Portugal D2 Visa (2025): The Ultimate Guide for Portugal’s Entrepreneur Visa
Portugal has become a prime business destination due to its thriving startup ecosystem, business-friendly policies, and strategic location. Startups now contribute over 1% of Portugal’s GDP, and the sector continues to expand, making the country a perfect hub for entrepreneurs. If you plan to establish or acquire a business in Portugal, you need the Portugal Entrepreneurship Visa, also known as the D2 Visa. This guide will walk you through the D2 Visa process and requirements.
What is a Portugal D2 Visa?
The D2 Visa is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs looking to invest in Portugal by establishing small and medium-sized businesses, or professionals planning to start their careers in Portugal.
Portugal D2 Visa: Requirements
The Portugal D2 Visa aims to attract non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs and freelancers. Below are the eligibility criteria and required documents.
Eligibility for D2
Entrepreneurs:
- Business Establishment or Investment: Applicants are required to either establish a new company in Portugal or invest in an existing Portuguese enterprise. This includes acquiring an existing business or becoming a shareholder.
Freelancers or Independent Service Providers:
- Service Contracts: Professionals must present a partnership contract or a written proposal for a service contract in liberal professions.
- Professional Qualifications: If applicable, a declaration issued by the competent authority stating that the applicant is qualified to perform the activity in Portugal is required.
Additionally, all applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal
Entrepreneurs’ Visa Requirements
Applicants have to submit the following:
- Detailed business plan and the economic and social benefits to Portugal.
- Provide evidence of financial means, including bank statements.
- Rental agreement or property deed to prove secured housing in Portugal.
- Valid health insurance coverage.
- Individual professionals should have a service contract.
- Legally appoint a tax executive in Portugal.
Qualifying for the Portugal D2 Visa
Entrepreneurs must demonstrate their business’s potential and social and economic contribution to Portugal. An efficient plan can help them qualify for the Portugal D2 visa. The business plan has to highlight employment creation and how well it can be integrated into the Portuguese economy.
D2 Visa Portugal Minimum Investment
While there is no fixed minimum investment required for the D2 Visa, you must demonstrate enough financial resources to both establish and maintain your business, as well as cover your living expenses in Portugal for the first year.
Minimum stay requirements
The Temporary Residence Permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed in 3-year intervals. It requires a minimum stay of 6 months per year, along with an additional 2 months during each validity period, as long as applicants do not remain outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months.
D2 Visa Eligible Dependants
- Legally married spouse
- Biological, adopted, or stepchildren under 18 years of age.
- Your parents and spouse’s parents, if they depend financially on you.
- Children with special needs without any age limitation.
Required Documents for the Portugal D2 Visa Application
| Document Type | Required Documents |
| Company Opening | – Statement of business intent, proof of setup or financial means. |
| Professional Activity | – Contract/proposal for service, proof of qualification. |
| General Documents | – D2 Visa form, passport, photos, travel insurance, criminal records. |
| Financial Requirements | – €5,000 in company account, maintenance funds: 100% GMR (€7,620), 50% GMR (€3,810), 30% GMR (€2,286). |
How to Apply for a Portugal D2 Visa: Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fill out the online application form from your home country and submit it to the Portuguese consulate, either through the official portal or in person, depending on the specific embassy’s requirements. You will need to schedule an appointment, which usually has a waiting time of 2 to 3 months.
Step 2: Attend your consulate appointment and provide the necessary supporting documents. If everything is in order, your D2 Visa is typically approved within 60 days.
Step 3: Once you receive your visa, travel to Portugal and book an appointment with SEF to apply for a residence permit.
Step 4: Attend your SEF appointment and resubmit the required documents, ensuring any necessary updates are made. Your residence permit should be issued within approximately 90 days.
Portugal D2 Visa: Cost
The process of obtaining a Portugal D2 Visa involves several steps, starting with document preparation, company formation, and opening a bank account. Additional costs may include fees for company registration and ongoing accounting services. Once the visa is approved, assistance is provided with scheduling SEF appointments, preparing necessary documents, and ensuring smooth residency processing.
Government fees apply at various stages, with optional expedited services available for faster appointment scheduling. Renewal fees for residence permits and applications for Portuguese citizenship are also applicable after the required residency period.
We offer you citizenship by investment programs, company formation services, and an array of options that allow you to secure citizenship and obtain additional passports without residency obligations.
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Portugal D2 Visa Processing Time - The Time Frame of D2 Visa and Residence Permit
The Temporary Residence Permit is initially valid for 2 years and can be renewed in 3-year intervals. It requires a minimum stay of 6 months per year, along with an additional 2 months during each validity period, as long as applicants do not remain outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months. However, longer absences are permitted if they are due to professional, cultural, or personal reasons.
Benefits of a Portugal D2 Visa
- Right to live and work in Portugal as an independent professional or as an entrepreneur
- Visa-free travel across 26 European countries with Schengen Travel Access
- Family reunification, which can include your spouse, parents, children, and dependents
- Tax benefits under the Non-Habitual Resident tax regime in Portugal.
- The possibility to acquire permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years.
- Access to top-notch public healthcare and education systems for you and your family.
How to renew the D2 Visa?
Once you receive the D2 Visa, you can apply for a Portugal Residence Permit which allows you to live and work in Portugal for 2 years. This permit can be renewed every three years. But, the applicant has to prove the continuity of professional activities in the country. After 5 years of legal residency; you can become eligible for citizenship.
Portugal D2 Visa vs The D7 Visa, Start-up OR Golden Visa: Main Differences
| Factors | D2 Visa | D7 Visa | Startup Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
| Obtaining Residency | Start a business or invest in an existing one with a viable business plan. | Show proof of passive income (pension, rentals, dividends) and accommodation. | Secure approval from a certified Portuguese business incubator for an innovative business idea. | Invest in eligible funds, research, or cultural projects (real estate is no longer an option). |
| Residency for Dependents | Legal spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. | Legal spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. | Legal spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents. | Legal spouse, dependent children under 24 (if unmarried & studying), and dependent parents over 65. |
| Living Obligations | At least 183 days per year. | At least 183 days per year. | At least 183 days per year. | 7 days per year (14 days every two years). |
| Financial Factors | Sufficient savings and a stable income to cover business and living expenses. | A steady passive income along with proof of accommodation | Adequate personal savings and secure housing. | A required minimum investment in cultural heritage, investment funds, or research. |
| Time to Get a Residence Permit | 3+ months | 3+ months | 3+ months | 12-18+ months due to high demand. |
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Conclusion: Which is the Better Option?
Every visa type has advantages and disadvantages; you should always check your objectives and priorities before choosing one. A D2 Visa is the best choice if your business plans have aligned budgets, whereas a Golden Visa requires more investment. The D7 Visa fits well with passive income and independent professionals with contracts.Why choose Portugal Residency?
Portugal is a prime destination for entrepreneurs and investors due to its high-quality living standards, business-friendly environment, and access to the global market. With the Portugal Residency Visa, you can also pursue citizenship after five years of legal residency and language proficiency.
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Life in Portugal for Entrepreneurs
Portugal offers a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs, with government incentives, affordable living costs, and a skilled workforce. Cities like Lisbon and Porto are innovation hubs, featuring coworking spaces, networking events, and funding opportunities. Portugal’s warm climate and rich culture, combined with strong residency programs like the D2 Visa, make it an ideal location to start and grow your business.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is a D2 visa?
Portugal D2 Visa is initially valid for four months. You can live in Portugal and apply for a residence permit. Once granted, it is valid for two years and can be renewed for three more years.
2. How can an entrepreneur benefit from a Portugal D2 Visa?
Entrepreneurs don’t need specific investments; they should prove they have enough funds to run the business based on the business plan submitted. Tax incentives are one more benefit you can receive from a Portugal D2 visa.
3. Does the Portugal D2 Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes, you can obtain citizenship after legal residency for five consecutive years. However, you must demonstrate A2 level proficiency in the Portuguese language.
4. What is the disadvantage of a D2 Visa in Portugal?
Apart from numerous benefits, there may be some challenges, like submitting a comprehensive business plan and explaining how it contributes to Portugal's economy. Residency requirement and application complexity are some of the challenges, rather than being considered disadvantages.
5. Can owning property help strengthen my D2 Visa application?
While property ownership is not a requirement, it can show financial stability and support your overall stay in Portugal.
6. How long is the Portugal D2 visa valid for?
The initial visa is valid for four months, and the residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for three additional years. After five years of legal residency, you can apply for citizenship.
7. What are the common reasons for D2 visa rejection, and how can they be avoided?
The common reasons could be incomplete or incorrect documentation, a weak business plan, insufficient financial proof, a lack of experience in the business, and criminal records.