Startup 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.
Visa Type
D2 Entrepreneur
Min. Investment
€920/month income
Who can apply
Non-EU / EEA
Packages from
€1,595
The Portugal D2 visa — marketed on this page as the Startup Visa — is a residency route for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners looking to start or relocate a business to Portugal. It has no minimum investment requirement, just a credible business plan and proof of subsistence funds from €920/month, with legal support packages starting at €1,595.
Portugal's Startup Visa = the D2 Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa
Portugal does not have a separate "Startup Visa" product — the D2 Visa is the official route for all entrepreneurs, freelancers, startup founders, and independent professionals. Our full D2 Visa page has the complete income requirements, business plan guidance, and pricing.
Who This Visa Is For
The D2 works for three types of founder
Whether you're launching a tech startup, going freelance, or relocating an existing business to Portugal — the D2 covers all of these paths.
Tech & Startup Founders
Building a scalable business? Portugal's NHR 2.0 tax regime and startup ecosystem make it one of Europe's best bases for founders. We support your visa application and business registration.
Freelancers & Consultants
Working independently and billing clients internationally? The D2 is the right route. You'll need to register a company (Lda) or as a sole trader (ENI) — we handle both.
Relocating Business Owners
Moving an existing business to Portugal? We advise on the best structure — whether that's registering a branch, a new Lda, or transferring your existing company.
Core Requirements
What the D2 Visa requires
The D2 is flexible but evidence-heavy. Here's what AIMA looks for in a successful application.
Business Plan
A professional business plan demonstrating viability, market knowledge, and your ability to sustain yourself in Portugal. We advise on what consulates expect.
Income / Funds Proof
Minimum €920/month subsistence requirement (2026). Proof of business revenue, savings, or investment capital — calculated per family member.
Business Registration or LOI
Either a registered Portuguese Lda or a letter of intent / partnership agreement demonstrating genuine business activity in Portugal.
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay. All family members included in the application must have valid travel documents.
Proof of Accommodation
Rental contract, deed of purchase, or letter from a host confirming you have a place to live in Portugal.
Clean Criminal Record
Criminal record certificate from your country of residence and any country where you've lived for more than 1 year in the past 5 years.
Pricing
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.
Complete Visa Package (Entrepreneur)
€1595
For entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal
- 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
Business Incorporation
€1495
For entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal
- Company registration (LDA and other forms)
- Drafting articles of association and shareholder setup
- Registration with tax and social security authorities
- Integration with visa and residency applications
- Includes NIF number and Bank Account applications
- (Typical timeline: 10–20 business days)
Client Stories
Real people. Real results.
FAQ
Questions about our Startup Visa
The D2 — officially the Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa — is Portugal's residency visa for non-EU entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners who establish or invest in a Portuguese business. Unlike the Golden Visa, it requires no minimum investment: approval rests on a viable business plan, subsistence funds, and proper documentation.
You need: a viable business plan for a Portuguese activity, subsistence funds of at least €11,040 (single applicant) in a Portuguese bank account, a NIF number, proof of accommodation, a clean criminal record, and either a registered Portuguese company (Lda) or evidence of freelance activity with clients. Our lawyers prepare and verify every element before submission.
Yes. Freelancers and independent professionals with established international clients can apply for the D2 without incorporating a company, by demonstrating ongoing income-generating contracts. Entrepreneurs launching new ventures typically register a Portuguese Lda, which strengthens the application — we advise the best structure for your case.
Critical — a weak or generic business plan is the number one reason D2 applications are refused. Portuguese authorities look for economic viability, market research, realistic financial projections, job creation potential, and your relevant experience. Our team builds a consulate-standard business plan with you as part of the service.
Two amounts matter: subsistence funds of €11,040 for a single applicant (more with family — +50% per adult, +30% per child), held in a Portuguese bank account, plus credible capital for your business activity. There is no legal minimum business investment, but the plan's finances must be realistic.
Roughly 4–6 months: NIF in ~7 business days, bank account in 4–6 weeks, business plan in 2–4 weeks, consulate processing 8–16 weeks, then the AIMA residence appointment after arrival. We coordinate every step and manage the timeline end-to-end.
Yes. Your spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents can join you through family reunification, each receiving their own residence card. The second adult gets 50% off our package fee and children 70% off. Additional subsistence funds are required per family member.
Yes. After 5 years of legal residence you qualify for permanent residency. Under the 2026 Nationality Law, Portuguese citizenship requires 10 years of residence (7 for EU/CPLP nationals), counted from your first residence card, plus A2 Portuguese and a civic knowledge test. We track the rules so your long-term plan stays on course.
Ready to Start?
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.
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