Portugal D2 Visa For UAE Citizens

The D2 Visa enables holders to create a new business in Portugal, open a new branch of an existing operation or invest in an existing Portuguese business.

Sometimes referred to as the Entrepreneur Visa or Business Visa, the D2 Visa pathway allows investors to live in Portugal and is popular due to there being no specific threshold minimum investment. The main criteria is being able to provide a comprehensive business plan to Portuguese immigration officials.

It is important that the new business will play a key role in boosting Portugal’s economy as the visa is designed by Portugal’s government to attract overseas investment in the European country. In recent years, D2 Visa holders have played a vital role in creating job opportunities and bringing much needed skills to Portugal.

Once the D2 Visa has been approved, it is only issued for a period of four months. It is important that holders convert the visa to a Resident Permit once relocated to Portugal. This permit is then valid for 12 months and is a route to Permanent Residency and Portuguese citizenship.

Page Contents

• Portugal D2 Visa Overview
• Portugal D2 Visa Eligibilities For UAE Citizens
• Portugal D2 Visa Requirements and Documents for UAE Citizens
• Applying for a D2 Visa from the UAE
• Benefits Of The Portugal D2 Visa
• Portugal D2 Visa To Permanent Residency and Citizenship
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

It is important to meet all the criteria required for a D2 Visa when applying as a UAE citizen. If you do not meet the requirements then your application will be refused and you will not be able to have any visa costs refunded.

To obtain a D2 Visa you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be 18 years old or above.
• Have an already existing business abroad and want to set up a branch in Portugal and/or wish to purchase an existing business or invest in a share of the company.
• Clean criminal record.
• A valid residence address in Portugal.
• Have valid travel and medical insurance that has been supplied by a recognised provider.
• A comprehensive business plan demonstrating a viable business.
• Evidence of access to sufficient funds to live in Portugal for at least 12 months.

You must prove that your business will have a positive impact on the local economy and you have sufficient funds to operate a successful business.

There are no specific industries you must invest in and you do not have to create a certain number of jobs in the local area. In addition, unlike other investment visas, you do not have to meet a minimum investment level.

Once you have gathered all your correct documentation and have ensured you meet the eligibility for the D2 Visa then you can begin the process of applying.

You must make an appointment to submit your completed application form at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in the UAE, alongside any supporting paperwork. You will also need to pay the required processing D2 Visa fee of 90 euros.

It can take up to 60 days for your application to be processed and you should respond to any queries from the Portuguese immigration authorities promptly in order not to delay the decision.

If your visa application is successful you will be issued the D2 Visa and be able to travel to Portugal. The D2 Visa is initially valid for 120 days and you must apply to a local SEF office in Portugal to receive your temporary Residence Permit. This must be done within four months of arriving in the country otherwise you may have to return to the UAE.

The temporary permit will be issued for two years and can be renewed for a further three years.

If you need any support in applying for the D2 Visa then get in touch with our team of immigration advisers at Total Law. They are always ready to help applicants with their Portugal visa applications. Call us on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.

One of the key benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa is that it grants the right to travel, work, study and live across the Schengen Area.

This group of 27 European countries allow D2 Visa holders to have unrestricted movement without the need to obtain another visa or permit. Many business owners see this as a benefit, especially when considering expanding their company to other European nations.

Another advantage is the D2 Visa is seen as less restrictive than the comparable D7 Visa as there is no requirement for specific investment or minimum monthly income. Making it ideal for those new business owners who are still developing their company and are not yet making substantial profits.

Portugal also has the advantage of offering a very favourable tax system as many UAE citizens will qualify for the country’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits.
The programme gives overseas entrepreneurs preferential tax treatment on different incomes, including pensions and rental income. There are conditions that need to be met to benefit as a NHR including having evidence of a residential address in Portugal and you must spend at least 183 days in the country per year.

Overall, Portugal is regarded as an attractive destination for those wanting to start a new business or take over an existing company, especially given its generally low cost of living and young workforce.

D2 Visa holders are able to convert their temporary Residence Permit to Permanent Residency. If you wish to remain in Portugal on a permanent basis and your total time in the country is at least five years, then you can apply for Permanent Resident status.

In terms of gaining Portuguese citizenship then you must have lived in the country for at least five years plus one year as a Permanent Resident – so six years in total. You are also required to meet the other requirements of citizenship such as being able to speak Portuguese at an A2 Level, having ties to the country and maintaining a clean criminal record.

After becoming a Portuguese citizen, you gain the right to vote and to be elected to office. You will be allowed to use the public healthcare services offered to Portuguese citizens and have access to the same rights across the Schengen Area.

It is important to note that the UAE does allow dual citizenship with Portugal in most cases. If you are unclear if you will have to give up your UAE passport then please get in touch with an immigration expert for advice.