D2 Visa Portugal (Entrepreneur Visa)

The D2 visa is designed as an entrepreneur visa. It is for entrepreneurs who want to open a Portuguese business, or for those who want to contribute to the economy by opening a branch of their pre-existing business in the country. The visa is also suitable for people who are self-employed with a desire to work in Portugal, and already have a work contract or written work proposal. This makes the D2 visa suitable for freelancers and digital nomads.

To apply for this visa, you need to prove that your entrepreneurial endeavour will have value for the Portuguese economy. Do this by providing the following in your application:

• A declaration of investment showing that you have made or will make an investment in the country, the declaration needs to include the nature, duration and value of the investment.
• Proof that you have established a Portuguese company or branch, or have the means and will to do so.
• A structured business plan showing the expected impact on Portugal and that it will be able to thrive.
• Proof that you have the financial means to sustain the company and yourself.
• Proof of initial capital to maintain the business before it starts to make profits.
• Evidence that you have comprehensive health insurance.
• Service agreements, contracts or proposals.

An interesting absence from the D2 visa requirements is the need to have Portuguese language capabilities. There is no language requirement to apply for this visa, although the need to understand Portuguese does come into play if you decide to apply for citizenship. Despite the lack of language requirements, getting at least a basic understanding of Portuguese will make it far easier for you to operate your business and navigate the nation’s legal system.

Page Contents

• Who Can Apply For the Portugal D2 Visa?
• Investment Requirements for a D2 Visa
• Financial Requirements for a D2 Visa
• Documentation for Portugal D2 Visa Application
• How to Apply for a Portugal D2 Visa from the UK?
• D2 Visa Portugal Application Costs and Processing Times
• Setting up a Company in Portugal
• Renewing a Portuguese D2 Visa
• Getting Permanent Residency and Citizenship after your D2 Visa
• Bringing your Family with you in Portugal on D2 visa
• Understanding the D2 Visa’s Benefits
• How Can Total Law Help?
• FAQs

Not every investment in your business will make you eligible for this visa type. You will need to show that the investment is relevant to the Portuguese economy, society, scientific and technological community or culture. It will also be a significant boost to your application if you can demonstrate that your investment will create Portuguese jobs.

Portugal does not specify a minimum investment threshold requirement for this visa. However, the greater the size of the investment, the easier it will be to prove that your business will have a positive impact on the national economy. Immigration firms tend to recommend that you aim for a minimum investment of around 50,000 euros.

While living in Portugal on a D2 visa, you will need to be able to sustain yourself and your family without needing support from the state. As the business owner, you need to have 100% of the national minimum wage available. This is currently €870.

Each dependent family member you bring with you comes with additional financial requirements. You need half the national minimum wage available for your spouse and a further 30% for each of your dependent children.

Proving that you meet the strict requirements for the Portugal D2 visa will require you to provide extensive documentation. Usually, the following will be required:

• A passport valid for at least six months longer than the four-month validity period for the visa.
• Two passport-style colour photographs.
• A declaration of your reason for applying.
• A valid health insurance plan or an affidavit confirming that you will buy one within 90 days of your arrival.
• A criminal record certificate or similar, as issued by your home country’s law enforcement, issued within 90 days of your application. US residents will require an FBI report.
• Evidence of your accommodation in Portugal, such as through a tenancy agreement.
• Bank statements or similar showing that you meet the financial requirements.
• A business plan or a copy of a contract.
• Proof that you have sufficient qualifications to carry out your service.
• Proof of good stand. This shows evidence that any of your existing Portuguese businesses have been following the rules.

Please note that this documentation is the standard required for an Entrepreneur visa. Portuguese visa authorities have the right to request further documentation if needed.

Once you have pulled together your documentation and confirmed that you are eligible to apply for this visa type, you will be ready to begin the application process.

Start by putting together your business plan and obtaining a Portuguese taxpayer identification number (NIF). You will also need to open a Portuguese bank account with enough money in to match the financial requirements, as well as securing long-term accommodation in the country through purchasing or agreeing a rental.

Bring this information together alongside your supporting documentation and the D2 visa application form. You can then submit your application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country.

If you successfully show that you fit the application requirements, you will receive your D2 visa and will be allowed to travel to Portugal. When you arrive in the country, make sure to apply for a Foreigners and Borders Service appointment so that you can apply for a residence permit. This application may take six months or longer to process, but you can use evidence of your appointment booking to prove you have a right to remain in the country after your visa has expired.

The current fee for a D2 visa matches that of the other long-stay Portuguese visas at €110.

The standard processing time for this visa type is 60 days. However, the processing time can be substantially longer if issues with your application require further clarification or if the Portuguese consulate is experiencing a visa processing backlog.

The first residence permit card that you get with your Portugal D2 visa will be valid for just two years. You will need to apply for a renewal before it expires. This can be done if you don’t spend too long outside of the country and can prove your business is still active and is fulfilling it tax obligations. Prove that you fit these requirements by providing a selection of the following:

• Up-to-date business registration documents.
• Proof of ongoing operations, such as recent invoices or receipts.
• Copies of your personal and corporate tax returns.
• Proof that you have paid any outstanding taxes and social security contributions.
• VAT filings if your business is obliged to pay VAT.
• Proof that you still have the financial means to support yourself and your dependents, such as through bank statements and income records.
• Proof that you still have accommodation, such as a valid rental contract.

With these documents compiled, you can apply for a renewal of your residence permit card through the following steps:

1. Schedule an appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA).
2. Submit your documentation and biometrics at your appointment.
3. Pay the renewal fee of €90. This fee is the same as the initial residence permit application fee.

Following five years of legal residence in Portugal, having obtained and then renewed your residence permit card once, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This status allows you to remain in Portugal without having to worry about regular permit applications. Permanent residency is renewable after ten years.

Likewise, the D2 visa is a pathway to Portuguese citizenship, which comes with all the benefits afforded to European Union citizens. It also allows you to vote in the nation and receive full rights. However, it is harder than applying for permanent residence. You can apply after legally living in the nation for six years or longer. You will also need to fit the following requirements:

• You have a clean Portuguese criminal record.
• Your Portuguese language skills are A2 level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This level is considered “pre-intermediate” and is necessary for everyday tasks in the country.
• Proof that you have integrated into the Portuguese community.
• You have no outstanding tax obligations in Portugal.

The current cost of applying for Portuguese citizenship is €250 payable by debit card at the place you make your application or by cheque or postal order if you apply by post. Application times are usually a year unless there are requests made for additional documentation.

Under this visa’s family reunification perks, you don’t have to leave your family behind while you launch your Portuguese company. To have them join you, you will need to use your application to prove that they are one of the following:

• Your studying dependent child over 18 years old.
• Your dependent child under 18 years old.
• Your minor sibling.
• Your parent.
• Your spouse.

Please note that since June 2010, Portugal has recognised same-sex marriages and civil partnerships.

The D2 visa is a fantastic visa for individuals with aspirations of starting a new life as a businessperson in Portugal, as it comes with the right to start a new business in the country. You will need to show what your business can offer the economy and that it is sustainable through a detailed business plan. You may also use it to work as an independent professional. It is particularly popular as your family and dependents will usually be able to join you.

The visa allows you to enter Portugal for four months, during which you are expected to apply for a residence permit card. While initially valid for two years, this right to remain in Portugal can be renewed for additional three year periods of validity. As a residence permit holder, you and your family can access the Portuguese education and healthcare systems, and may become eligible to apply for citizenship.