Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€0
Fees and Expenses
From €1,146
Income Requirement
€10,440/year
Residency (Visa) Length
2 years
Time to Obtain
4-7 months
Complexity
Simple
The Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa offers a structured pathway to temporary residency for non-EU entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners seeking to establish or expand a business in Portugal.
This visa does not require an investment amount, but applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means, including an annual income of at least €10,440 held in a Portuguese bank account.
Applicants must reside in Portugal for a minimum of six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per year to maintain residency status. After five years, they become eligible for permanent residency, and after ten years, they may apply for Portuguese citizenship.
The total processing time for residency approval is approximately 3-4 months, though this varies depending on the consular workload and SEF appointment availability. The application process is not fully remote and requires multiple steps before and after arrival in Portugal, including an in-person visit to the immigration office.
This visa allows dependents to be included in the application. It is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors seeking to establish long-term business operations within Portugal and the EU.
Who can apply for Portugal D2 visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Must show at least €10,440 in personal savings (equivalent to Portugal’s annual minimum wage) in a Portuguese bank account.
- Must register a new business, expand an existing one, or invest in a Portuguese company.
- Business must be registered in Portugal with a valid NIPC (tax ID for companies).
- Must provide a detailed business plan demonstrating economic viability, investment amount, and job creation potential.
- Must obtain a Portuguese NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) before applying.
- Must have private health insurance covering Portugal until eligible for public healthcare (starting at €400 per year per person).
- Must provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract, hotel reservation, or property ownership.
- Must submit a completed official D2 Visa application form.
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
- Must provide a clean criminal record certificate from the home country, translated, notarized, and apostilled if issued outside Portugal.
- Upon arrival in Portugal, must attend a SEF (Immigration Office) appointment to apply for a 2-year residence permit.
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Must show an additional €5,220 in financial proof (50% of the main applicant’s required amount).
- Must have private health insurance covering Portugal until eligible for public healthcare.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Must show an additional €3,120 in financial proof (30% of the main applicant’s required amount).
- Must have private health insurance covering Portugal until eligible for public healthcare.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Over 18:
- Must show an additional €3,120 in financial proof if financially dependent.
- Must have private health insurance covering Portugal until eligible for public healthcare.
- Must provide proof of accommodation along with the main applicant.
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa
A long-term residency visa designed for non-EU entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want to establish or expand a business in Portugal. It provides a pathway to temporary residency, with the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
Requirements:
Proof of Economic Means
Proof of financial means equivalent to €10,440 annually for the main applicant (Portuguese minimum wage), €5,220 for a spouse (50%), and €3,120 for each dependent (30%).
Amount: €10,440
Health Insurance
Private health insurance for the main applicant and dependents, starting at €400 per person annually.
Amount: €400
Accommodation
Proof of housing arrangements in Portugal, such as a rental contract, hotel reservation, or property ownership.
Amount: €0
Business Registration
Cost of registering a business in Portugal, including legal and administrative fees, starting at €500.
Amount: €500
Business Plan
A detailed business plan demonstrating the viability and economic contribution of the business.
Amount: €0
Portuguese NIF (Tax ID)
Obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).
Amount: €20
Fees:
Visa Application Fee
Standard application fee for the Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa.
Amount: €90
Residence Permit Fee
Fee for issuing the residence permit, €156 per person.
Amount: €156
Legal Services
Legal fees for assistance with the application process, starting at €2,000 for the main applicant and €1,000 per dependent.
Amount: €2,000
Bank Account Setup
Fees for opening a Portuguese bank account, starting at €50.
Amount: €50
Translation and Notarization
Costs for translating and notarizing required documents, starting at €100.
Amount: €100
A long-term residency visa designed for non-EU entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want to establish or expand a business in Portugal. It provides a pathway to temporary residency, with the possibility of permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Proof of Economic Means* | €10,440 (not included in total) | €5,220 (not included in total) | €3,120 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Visa Application Fee | €90 | €90 | €90 |
Residence Permit Fee | €156 | €156 | €156 |
Legal Services | €2,000 | €1,000 | €1,000 |
| Total Cost | €3,316 for main applicant | €4,562 for married couple | €5,808 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
High Quality of LifePortugal offers a warm climate, a low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, and a strong focus on work-life balance. Expats benefit from excellent healthcare, safety, and a welcoming environment for families and entrepreneurs. | Not Available to EU CitizensEU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need this visa to reside or start a business in Portugal. They can move freely under EU freedom of movement laws and must instead register as residents after 90 days of stay. |
EU Schengen AccessD2 Visa holders gain visa-free travel across the Schengen Zone, allowing movement within 26 European countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This benefit is particularly valuable for business owners and investors looking to expand their networks across Europe. | Requires Physical Presence for ApplicationThe D2 Visa process cannot be completed remotely. Applicants must visit a Portuguese consulate to submit their visa application and attend an in-person SEF (Immigration Office) appointment in Portugal to finalize their residence permit. |
Path to Permanent ResidencyThe visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after five years of legal residence, provided the applicant meets the required stay duration. After ten years, holders may qualify for Portuguese citizenship, granting full EU rights. | |
Minimal Residency RequirementTo maintain residency, applicants must spend at least six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months per year in Portugal. This flexible residency requirement allows entrepreneurs to manage their business while traveling when needed. | |
Tax Incentives for ResidentsPortugal offers significant tax benefits under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, which provides a flat 20% income tax on eligible Portuguese-sourced income and potential exemptions on foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. |
D2 visa vs other programs in Portugal
| Criteria | D2 - Entrepreneur Visa | D1 - Highly Skilled Worker Visa> | Golden Visa> | D7 - Passive Income Visa> | D8 - Digital Nomad Visa> |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €0 | €0 | €500,000 | €0 | €0 |
| Residency Type | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Permanent Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €1,146 | €1,650 | €34,000 | €2,500 | €320 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €10,440 | €10,440 | €0 | €9,800 | €41,760 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 183 days | 183 days | 7 days | 183 days | NaN days |
| Key Perks | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup | EU Schengen AccessInstant Permanent ResidencyNo Presence Required | Simple SetupEU Schengen AccessLow Cost Program | Simple SetupEU Schengen Access |
| Ideal For | EntrepreneursInvestorsDigital Nomads | Digital Nomads | Investors | Person of independent means | Digital NomadsPerson of independent means |
How to apply for D2 visa - Timeline
Business Setup & Financial Preparation
Register a new business in Portugal or invest in an existing one. Obtain a Portuguese NIF (Tax ID), open a bank account, and deposit the required financial proof (€10,440). Prepare the business plan, rental contract, and supporting documents needed for the visa application.
Visa Application Submission & Processing
Submit the D2 Visa application at a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Processing times vary depending on consulate workload and nationality. Upon approval, a 4-month visa is issued, allowing the applicant to enter Portugal and complete the residency permit process.
Travel to Portugal & SEF Appointment Booking
The applicant must enter Portugal before the 4-month visa expires. After arrival, they must schedule an SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) appointment to submit biometric data and complete the residence permit application. Appointment availability varies by location, affecting waiting times.
SEF Appointment & Biometric Submission
Attend the in-person SEF appointment to provide biometric data (fingerprints, photograph, and signature). Additional supporting documents may be requested. The processing time for residency approval depends on SEF workload and appointment availability.
Residence Permit Issuance
After approval, the initial residence permit is issued within 2 to 4 weeks. The permit is valid for 2 years, during which the applicant must meet the minimum stay requirements to maintain residency status.
Total Estimated Processing Time
The full process, from business setup to residence permit issuance, takes approximately 4 to 9 months, depending on consulate processing times and SEF appointment availability.
Portugal Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Non-Habitual Residence
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency: Permanent home
Income Tax Rate: 48
Frequently Asked Questions
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