Startup Visa
Portugal's IAPMEI programme for founders of innovative startups, run through certified incubators. Our lawyers support the visa and residence stages.
Programme
IAPMEI StartUP Visa
2026 Funds Test
€6,445.56 per founder
Best suited to
Innovative founders
Packages from
€1,595
Portugal's StartUP Visa is a distinct IAPMEI programme for international founders developing an innovative business project through a certified Portuguese incubator. Visas.pt supports the visa and residence stages through our team and Portuguese immigration lawyers, with packages shown from €1,595; the exact scope of any incubator or IAPMEI work is confirmed during a free consultation.
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FAQ
Questions about our Startup Visa
The Startup Visa page describes the D2 Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa route for startup founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent professionals. It is not a separate residence-visa product on this page.
Yes. The Startup Visa page uses the Startup Visa name to describe the D2 Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa route.
It can suit startup founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants and business owners who intend to establish or carry out genuine economic activity in Portugal.
Yes. Startup founders can apply through the D2 route where their business activity, business plan, financial means and supporting evidence meet the applicable requirements.
Yes. Freelancers and independent professionals may use the D2 route where they demonstrate genuine professional activity, relevant experience and appropriate evidence.
Yes. An existing business owner can present their current business, experience, clients, revenue and a plan for establishing or expanding activity in Portugal.
A strong business plan is central to an entrepreneur-focused D2 application. It should demonstrate the proposed activity, market opportunity, financial viability and the founder's ability to operate in Portugal.
It should explain the business model, products or services, target market, founder experience, financial projections, startup funding, operating costs, expected revenue and proposed activity in Portugal.
There is no statutory minimum capital investment for the D2 or Startup route. The project must, however, be economically viable and demonstrate sufficient funds to sustain operations.
The current Visas.pt page uses €920 per month as the 2026 subsistence figure for the main applicant. Additional amounts apply for eligible family members.
A Portuguese bank account is an important preparation step described by Visas.pt for demonstrating financial arrangements. Bank approval is subject to the bank's own checks.
A Portuguese NIF is an important part of preparing the wider D2 process because it is needed for Portuguese financial and administrative arrangements.
Not necessarily. The appropriate structure depends on the proposed activity. Some applicants may operate as independent professionals while others establish a Portuguese company such as an Lda.
Yes, depending on the activity and evidence. Freelancers and independent professionals can demonstrate qualifying professional activity without necessarily incorporating a company.
Yes. The residence-visa application is normally submitted through the competent Portuguese consular or designated channel for the applicant's jurisdiction.
Typical evidence includes a business plan or professional-activity evidence, financial means, passport, criminal-record documentation, accommodation and insurance, plus route-specific business or professional documents.
Accommodation evidence can form part of the residence-visa application. The acceptable evidence depends on the applicable procedure.
Insurance can be required for the residence-visa application. The exact coverage should be checked against the requirements applicable to the applicant.
The current Visas.pt Startup Visa page gives an overall estimate of approximately 4–6 months. Actual timing can vary by preparation, appointments, consular processing and the residence stage.
The process generally involves assessing the D2 route, preparing NIF and banking arrangements, developing the business plan and documents, submitting the visa application and completing the applicable residence procedure after arrival.
Family members may qualify through the applicable family-reunification or accompanying-family procedures. Eligibility depends on the relationship and circumstances.
Dependent parents may qualify where the applicable family-reunification conditions are met. Their eligibility should be assessed individually.
The Startup Visa page describes the D2 route, focused on entrepreneurial or independent professional activity. D8 is designed for eligible remote workers whose work and income meet its requirements.
The Startup Visa/D2 route is focused on business or independent professional activity. D7 is generally associated with qualifying passive or own income rather than operating a business.
If your situation is primarily remote employment for a foreign employer, D8 may be more appropriate. D2 should be based on genuine entrepreneurial or independent professional activity.
Yes. Successful applicants receive a consular residence visa followed by a Portuguese residence permit, which can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.
The D2 does not grant citizenship directly. It can provide a route to legal residence, after which nationality or permanent-residence options may be considered if the requirements are met.
The D2 is intended for qualifying entrepreneurial or independent professional activity. Precise rights depend on the residence status and applicable rules.
Problems can include weak documentation, an unconvincing business plan, insufficient financial evidence, unclear activity, inconsistent information or missing requirements. Processing delays can also occur.
No. Visa and residence decisions are made by the competent authorities. Visas.pt can provide preparation and lawyer-backed support, but cannot guarantee a government decision.
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