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Portugal D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs

Get help applying for the Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Visa from our team of dedicated Immigration Lawyers.

Our team of immigration lawyers are here to turn your business idea to reality in Portugal with advice and guidance on obtaining a D2 Visa for self-employed or freelance work.

Contact Us

To request a free consultation case, please provide us with your contact details below and we will contact you via email or phone.

How can a lawyer help me get a Portugal D2 visa?

The D2 visa is your route to living and working in Portugal. Ideal for the employed, self-employed, or student workers looking for permanent residency. Here’s how a lawyer can help simplify the application process:

1. Eligibility and Documentation: An immigration lawyer ensures you meet all eligibility criteria — valid passport, health checks, and financial stability. We can help gather and verify all necessary employment or study documents, streamlining your application.

2. Simplifying the Application Process: Lawyers can demystify the application steps, manage submissions to the Portuguese consulate, and prepare you for the interview. Our expertise can be crucial in avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring all details are meticulously handled.

3. The Lawyer Advantage: With legal expertise, increase your application’s success rate. We understand the nuances of immigration law, offering personalized strategies and advocating on your behalf throughout the process.

What Our Clients Are Saying

Our law firm has helped numerous clients successfully apply for a Portugal D2 visa and start their new lives in Portugal.

The Portugal D2 Visa, commonly known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is tailored for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals looking to launch or manage businesses in Portugal. Unlike other visas, the D2 doesn’t require a hefty investment like the Golden Visa or proof of regular passive income like the D7. Instead, it’s all about the viability and potential of your business venture.

Who is it for?

  • Entrepreneurs starting new businesses
  • Individuals setting up Portuguese branches of existing businesses
  • Those taking the reins of an existing Portuguese business

Why Choose the D2 Visa?

  • No minimum investment required
  • Freedom to operate any business, from a quaint coffee shop to a sprawling real estate agency
  • Eligibility for social security benefits in Portugal, including parental and sickness leave

Pathway to the D2 Visa:

  1. Demonstrate Viability: Present a robust business plan showing your project’s potential.
  2. Company Incorporation: Register your business in the Portuguese Commercial Register, a process our Corporate Law Department can facilitate remotely.
  3. Qualification & Need: Enhance your application by highlighting your qualifications and the market need for your business in Portugal.

Special Considerations:

  • For freelancers: Register with the Tax Office and contribute to the Social Security Service.
  • Flexibility in assessing the economic and employment benefits of your business.

The D2 visa opens doors for non-EU citizens aiming to establish a business in Portugal that serves the nation’s “general interest.” Ideal for innovative projects or services that contribute significant scientific, technological, economic, or employment benefits to Portugal.

Who Can Apply?

This visa caters to a broad spectrum of business enthusiasts including:

  • Startups and new business ventures
  • Independent professionals and freelancers
  • Immigrant entrepreneurs
  • Company managers, shareholders, partners, and board members

What Counts as Independent Professional Activity?

Activities by autonomous professionals or freelancers fall under this category. Whether you’re an IT specialist, a plumber, a carpenter, or a technician, your skills are welcome. Additionally, regulated professions such as lawyers, architects, physicians, and engineers are eligible, provided they are registered with the relevant Portuguese Professional Order.

Why Choose the D2 Visa?

Embarking on a business venture in Portugal with the D2 visa means integrating into a dynamic and growing economy. It’s an opportunity to contribute and benefit from a country rich in history, culture, and innovation.

The D2 visa is for independent workers or those who will incorporate a company in Portugal. If you are moving to Portugal with an employment contract, you would need a highly-qualified activity work visa, or D3 visa. 

With the D2 visa, you can either incorporate a company or work as an independent worker and in both cases, no need for a contract with a Portuguese company. 

We recommend this visa if your priority is to work on your activity, project or idea from the day you arrive in Portugal and you consider you can fulfil the “general interest” requirement.

Step 1: Establish Your Business or Freelance Status

Applicants must either establish a company or register as a freelancer with the appropriate Portuguese professional organization. We provide advice and execution support for company creation.

Step 2: Apply for the Visa

After setting up the company or securing freelance contracts, apply for the D2 visa at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.

Step 3: Secure Your Residence

Upon visa issuance, travel to Portugal and schedule an appointment with SEF (Portuguese Border and Immigration Service) to submit your residence permit application, provide biometric data, and deliver necessary documents. After internal review, you’ll be notified of the decision and, if successful, issued a residence card.

Entrepreneur Route Checklist:

  • Obtain a NIF (tax number in Portugal).
  • Open a business bank account at a Portuguese bank.
  • Establish a Portuguese limited company (LDA).
  • Appoint an accountant familiar with Portuguese taxes.
  • Prove financial means for company setup and maintenance, including tax and social security obligations.

Freelancer Route Checklist:

  • Obtain a NIF (tax number in Portugal).
  • Open a personal bank account at a Portuguese bank.
  • Demonstrate relevant experience or qualifications.
  • Provide proof of contracts with clients.

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D2 Visa Portugal: The Requirements

There are a few main requirements. Firstly, if you plan to be entrepreneurial and launch a company, the business must be incorporated. If, however, you are a freelancer you can have a contract to provide services in a liberal profession, like a journalist, a lawyer or doctor.

Both types of D2 visa require a legal qualification to perform any independent professional activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

To apply for a Portuguese D2 visa, you will need to complete an application form and gather the necessary supporting documents. This may include your passport, proof of employment or study in Portugal, and proof of sufficient funds. You will also need to pay a fee and schedule an appointment at a Portuguese consulate or embassy.

The D2 visa process can take several months to complete, so it is important to start the process as early as possible. Processing times may vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific consulate or embassy where you apply.

Yes, you can bring your family with you to Portugal on a D2 visa. Your spouse and children under the age of 18 can apply for a dependent visa to join you in Portugal.

Yes, you can work for multiple employers with a D2 visa as long as you have the necessary work permits and permissions. It is important to follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding employment in Portugal.

Yes, you can study in Portugal with a D2 visa if you are accepted into a degree program at a Portuguese university. However, you must also have a job offer or be self-employed in Portugal to qualify for a D2 visa.

Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.

Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Portugal after living in the country for a certain period of time with a D2 visa. To be eligible for permanent residency, you must have lived in Portugal for at least 5 years on a continuous basis, or for a shorter period if you are married to a Portuguese citizen.

Our work is to make clients happy

We are a department formed by qualified legal experts who have been trained in the field of immigration law. We work on these requests every day and it’s our passion. For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams.

Lexidy Legal Tech
4.6
Based on 92 reviews
Steve Pitt
Steve Pitt
17:32 26 Jul 23
Outstanding service. Knowledgeable, responsive team of attorneys that is easy to work with. We used them to purchase a property in Madeira Portugal and everything went great. We worked with Vasco, who was a pleasure to work with, very responsive, professional and knowledgeable. We're working with their immigration team now for our D-7 application and they've been great so far. Very helpful and providing the service and help we need to hopefully complete the process. Both my wife and myself have been very pleased with their service and highly recommend using Lexidy Law Boutique.
Fasy Ismail
Fasy Ismail
12:47 21 Apr 23
Excellent law firm with great immigration &and tax lawyers. They're very helpful and attentive. Loved working with them.Thank you Belissa, Déborah and Rodrigo. They're very knowledgeable lawyers. I do not hesitate to recommend them.
Andrew Jones
Andrew Jones
16:05 25 Nov 22
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. Thank you Thabata Mota, Belissa Cunha, andMargarida Vieira.
James Newitt
James Newitt
11:19 20 Nov 22
Young law firm in Lisbon specialising in legal help for foreigners living in Portugal - tax, immigration, citizenship etc. The team are friendly, reliable and very clear with communication. Déborah Andrade was thorough and generous in helping negotiate applying for residency after Brexit. Would recommend their sevices.
Vladislav L
Vladislav L
09:38 19 Nov 22
Lexidy's great team made the process of relocation to Portugal flawless and seamless. They helped me with every essential process from real estate purchase, to residency visa, NHR status, family reunification and much more. I highly recommend this professional and friendly firm for all your relocation needs!
Reyhan Khan
Reyhan Khan
14:09 07 Nov 22
Lexidy law Firm assisted me with my D type visa process for Portugal. Being a Pakistani, the process is very tedious and Deborah Andrade helped me on every single step. Would recommend Lexidy 100%!
Ryan R
Ryan R
12:47 17 Aug 22
Lexidy has helped us so much in both the business and immigration side. We continue to use them for all legal needs and recommend them highly.
Martin Bortagaray
Martin Bortagaray
11:53 06 Aug 22
The Lexidy team provided a great service, taking most of the stress out of the bureaucracy of applying for residency. The team are all professional and friendly. My only issue is with the finance department who on two occasions tried to overcharge me and had me digging through past invoices to prove i'd already paid. Just make sure you keep track of that. Besides this, it was an overall very positive experience, highly recommended.
Sheila Simpkins
Sheila Simpkins
12:00 04 Aug 22
Thank goodness for Lexidy! They are extremely knowledgeable, professional and responsive. I would recommend them for any residency procedures.
Ali Delshad
Ali Delshad
11:49 26 Jul 22
First of all, I would like to appreciate all the team members of Lexidy for helping me to get my residency card.I had a great experience especially on the SEF appointment day with their kind and helpful Brazilian expert which made my experience smooth and without stress.When you decide to work with this law company you should notice that you don’t just pay for lawyers but also for the quality, respect and safety.I’m totally happy with the processes and quality of their job.
Aluísio Leite
Aluísio Leite
16:38 16 Jul 22
The Lexidy Team helped me enormously as I applied for a D7 visa and made the move from the US to Portugal. Highly recommended team of professionals!
Lexidy Law Firm is outstanding! I come from a family of four lawyers and a judge so I am quite discerning when it comes to law firms. From the first contact we made to now, we have received nothing but prompt, professional, gracious and competent service. I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank Karla Morais in the Immigration Department for her dedication to providing all the information we needed in order to make a decision about citizenship in Portugal. Thank you, Lexidy, and thank you Karla. You are excellent!
Kristen Wilkinson
Kristen Wilkinson
14:53 20 Oct 21
Update: While all of the initial responses were pretty quick, they started getting busy, so I had to constantly follow up. We have since sought assistance elsewhere.My husband and I plan to move from the USA to Porto, Portugal in the spring/early summer of 2023. We didn't know where to start or what to expect. I searched online and found Lexidy Law Boutique. Their website is intuitive, informative and inviting. I emailed the office and Lidiane responded within a few hours. Based on the information in my email, she emailed us appropriate information on our situation. She was very professional and offered to set up a web call if we wanted to. We ended up having our web call today and will be starting our journey of becoming Portuguese citizens. She informed us of the first steps, all of the documentation we need and what the law firm can do for us. Right after our call, she emailed us detailed information regarding pricing and what is entailed in that pricing. So far, the beginning of our journey is a positive one.
Hani Slim
Hani Slim
12:05 21 Sep 21
We met with Mrs. Lidiane Carvalho and her colleague yesterday at Lexidy Law Boutique and our experience was great! They were both very helpful, provided us with detailed information about our case, and explained how they can help us build a solid application. Highly recommended.
A “Afa” S
A “Afa” S
07:14 20 Sep 21
At the recommendation of a Portuguese friend of mine, I contracted the Lexidy Law Boutique in the period March - May 2021 for the purchase of real estate in Portugal. Due the pandemic, most of the communications and consultations happened online/remotely, but that did not have an adverse impact on their quality of services. After the first guidance and consultation on Portugal's immigration policies and real estate purchasing processes, the team handled efficiently the process of obtaining my NIF, the verification of legal and overall status of the property, the negotiation and drafting of the CPCV, the deed formalities and the registration of the transfer of ownership property with the municipal and tax authorities. Throughout the whole undertaking, the team was very helpful, passionate and thorough in answering all questions and provide clarifications and information as needed. They were very responsive and made sure they followed up the process in every step. I wish to thank particularly Bettino and Gabriel for their dedication, patience and valuable advice. Lexidy Law boutique is a trustworthy partner that will facilitate your immigration and real estate projects and I highly recommend them!!
Shikha Chand
Shikha Chand
11:53 17 Sep 21
Yesterday we had an hour call with Lidiane de Carvalho of Lexidy law Boutique. She was incredibly helpful in clearing all our doubts. So today we confirm to proceed with them. Highly recommend Lexidy law boutique because what we noticed dey lawyers are so much up to date with system of immigration and etc…
Narek Chomoyan
Narek Chomoyan
06:33 17 Sep 21
I have got a free consultation from Belissa Cunha, and I got very concrete and useful answers. The meeting was at very friendly atmosphere and professional.
Verónica Barina
Verónica Barina
15:16 14 Sep 21
I only had an initial communication, but Lidiane seemed very professional and provided really detailed information on the situation.
Caleb Wibbenmeyer
Caleb Wibbenmeyer
16:20 11 Sep 21
One stop shop for all things related to visas in Portugal (and taxes, etc). Great for digital nomads, retiree's or anyone interested in becoming an Portuguese expat. Looking forward to working more with Lexidy.
Greg C.
Greg C.
18:24 07 Sep 21
We had a brief call today with Lidiane de Carvalho of Lexidy Law Boutique. Lidiane was incredibly helpful. This firm specializes in working with people outside of Portugal. We found the session informative and valuable and we are looking forward to continuing to work with her.
Stella K
Stella K
17:43 07 Sep 21
My initial impression is a great one, I spoke to Lidiane de Carvalhon, one of the attorneys that works at Immigration Department for the Lexidy Law Group. She has is a cheerful, likable personality while explaining the visa process in a professional manner.
Mahsa M
Mahsa M
18:37 24 Aug 21
Very kind and helpful. I talked with Belissa Cunha. And she answered all my questions very precisely. I’m looking forward to work with them for immigration process of my family.
Mayur reddy
Mayur reddy
16:36 24 Aug 21
Had a good productive discussion with Lidiane.. highly professional and extremely helpful.
Lisa Martin
Lisa Martin
14:55 19 Aug 21
Joana and her team have made my move to Portugal absolutely seamless and stress free. I have been really impressed with the service, my tax affairs and residency were taken care of quickly and efficiently, without having to take any time off work or stress about the legalities. I couldn't recommend Joana and her team more highly. Thank you for a truly great service.
Jay G
Jay G
10:18 13 Aug 21
Had a very informative and productive conversation with Lidiane (for free) which was scheduled soon after my initial D7 visa enquiry (lodged via their website). Lidiane clearly has expertise in this area and was extremely generous with time and openly offering her advice. Not just that, she was extremely pleasant to talk to. TY !
Ernesto Arrocha
Ernesto Arrocha
17:41 11 Aug 21
Spoke to Lexidy Law Boutique to inquire about the process of applying for Portuguese citizenship (via Portuguese descent). Lidiane and Belissa did a great job of walking me through the process and answering all my questions. They were very professional, clear and concise while still providing information that was accessible to someone entirely unfamiliar with Portuguese immigration law. Would highly recommend the team for any inquiries re: the application process and eligibility for citizenship!
Ashwin Shirale
Ashwin Shirale
16:26 30 Jul 21
Belissa Cunha at Lexidy Portugal has been very professional, courteous, supportive and responsive in helping me secure a visa. The list of documents recommended was pretty exhaustive and was accepted without issues by the Portuguese consulate. My visa was approved by SEF in 9 business days. Without hesitation, I would recommend Belissa Cunha and Lexidy Portugal for a stress free and smooth visa process.
I had a positive and very informative conversation with Lidiane from Lexidy Law Boutique, which help answer all the questions that I had.
Habib Lion
Habib Lion
22:08 18 Jul 21
Few months ago, I decided to relocate to Portugal. Belissa took care of the rest.Belissa surprised me positively with her reactivity and professionalism. Since our first call, I knew I was in the perfect hands and my process will be successful 100%.If you need a 5* Lawyer, please get in touch with Belissa, your life will be much easier!Thank you my dearest Belissa!Finally, be reassured that you will get very reasonable fees with Lexidy law Boutique.Thanks,Habib
Caroline Brown
Caroline Brown
02:45 16 Jul 21
Lidiane was very professional and knowledgeable. She was well-prepared and provided thorough answers to all our questions. She also provide very timely follow up and communications. I highly recommend her and Lexidy.
Samarjeet Arora
Samarjeet Arora
05:50 14 Jul 21
Rafaela is very well informed about the immigration process and moreover she was able to understand my requirements and guide me according to my needs which was so satisfying experience.Thanks
Dennis Johnson
Dennis Johnson
17:41 23 Nov 20
Lexidy goes the extra mile every time. They helped us get our residential visas and TIE. They are proactive, they respond to emails at all hours, they follow up to make sure everything is perfect. Best of all - they are so nice. I will always recommend them. Laura and her team are wonderful.
Lynne Veenstra
Lynne Veenstra
14:37 19 Aug 20
From the very first contact with Carolina we had friendly ,professional service. Our business was concluded in a very speedy manner, I would certainly recommend Carolina, and all the team at Lexidy for their help, and experience with immigration matters. keep up the good work.
KALPANA SAKLA
KALPANA SAKLA
11:54 24 Jun 20
Bettino is a Gem, excellent service provided for my Portuguese Nationality by marriage.I will give 10 star if I can. Excellent service for all your legal & immigration matter, in Portugal & Spain, very attentive, accurate & multilingual, as I needed English speaking advocates. Higgly recommended to friends and family. Once again Thanks a ton to Bettino🙂
Linda
Linda
11:40 22 May 20
Bettino is a very, very professional lawyer who helped me get the residence card smoothly and encountered obstacles in the process of going to the immigration bureau. The staff of the immigration bureau firmly believed that it could not be continued. The immigration staff communicated, and finally the staff changed their attitude, which made me get the residence card smoothly. I sincerely thank Attorney Bettino for solving all the problems with his professional knowledge, ability, and confidence. The work is also very conscientious and attentive, patiently answering every question I have, the best wishes are presented to Bettino, the best lawyer in Lisbon 👍👍👍
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Vasco Dias

Vasco Dias

Lawyer
Thabata Mota

Thabata Mota

Legal Trainee
Diana Andrade

Diana Andrade

Lawyer, Head of Immigration Portugal
Gabriela Teruel

Gabriela Teruel

Legal Trainee
Margarida Vieira

Margarida Vieira

Legal Trainee
Marina Tomini

Marina Tormin

Lawyer
Bruna Duarte

Bruna Duarte

Legal Trainee
Ricardo Lopes

Ricardo Lopes

Lawyer

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