vocational training, along with the right to live, work, and study in the country.
What Are the Differences Between the D2 and Portugal Golden Visa?
Although both programs lead to residency and eventually citizenship, the D2 Visa and the Golden Visa differ significantly in terms of requirements, investment expectations, and how the application process works. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences.
1. Minimum Stay Requirements
D2 Visa Minimum Stay Requirements
The D2 Entrepreneur Visa requires you to spend most of the year in Portugal, as it is designed for entrepreneurs and service providers who plan to develop real economic activity in the country. This visa is suitable for individuals who want to base their life and work primarily in Portugal.
Golden Visa Minimum Stay Requirements
The Golden Visa Portugal is much more flexible. To maintain your residency, you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal. This makes it ideal for global investors who want EU residency without relocating full-time.
2. Investment Requirements
D2 Visa Investment Requirements
The D2 Visa does not require a minimum financial investment. Instead, you must demonstrate that your business brings value to Portugal—this may include job creation, innovation, or economic relevance.
If you choose to open a Portuguese company, the typical minimum share capital starts at around €5,000, depending on the business structure. Your business plan, company registration, and ability to operate sustainably carry more weight than the investment amount itself.
Golden Visa Investment Requirements
For the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must make a substantial qualifying investment. This can take the form of a €250,000 contribution to a cultural or artistic project, or a €500,000 investment in regulated investment funds.
If the cultural project is located in a designated low-density area, the required €250,000 contribution is reduced by 20%, bringing the minimum investment down to €200,000.
3. Visa Application Process
D2 Visa Application Process
The D2 Entrepreneur Visa application begins at the Portuguese embassy in your home country, where you’ll submit your personal documents along with proof of your planned business activity. This usually includes company registration in Portugal, a Portuguese business bank account, and a solid, viable business plan showing how your project will operate.
Once the visa is approved, you can travel to Portugal to complete the process by obtaining your two-year residence permit at AIMA. From the initial application to your arrival in Portugal, the entire process generally takes around six months.
Golden Visa Application Process
For the Golden Visa Portugal, the process is more streamlined. After making the qualifying investment, your lawyer submits the application online directly to AIMA, which typically takes two to three months to prepare and meet all mandatory requirements.
As soon your application is pre-approved, AIMA will schedule your biometrics appointment in Portugal, where your residence cards will then be issued.
4. Tax Implications
D2 Visa
When relocating to Portugal under the D2 Visa—or any residency visa—it is very likely that you will become a tax resident, especially if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country.
If you incorporate a company in Portugal, you will be responsible for corporate income tax on business profits, as well as personal income tax depending on how you pay yourself (salary, dividends, or a mix of both).
Golden Visa
In contrast, Golden Visa holders are not required to live in Portugal, and therefore will not become tax residents unless they choose to relocate and meet the 183-day rule. If they do move to Portugal, they will be taxed like any other resident, following the standard Portuguese tax rules.
5. Fees and Costs
D2 Visa Costs
When applying for the D2 Visa, your main expenses include both the government fees—usually between €100 and €300—and the costs associated with starting a business in Portugal.
The cost of incorporating a company typically involves a company registration fee of €360, a company name reservation fee of €75 (or €150 for expedited service), and ongoing monthly accounting costs of around €250.
Depending on the type of business you plan to run, you may also face additional expenses related to licensing, permits, or professional services.
Golden Visa Costs
For the Portugal Golden Visa, the major expense is the qualifying investment itself, which starts at €250,000 depending on the route you choose. Beyond the investment, applicants must also pay a €6,045 government application fee per person, along with a €605 processing fee per applicant.
These charges do not include renewal fees, legal fees, or any costs associated with managing or maintaining the investment.
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.
Portuguese Citizenship Through D2 vs Portugal Golden Visa
Both the D2 Visa and the Portugal Golden Visa provide a clear pathway to long-term residency and, eventually, Portuguese citizenship. To qualify through either route, you must legally reside in Portugal for five consecutive years, after which you can apply for permanent residency or move directly to Portuguese citizenship, depending on your preference and eligibility.
As part of the citizenship process, applicants must also pass the A2 Portuguese language exam to demonstrate basic integration.
D2 vs Portugal Golden Visa: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your goals, income structure, and how you plan to live or invest in Portugal. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide.
Portugal D2 Visa is Better For You When:
- You want to start, expand, or operate a business in Portugal.
- You plan to live in Portugal for most of the year.
- You prefer a residency option without a fixed minimum investment.
Portugal Golden Visa is Better For You When:
- You want maximum flexibility with minimal stay requirements.
- You are comfortable making a qualifying investment
- You want Portuguese residency without needing to run a business or relocate full-time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the D2 and Golden Visa?
The D2 supports active work or business in Portugal, while the Golden Visa is for passive investors seeking flexible residency with minimal stay requirements.
Can I switch between the D2 vs Golden Visa later?
Yes, but it’s not simple. You’ll need to meet all new eligibility criteria and submit a fresh application with updated documentation.
Is the D2 visa better for digital nomads?
Yes, especially for freelancers and remote workers earning actively. In the D2 vs Golden Visa comparison, D2 offers more hands-on lifestyle benefits. You should also check the requiremeents for the Portugal’s digital nomad visa if you work remotely.
How much do I need to invest for the Golden Visa?
At least €250,000 in an approved fund or cultural project. Comparing D2 vs Golden Visa, D2 needs much less upfront.
Does the D2 vs Golden Visa path affect citizenship timelines?
No. Both visas offer a path to Portuguese citizenship after five years, as long as you meet residency and language requirements.
Which visa is faster to get approved - D2 or Golden Visa?
The D2 is often quicker if your business plan and documents are complete. Golden Visa processing tends to take longer due to investment checks.
Can I bring my family with me on either visa?
Yes, both the D2 and Golden Visa allow family reunification for spouses, children, and even dependent parents.
Which visa is better for retiring in Portugal?
The Golden Visa usually suits retirees better, as it doesn’t require active work. That’s a key point in the D2 vs Golden Visa decision.
Do I need to live in Portugal full-time on a Golden Visa?
No. Just 14 days per two years are enough. D2 requires full-time residence, making the D2 vs Golden Visa choice about lifestyle.
Is legal help needed when applying for these visas?
It’s highly recommended. In the D2 vs Golden Visa process, a good advisor can prevent rejections and simplify paperwork significantly.
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