D2 Visa
The visa for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners moving to Portugal. No minimum investment required — just a viable plan and our lawyers to back you every step of the way.
The Portugal D2 visa is a residency permit for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners establishing or relocating a business to Portugal. It requires no minimum investment — just a viable, consulate-ready business plan and subsistence funds starting at €920/month for the main applicant — with lawyer-backed application packages from €1,595.
The D2 works for some — and not others
The D2 is specifically for people who generate income through a business, freelance work, or self-employment. Here's the honest picture of who it suits.
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Have a viable business idea or planYour application centres on a comprehensive business plan showing economic viability, market potential, and projected growth.
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Already run a business and want to expandExisting business owners looking to establish Portuguese operations are a strong fit for the D2.
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Are a freelancer with an established client baseIndependent contractors and service providers with existing international clients qualify well for the D2.
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Want to bring your family alongSpouse, children, and parents can all be included under family reunification provisions.
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Only have passive income (pension, dividends)Purely passive income earners should look at the D7 visa instead — that's the visa built for them.
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Are employed remotely for a foreign companyRemote employees don't have entrepreneurial intent. The D8 Digital Nomad visa is the right fit for you.
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Plan to spend most of your time outside PortugalThe D2 requires genuine residency in Portugal — at least 183 days per year.
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Can't present a credible business planWithout a solid, well-evidenced business plan, D2 applications are frequently rejected at the consulate stage.
Not sure whether you qualify? Book a free 15-minute call and our immigration lawyers will tell you exactly where you stand — no commitment required.
Get a Free Eligibility Assessment →Choose the right level of support
No hidden fees. No surprises. Every package includes your NIF and bank account setup, with a 50% discount for the second person and a 70% discount for dependants.
- Determine the most suitable visa for you
- NIF & Bank account assistance included
- Document checking and guidance before submission
- Unlimited email support for all your inquiries
- Video consultations with immigration lawyer
- Access to a live interpreter for your visa interviews
- Everything in the Complete Visa Package
- Consultation with Tax Lawyer
- Property Finder
- File and Accompany you for your AIMA Appointment
Subsistence funds & documents for 2026
Unlike some visas, the D2 has no minimum investment threshold — but you must demonstrate you can support yourself while establishing your business in Portugal.
- 1.Subsistence funds: €920/month for the main applicant, +€460/month for a spouse (50%), and +€276/month per dependent child (30%). These funds show you can support yourself while building your business.
- 2.Bank deposit: The equivalent of one full year's subsistence funds must be held in a Portuguese bank account — €11,040 for the main applicant, +€5,520 for a spouse, and +€3,312 per child.
- 3.Business plan: A comprehensive, professionally prepared business plan demonstrating economic viability, market research, profitability projections, and job creation potential is the centrepiece of your D2 application.
Based on 2026 Portuguese immigration guidelines. These are subsistence requirements — separate from any business capital or investment. Figures are indicative; contact us for a precise assessment of your situation.
Other documents you'll need
Your business plan is the heart of your D2 application
Unlike other visas, the D2 is evaluated largely on the strength and credibility of your business plan. Portuguese authorities want to see that your venture will contribute to the local economy — not just sustain you.
Our team helps you structure a business plan that meets consulate standards, whether you're launching a new company or expanding an existing one.
Build your business in Europe's most accessible market
Portugal offers entrepreneurs a rare combination: EU access, a growing tech ecosystem, competitive costs, and a straightforward path to residency — without the €500k+ investment Golden Visa requires.
From application
to arrival
Our lawyers handle the hard parts — and guide you through the rest.
We're with you from first call to residency card.
Is the D2 Visa right for your business or freelance activity?
The D2 is Portugal's entrepreneur and independent-professional residence route for non-EU applicants who want to establish or carry out genuine business activity in Portugal.
The strongest applications connect your professional background, business activity, financial capacity, Portuguese plans and supporting evidence into one credible case.
Who is the Portugal D2 Visa designed for?
The D2 can cover different forms of genuine economic activity. Your evidence should match what you actually plan to do in Portugal.
Startup founders
Founders launching a new venture can build the application around a credible business model, market opportunity, financial projections and their relevant experience.
Freelancers
Independent professionals can use existing client relationships, contracts and income-generating activity to demonstrate a genuine professional basis for residence.
Consultants
Consultants can structure the case around their services, clients, experience, expected revenue and planned Portuguese activity.
Existing business owners
Business owners relocating or expanding operations can explain the existing activity and how it will be established or continued in Portugal.
New Portuguese companies
Entrepreneurs may establish a Portuguese company where that structure fits the proposed business and strengthens the commercial evidence.
Professional partnerships
Letters of intent, partnerships, contracts and other evidence of genuine activity can support the case where applicable.
What should a strong D2 business plan contain?
How much money do I need for the D2 Visa?
The D2 does not have a fixed legal business-investment threshold. Financial means for your personal subsistence are a separate requirement.
Do I need a Portuguese company for the D2?
Freelancers may not need one
The current D2 page states that freelancers and independent professionals can apply without incorporating a company when they can demonstrate genuine ongoing income-generating activity and suitable client evidence.
An Lda may suit entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurs starting a new Portuguese venture may establish an Lda where that structure is appropriate for the proposed activity and ownership.
Existing business activity
If you already operate a business abroad, the application can explain how that activity will be expanded, relocated or reorganised in Portugal.
Business incorporation support
The current service offers business incorporation as an add-on, alongside NIF and bank-account assistance.
What documents are needed for a D2 Visa?
The exact checklist depends on your circumstances, but the current D2 page identifies these core evidence categories.
Can my family join me on the D2 Visa?
Spouse
A spouse can join through the applicable family-reunification procedure, subject to the relevant conditions and documentation.
Dependent children
Dependent children may qualify under the applicable family rules and evidence requirements.
Dependent parents
The current D2 page states that dependent parents can also be included under family-reunification provisions where the conditions are met.
Additional financial means
Family members increase the subsistence funds required. The current page uses +50% for an additional adult and +30% for each dependent child.
How does the Portugal D2 Visa process work?
Assess & plan
Review the business or professional activity, confirm D2 suitability and map the evidence and timeline.
NIF & bank account
Arrange the Portuguese tax ID and bank-account setup that support the wider application preparation.
Business plan & documents
Prepare the business plan and supporting evidence, including financial, criminal-record, accommodation and insurance documents.
Consulate application
Submit through the appropriate consular channel, manage correspondence and support the applicant through the interview stage.
Arrival & AIMA stage
After arrival, complete the applicable residence-permit procedure with AIMA and continue the settlement process.
How long does the D2 Visa take?
D2 vs D7 vs D8 — which Portugal visa fits?
D2 — business activity
Best aligned with entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed professionals and business owners whose Portuguese residence is connected to genuine economic activity.
D7 — passive income
The current D2 page directs applicants whose income is purely passive, such as pensions or dividends, toward the D7 route.
D8 — remote work
If your main basis is remote employment or qualifying remote work for foreign employers or clients, the D8 Digital Nomad route may be more appropriate.
Mixed circumstances
If you have a mixture of freelance, business, employment or passive income, assess the actual source and nature of the income before choosing the route.
Why can a D2 application be delayed or refused?
Incomplete documents
Missing, expired or inconsistent evidence can delay the assessment and lead to requests for clarification.
Weak business plan
A generic plan without realistic market, financial and operational evidence can weaken the application.
Insufficient funds evidence
The applicant must demonstrate the applicable subsistence means and credible financial capacity for the proposed activity.
Inconsistent case
Your business plan, experience, contracts, finances and Portuguese plans should form a coherent story.
Processing delays
Consular and AIMA processing volumes can affect timelines independently of the quality of the application.
Additional requests
Authorities can request further documents or clarification during processing.
What does the D2 support service include?
Build your D2 application around a credible business case.
Book a free consultation and let the team assess your eligibility, business plan and supporting documents.
Real people. Real results.
Questions about our D2 Visa
Ready to build your business in Portugal?
Book a free 15-minute call. We'll assess your D2 eligibility and tell you exactly what your business plan needs — no commitment required.