Portugal D2 Visa For Citizens Of South Africa

Business Establishment

This document proves that you are eligible to create a business in Portugal. If you have already established a business in Portugal, it must prove it. It must also show that you have enough financial capacity as a company in Portugal.

Solid Business Plan

The D2 visa is granted by the Portuguese government with the sole aim of generating funds from other countries to bolster the country’s economy. Therefore, as an applicant for the D2 visa, you must have a comprehensive business plan and financial commitment.

The business plan will be used to demonstrate the potential of your business venture. Additionally, you must explain how your company contributes to the science, economy, society, technology, or culture of Portugal. Since there are no limitations on the type of business you can start in Portugal, this visa is perfect for South African entrepreneurs who want to relocate there.

Service Contract

If you are a South African independent service provider, you must submit a proposal or documented contract that explains the scope of your service together with your application.

Investment Declaration

The type, timing, and quantity, of any investments you recently made or intend to make in Portugal must be disclosed in a declaration. When assessing your visa application, the technological, social, scientific, economic, or cultural significance of your investment will be taken into account. Additionally, promoting job openings in Portugal will significantly improve your application.

Share Capital

The share capital constitutes the very minimum capital outlay necessary to guarantee that the business operates effectively, even when it isn’t possibly turning a profit. Note that small businesses in Portugal typically require a share capital of around €5,000 while applying.

Financial Power

You must show that you will have the means to look after and handle your business for the duration of your expected stay in the country. While you are living in Portugal, it is imperative to demonstrate the viability of your business and capacity for growth.

You are also required to bring the following personal documents after providing the above-mentioned business documents for the D2 visa:

Travel Health Insurance

Health insurance that is valid throughout the EU and covers any unexpected medical costs is a requirement for South African applicants. You must also obtain individual health insurance for every one of your dependents (if you want to bring them to Portugal).

You will be granted access to the public healthcare system of Portugal after you are issued a residency card in Portugal. However, if the issuance of your residency permit is delayed, your travel health insurance will be required to cover any emergencies.

Passport and Photographs

You are required to get your South African international passport which must have an additional 6 months validity after the expiration of your D2 visa. You must also get your 2 recent passport-size photographs.

Designation of a Tax Representative

South African citizens and other non-EU nationals are required to choose a Portuguese tax representative.

NIF and Portuguese Bank Account

To apply for the D2 visa, you are required to obtain a Tax Identification Number (Número de Identificação Fiscal or NIF) issued by the Portuguese tax authorities.

You are required to open a Portuguese bank account as an important step in your application process. Your bank account will be used to carry out your business financial transactions. Your NIF number will be used to set up your bank account.

Proof of Accommodation

South African entrepreneurs applying for the Portugal D2 visa must prove that they have accommodation in Portugal. You need to prove to the Portuguese authorities that you will not be stranded when you enter Portugal.

To prove that you have a place to stay, you need to present a hotel reservation, rental contract or even deeds to the property you own in Portugal. Additionally, you may present a letter of invitation from a family member or friend resident in Portugal inviting you to come and stay in their residence.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

In your application for a D2 visa as a South African entrepreneur, you should prove to the Portuguese immigration officers that you have enough funds to cater for your needs when you enter Portugal.

The minimum amount of funds you should have must cover the expenses of your business for at least 1 year. To confirm that you have enough funds, you must present your bank statements that show you have a minimum of 1 year’s savings that is equivalent to the Portuguese 12 months’ minimum wage.

Criminal Record Certificate

The Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), often known as your criminal record certificate, is needed. For long-term trips outside of South Africa both South African citizens and other foreign nationals who reside in South Africa must obtain the PCC.

The PCC is issued by the SAPS’s Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria. The PCC must prove that you have never partaken in any criminal activity and do not have any criminal charges against you.

In essence, the PCC convinces the Portuguese authorities that you will not become a threat to public safety when you enter Portugal. Having a good knowledge of your criminal history also helps the Portuguese authorities to know whether to accept your application or reject it.

You must get a criminal history certificate, which cannot be older than 3 months. Additionally, it must be awarded to you by the appropriate authorities of any nation in which you have lived for more than 1 year (if you are currently not in South Africa).

Get all Required Documents

To proceed with your D2 visa application, you must provide all the needed documents, including a comprehensive business plan. Fill out your Portugal D2 visa application form with the correct information error-free.

To ensure you gather all the required documents for your application, you may need the assistance of our immigration advisers at Total Law. For more information about how to apply for the Portugal D2 visa, the required supporting documents, and other services we offer, call us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.

Get a NIF and Bank Account

Entrepreneurs are required to obtain a Portuguese NIF number and bank account. You must obtain the NIF number as it will be used to open your bank account. You will use your bank account to invest, make purchases and do other financial transactions, such as rental payments, payment for shares, funding of your business, etc.

File Your Documents

After getting a NIF and opening a Portuguese bank account, you may then rent or buy an apartment wherever you wish to stay in Portugal. After that, you must submit your documents and receive your D2 visa at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre office in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban (whichever is closest to you). You are required to pay a consular fee of €90 on the day of your appointment.

Await Visa Decision

You must then wait for a decision after you have submitted your documents. Your application might take up to 60 days to be processed. The immigration officials will review your documents, and determine whether you are eligible for the visa. You will be asked to come for an interview if your application is successful.

Get Your Visa

If the immigration officers believe that you have presented authentic documents and are qualified, you will be given a Portugal D2 visa. Your D2 visa typically has a 120-day validity period, therefore, you are required to travel to Portugal within the stated validity period and book an appointment with the SEF to change your D2 visa to a temporary residence permit.

Fix an Appointment

Remember that you must schedule your appointment with the SEF even if the available dates are beyond the 120-day period for which your D2 visa is valid. The most crucial thing is that since you have already made an appointment with the SEF, your presence in Portugal will still be regarded as legitimate even if your D2 visa has expired.

If you are entering Portugal with your dependents, you are required to pay the SEF €155.50 for each individual to process the temporary residence permit. You will be issued a card valid for 2 years, once your residence permit is approved. You will also have an option to extend that same card when it expires.

If you need any assistance in meeting all the D2 visa Portugal requirements to make a compelling application, feel free to get in touch with one of our immigration advisers at Total Law. We are always ready to help applicants with their Portugal visa applications. Call us today on +44 (0)333 305 9375 or message us online.

Visa-Free Movement in the Schengen Area

The D2 visa is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to travel throughout Europe and establish a network of connections. You would have unrestricted movement inside the Schengen area as a South African entrepreneur with a D2 visa. You will be permitted to live, study, and conduct business in any of the other 26 Schengen member nations without obtaining another visa.

Easy to Get

When compared to the D7 and Startup visas, the Portugal D2 visa is simpler to get. The D2 visa does not require you to select your industry and receive clearance from a company incubator, contrary to the Portugal Startup visa.

Additionally, D2 visa applicants are not required to show proof of passive income from a different nation that will be required to support their stay in Portugal, in contrast to Portugal D7 visa applicants.

Ideal Business Environment

Because of Portugal’s commercial environment, South African entrepreneurs can prosper there. One of the many aspects that make Portugal the finest place for business and investment is the vibrant, innovative, and competitive market it offers.

Due to its numerous advantageous conditions, Portugal has recently developed a track record of ongoing large extra-value investments in the domains of manufacturing and tourism, as well as in services and tech industries.

From a business standpoint, the country boasts a young, highly skilled workforce, which adds to its high value. The economy is also growing consistently and quickly each year, according to research.

Non-Habitual Tax Regime (NHR) Incentives

South African citizens who have obtained the Portugal D2 visa may qualify to apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax benefits. The applicants eligible to apply for this tax programme are South African entrepreneurs who stay in Portugal legally and have not paid taxes in the country for the past 5 years.

This programme grants South African entrepreneurs and other foreign nationals preferential tax treatment for their pension income, income tax, rental income, etc. In light of this, you are granted tax breaks on income you earn from abroad and not taxed at regular rates once you establish tax residency in Portugal.

As a Non-habitual resident, you are required to present your documentation of housing such as property acquisition or a rental agreement of your permanent resident. Also, you must stay in Portugal for up to 183 days yearly to maintain your residency.