The Portugal D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa or Independent Professional Visa, is one of the best ways for people who are not citizens of the EU to live in Portugal. This residence permit lets foreign business owners, investors, and freelancers live and work in Portugal while running their business. After five years, applicants can apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

The D2 visa is different from pure investment visas because it requires you to be active in Portugal. Officials are more interested in how your business helps their economy than how much money you make. Your business plan and personal commitment are more important than just the numbers.

Who Can Get a D2 Visa?

The D2 Visa is for three main types of applicants, all of whom want to be active participants in the economy in Portugal.

Starting a New Business (The Entrepreneur)

This is the most common pathway for applicants. It works for people who want to start a new business in Portugal, usually a limited liability company (LDA). The main problem is getting officials to believe that your business idea will work and help Portugal in a significant way. While incorporating a business it's not compulsory to apply, but it increases your approval chances significantly and is highly recommended.

Investing in an Existing Business (The Investor)

This route focuses on acquisition rather than creation. This choice is good for people who want to buy shares in or buy an existing business in Portugal. You have to promise to keep the business running or grow it, which usually means taking an active management role instead of being a silent partner.

Independent Professional Activity (The Freelance Worker)

This option targets service providers. A lot of people don't think about this choice. Freelancers and independent professionals who have contracts with Portuguese clients can also use the D2 visa. Your service agreement must show that you can work professionally in Portugal for a long time.

Basic Technical Needs and Paperwork

The D2 application needs a lot of paperwork and careful planning. Most of the time, people get turned down because they made mistakes on their business or financial papers.

Business and Investment

This is the most important part of your D2 application, and it needs to clearly show what you can offer. A detailed business plan is essential, as immigration officials (AIMA, which took the place of SEF) carefully look over this paper. Your plan needs to have:

Market Analysis
You must provide context for your idea: Give clear reasons for why your business makes sense in Portugal and who your customers will be.

Financial Forecasts
You must show economic viability: Realistic predictions for the first three to five years that show how your business will stay afloat, make money, pay taxes, and support you.

Economic Impact
You must demonstrate local value: The specific benefits your business brings, like new jobs, new ideas, or buying things locally. Job creation is not required, though.

Qualifications of the applicant
You must prove your capability: Proof of your relevant experience and qualifications for the proposed business, such as degrees, work history, and a portfolio.

Proof of Company Establishment
You must show legal standing: You usually need to show that you have registered a Portuguese legal entity via ePortugal or have clear plans and money to do so when you arrive, along with your Portuguese tax number (NIF).

Investment Declaration
You must formalize your intent: A formal statement that explains your plans for investing, including the amount, the reason, and the time frame.

If you are looking to apply, you can find professional assistance at Visas.pt D2 Visa Services.

Personal and Business Financial Needs

There is no official minimum investment amount for the Portugal D2 Visa, but you must meet two financial requirements:

Personal Subsistence Funds (Proof of Living)

You need to show that you have enough money of your own to live in Portugal for at least a year, not including money from your business. The amounts are based on the Portuguese minimum wage (IAS). €920 is the new minimum wage taking effect January 1, 2026.

• Main Applicant: 100% of the minimum wage for the year (about €11,040)
• Spouse/Partner: The spouse requires 50% of the main applicant's amount ( €5,520  )
• Dependent Children: Each dependent requires 30% of the main applicant's amount per person ( €3,312 )

Putting this money in a Portuguese bank account shows that you are serious about your application.

Capital to Start a Business (Proof That the Business Will Work)

There is no legal minimum, but the standard capital for a Portuguese LDA is often used as a guide. Putting at least €5,000 into a small business shows that you are serious about doing business. Your business plan should explain why you need the money to run your business for the first year.

D2 Visa Application Process (New Rules)

The D2 Visa process is organized into two phases. It starts at the consulate and ends with the issuance of a residence permit in Portugal.

Stage 1: The Visa Application

Preparation
Gather your documentation first: Gather all the necessary documents such as NIF, Portuguese bank statements, proof of long-term housing (generally a year lease), and a business plan. Any documents from foreign countries should be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.

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Submission
Hand in your paperwork: Submit your application at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country.

Interview
Discuss your business goals: Attend a consular interview where the officials examine your business plan and personal reasons for starting a business.

Visa Granting
Receive your travel document: Upon a positive decision, a Residence Visa sticker valid for 120 days and two entries to Portugal will be affixed to your passport. This visa granting also comprises a pre-arranged appointment with AIMA.

Stage 2: The Residency Permit (In Portugal, it's called AIMA)

Complete the in-country formalities: Within 120 days of your arrival in Portugal, you are obliged to attend your AIMA appointment where biometrics will be taken, photographs will be taken and documents will be verified.

Wait for the final check: AIMA conducts a thorough review of your application for the last time.

Receive your legal card: Once your Temporary Residence Permit has been approved, AIMA will deliver your card to your Portuguese address.

Get Your D2 Entrepreneur Visa Easily

Many people get their visas rejected because of minor errors in the application process. Experts at Visas.pt handle the complex paperwork, allowing you to focus entirely on scaling your venture and establishing your new life abroad.

Note: There is a crucial difference between the D2 visa and the Startup visa! Read this article to know more.

Requirements for Residency and the Way to Citizenship

The Portugal D2 Visa is the way to show that you are committed to Portugal and, temporarily, you have to keep your residency valid.

Schedule for Residency Renewal

The initially granted permit is valid for two years.

First Renewal
This extends your stay: Valid for three years.

Second Renewal
This leads to permanence: You will be able to obtain a permanent residency card or Portuguese citizenship.

Minimum Stay Requirements (Being There in Person)

To be able to retain your residence permit after the first visa period, you are not allowed to be away from Portugal for more than:

• Limit on time away at once: 6 months consecutively in any year
• Limit on total time away: 8 months that are not consecutive over the entire period for which the permit is valid (2 or 3 years)

How to Get Permanent Residency and Citizenship?

You, along with your family, may file for the following after five years of legal residence in Portugal via the Portal das Comunidades:

Permanent Residency
Secure your long-term status: To get permanent residency, you need to show that you have enough money and a clean criminal record.

Portuguese Citizenship
Become a national citizen: To become a Portuguese citizen, you need to meet the above requirements and have basic Portuguese language skills (A2 level).

Note: Family members may be brought at the same time via the "Residence Visa for Accompanying Family Member Applying for a Residence Visa".

Tax Consideration: NHR 2.0 or IFICI (Formerly Known As NHR Status)

The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax program is one of the main reasons why people want to get a D2. This status is available to new tax residents and can lower or get rid of taxes on some foreign income for ten years.

Entrepreneurs can set up their businesses to take advantage of NHR, but they still need professional tax advice to make sure they are following the rules.

Other Options You May Consider

Knowing how the D2 is different from other visa options can help you choose the right path. You can explore other visa types at Visas.pt Services.

D7 Visa (Passive Income)

This visa focuses on retirees and passive earners: For people who have steady passive income from things like pensions, rentals, or investments. You can't work in Portugal while you're on this option, and you have to stay there for at least 183 days a year. You can read more about the D7 Visa here.

D9 Visa (Digital Nomad)

This visa caters to remote employees: This visa is only for remote workers who work for companies that aren't based in Portugal or freelancers who have clients outside of Portugal. You need to make at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal.

Get Started With Visas.pt!

The Portugal D2 Visa gives business owners a smart way to get into European life. It takes dedication, a good business idea, and a lot of planning, but it gives you access to Schengen and the chance to become a citizen of the EU.

Choose Visas.pt for your D2 application. Our experts write a very carefully and detailed business plan, which is the most important document for obtaining the government's approval.

We take care of the arrangement of personal and financial documents so that your submission is not delayed, or even rejected, due to these documents. Book your consultation today!