Portugal D2 Visa: Requirements & How to Get Entrepreneur Residency

Starting a business in a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can quickly become overwhelming without the right preparation. If Portugal is your destination as a business owner, understanding the Portugal D2 Visa requirements is a key part of making sure your move is both legal and sustainable.

This visa is designed for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners who want to build their professional life in Portugal. It’s a chance to live in a country with a high quality of life, strong international connections, and a growing start-up scene, all while running your own venture.

In this guide, we cover who qualifies, the documents you need, how to apply, and what to expect after you submit your application, so you can take this big step with confidence.

(Article updated September 2025)

Who Can Apply for a Portugal D2 Visa?

The Portugal D2 Visa is designed for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens who want to bring their business or professional skills to Portugal in a way that benefits the local economy. It is not only for large investors. It is also for anyone with a solid plan and the means to make it work.

You may qualify if:

• You have a viable business idea you plan to launch in Portugal.
• You already own a business and want to expand it to Portugal.
• You can work as a freelancer or service provider with contracts or clients based in Portugal.
• You can prove financial stability to support yourself and your family, if applicable, during your first year.

In most cases, you will need to show that your work benefits Portugal. This could be by creating jobs, offering unique services, or filling a market gap. Whether you are an entrepreneur building something new or a freelancer providing professional services, the D2 Visa can be your pathway to living and working in Portugal.

Portugal D2 Visa Requirements

Before applying for the D2 Visa, you’ll need to gather specific documents to prove your business is viable and that you can sustain yourself in Portugal.

• Business Plan: Your plan should show that your idea is viable, sustainable, and can contribute to Portugal’s economy. Include market research, financial forecasts, and how you plan to operate.
• Proof of Financial Means: You must show that you can support yourself and your dependents for at least one year. There isn’t a fixed minimum amount. However, as a general guide and for the current year, you should prove at least a yearly minimum of:
  • €10,440 for the main applicant (100% of the Portuguese annual minimum wage).
  • +€5,220 for a spouse or partner (50% of the main applicant’s amount).
  • +€3,132 for each dependent child (30% of the main applicant’s amount).
  • Funds can be in a Portuguese bank account or demonstrated through business income.
• Business Incorporation or Service Contracts: Evidence you’ve set up a company in Portugal or have signed service agreements if applying as a freelancer.
• Accommodation Proof: A signed rental agreement, property deed, or formal invitation from someone hosting you in Portugal.
• Clean Criminal Record: Certificates from your home country (and any other country where you’ve lived for over a year) issued within the last 90 days from the date of your application.
• Travel Insurance: An insurance policy that covers the Schengen area that you will be eligible to travel to with the Visa, a minimum of €30,000 in expenses, and lasting for at least 6 months.
• Other Supporting Documents: Valid passport, completed visa application form, Portuguese tax number (NIF), proof of a Portuguese bank account, recent passport photos, and any required translations or apostilles.

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How to Apply for the Portugal D2 Visa

Applying for the Portugal D2 Visa is a structured process, but knowing what to expect at each stage can make it feel far less daunting. From gathering your paperwork to officially launching your business in Portugal, here’s how the journey unfolds.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Gather everything you need, including your business plan, proof of funds, accommodation contract, clean criminal record, and travel insurance. Ensure that all foreign documents are either in English or translated into Portuguese and have been apostilled. 

This can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on how quickly you can collect and process them.

Step 2: Submit Your Application to the Portuguese Consulate

File your application in your country of residence. Processing times vary, but most applicants wait 60-90 days for a decision. Some consulates may require you to attend an interview to discuss your business plan.

Step 3: Receive Your Visa and Travel to Portugal

Once approved, your visa is typically valid for four months. Use this time to relocate, set up housing, and prepare for your residence permit application.

Step 4: Apply for Your Residence Permit in Portugal

After arriving, schedule an appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF) to apply for your residence permit. Expect processing to take 2-3 months after your appointment.

Step 5: Start Your Business Operations

With your residence permit in hand, you can begin running your business without restrictions in Portugal. This includes registering for taxes, opening other business bank accounts, and signing any remaining contracts needed to operate.

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Costs and Processing Time

Understanding the costs and timelines involved gives clarity and helps you plan without surprises.

Government Application Fees

• The initial D2 visa fee is about €110 per applicant for long-stay visas.
• Expect to pay around €178.50 when you collect your residence permit card. 

Other Key Expenses

• Health insurance: Typically around €400 per person, depending on coverage level. 
• Translations and apostilles: Can add €1,000 or more, depending on the number and language

Processing Timeline at a Glance

Portugal D2 Visa vs Other Residency Options

Advantages of the Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa gives you the chance to live, work, and grow in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries. Here’s what it offers:

• Residency in Portugal and Europe: Live legally in Portugal and travel freely across the Schengen Area.
• A Clear Path to Citizenship: After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
• Supportive Business Environment: Build your venture in a country known for its start-up culture, international links, and growing economy.
• Tax Benefits for New Residents: Depending on your situation, you may qualify for favorable tax regimes designed to make the move more sustainable.
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse, partner, and dependent children can apply for residency alongside you.

The D2 Visa opens the door to a stable future in Portugal while you focus on building your business. It also means your family can join you and start building their own lives here, with the chance to later apply for permanent residency or citizenship if that’s part of your plan.

Challenges and Common Mistakes

Moving to Portugal with the D2 Visa is doable, but it comes with details that can trip people up if they aren’t prepared. Here are the most common challenges and how to handle them:

Weak Business Plan

A vague or unrealistic plan is one of the fastest ways to get denied.

Tip: Make your plan concrete. Include details about your target market, financial forecasts, and how your business benefits Portugal’s economy.

Not Showing Enough Funds

Applicants often underestimate how much they need to demonstrate. For the main applicant, this means at least €870 per month, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% for each child.

Tip: Keep proof of funds easily accessible, such as bank statements or savings accounts that clearly show you can cover living and business expenses.

Missing or Incorrect Documents

Small errors like expired certificates, missing apostilles, or untranslated documents cause long delays.

Tip: Create a checklist and double-check everything. Consider using a certified translator in Portugal to avoid mistakes.

Choosing the Wrong Visa Route

With so many residency visas available, it’s easy to apply for one that isn’t the best fit. For instance, some applicants go for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa when the D2 would actually suit their business goals better.

Tip: Consult with a legal expert before applying. They can help determine which visa aligns with your background and plans, saving you time and reducing the risk of rejection.

Processing Delays

Even with a perfect application, approvals often take months.

Tip: Apply early and avoid waiting until the last minute. Use the waiting period to prepare your move; find housing, learn some Portuguese, and network with local business contacts.

Forgetting Registrations in Portugal

Arriving in Portugal isn’t the end of the process. You still need to register with tax authorities and social security.

Tip: Schedule these registrations right after you settle. Many applicants handle this within the first month to stay compliant.

How Lexidy Can Help with Your Portugal D2 Visa

Applying for the Portugal D2 Visa is not just about filling in forms. It’s about telling the story of your business, proving your financial stability, and navigating a process that can feel overwhelming when you’re doing it alone. That’s where expert legal support makes all the difference.

Here’s how Lexidy’s legal team can guide you every step of the way:

• Eligibility Assessment and Strategy: Reviewing your profile and business goals to confirm the D2 Visa is the right fit.
• Business Plan Preparation: Helping create a clear, compelling plan that meets Portuguese authorities’ expectations.
• Guidance on Requirements and Documents: Explaining the Portugal D2 Visa requirements and making sure your D2 Visa Portugal documents are accurate and complete.
• Practical Setup: Supporting you with essentials like getting a NIF (tax number) and opening a Portuguese bank account.
• Company Formation: Registering your business in Portugal correctly so it’s ready for operations.
• Visa Application and Consulate Liaison: Submitting your application and staying in touch with the Portuguese consulate for updates.
• AIMA Residence Permit Support: Guiding you through the residence permit process after arrival.
• Post-Arrival Compliance: Helping you register with tax and social security systems so you stay fully compliant.
• Renewals and Long-Term Planning: Advising on Portugal D2 Visa residency requirements and renewals to secure your future path to citizenship.

With tailored legal guidance, the process feels less like paperwork and more like the exciting start of your journey in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Portugal D2 Visa Requirements

Is there a “Portugal visa minimum investment” for the D2?

No. Unlike the Golden Visa, the Portugal D2 Visa doesn’t require a fixed minimum investment. What matters is that you have enough funds to support yourself and your business. As a benchmark, plan for at least the Portuguese minimum wage (€870 per month for the main applicant) plus additional amounts for family members.

Can I bring my family with the D2 Visa?

Yes. The D2 Visa allows family reunification, meaning your spouse or partner, dependent children, and even dependent parents can join you in Portugal. Each family member must apply, but their applications are tied to yours.

How long does the D2 Visa process take?

On average, it takes about 3 to 4 months from application to receiving your visa. After you arrive in Portugal, it usually takes another 2 to 3 months to complete the residence permit process with AIMA.

Do I need to live in Portugal full-time with the D2 Visa?

Yes, if your long-term goal is permanent residency or citizenship. You’re expected to spend at least 183 days per year in Portugal. This proves your residency and builds your path toward citizenship after five years.

Can I convert my D2 Visa to another type of residency?

Yes, in some cases. For example, if your business circumstances change, you may later apply for residency through another pathway such as the D7 (for passive income) or even permanent residency directly after the required time.

What kind of business can I open with a D2 Visa?

The law doesn’t limit you to specific industries. What matters is that your business is viable, sustainable, and aligned with the Portuguese economy. This could mean opening a café, running a consulting firm, launching a tech start-up, or working as a freelancer offering professional services.

Need Help Meeting the Portugal D2 Visa Requirements?

The Portugal D2 Visa is one of the most accessible ways for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small business owners from outside the EU to make Portugal their home. It opens the door to residency, EU mobility, and eventually citizenship, while giving you the chance to grow your business in a supportive and internationally connected environment.

Like any major life decision, applying comes with challenges, but with the right preparation, you can avoid the common pitfalls and set yourself up for success.

Fill out the form below to connect with a legal expert who will help you prepare a strong, compliant application and take the next step toward Portuguese citizenship.