Startup Visa vs D2 Visa in Portugal: What You Need to Know
If you are thinking about moving to Portugal to start a business, two of the most talked-about options are the Startup Visa and the D2 Visa. They both allow entrepreneurs to live and work in Portugal, but they are designed for different types of businesses. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right path.
What is the D2 Visa?
The D2 Visa, sometimes called the Entrepreneur or Independent Worker Visa, is designed for people who want to create or run a business in Portugal. It also applies to freelancers and independent professionals.
Key points about the D2 Visa:
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You can use it to start almost any type of business, from a restaurant to a consultancy to a small import company.
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You can also use it if you are a freelancer with clients in Portugal or abroad.
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The main requirement is to present a solid business plan and prove you have the financial resources to support yourself and make the business viable.
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Approval goes through AIMA (formerly SEF), not through a startup incubator.
The D2 is flexible and practical for entrepreneurs who want to build traditional businesses or work independently.
What is the Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is a more specialized program run by IAPMEI, Portugal’s Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation. It targets entrepreneurs who want to launch innovative, high-growth companies with international potential.
Key points about the Startup Visa:
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It is aimed at tech-driven or scalable startups that can compete globally.
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You must be accepted by an incubator that is certified by IAPMEI before you can apply.
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The business plan must show strong potential for growth, job creation, and competitiveness.
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Once approved, you gain access not only to residency but also to the Portuguese startup ecosystem, including incubators and support programs.
The Startup Visa is best suited for founders building technology companies or other businesses with significant growth ambitions.
How Do They Compare?
Here is a side-by-side view:
| Feature | D2 Visa | Startup Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Business type | Any legal business, including small or local businesses, plus freelancing | Innovative, scalable, tech-focused startups |
| Approval authority | AIMA (formerly SEF) | IAPMEI with certified incubator |
| Business plan requirement | Solid plan showing viability and financial means | High-growth plan showing innovation and global potential |
| Flexibility | Broad and versatile | Narrow, focused on startups |
| Support system | None required | Incubator support and access to startup programs |
Which Visa Should You Choose?
If your goal is to run a café, open a consultancy, start a small trading company, or work as a freelancer, the D2 Visa is the right choice. It offers the flexibility to pursue many different types of businesses.
If your goal is to build a tech startup with international reach and you are ready to work with an incubator, the Startup Visa is the better fit. It is tailored for founders with high-growth ambitions.
Both visas can lead to Portuguese residency and, eventually, citizenship. The best choice depends on your business model and long-term plans.
