D2 Visa in Portugal
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What is an Entrepreneur & Freelance (D2) Visa?
Like Portugal’s other visa pathways, the Portugal D2 visa is aimed at third country nationals from outside the European Union.
The Portugal D2 visa is designed for people who want to open a new business in Portugal, set up a Portuguese branch of an existing business, or move to Portugal to run a business that already exists. In light of that, the D2 is also known as the Entrepreneur Visa. Unlike the Golden Visa, you won’t need to make a hefty investment in Portugal to get the D2 visa. And unlike the D7 visa, you don’t need to prove a source of regular passive income.
Instead, getting the Portugal D2 visa mainly depends on having a viable business that you can run in Portugal. The business can be anything from a coffee shop to a wellness retreat to a real estate agency – there are no restrictions.
If you plan to start your own business or work as a freelancer while in Portugal, you will need a visa to legally perform independent professional activity or entrepreneurial work. This is called a D2 visa and there is one for entrepreneurs and another for freelancers.
You may will be free to work in the field of your choice in Portugal and register with Portugese Social Security for benefits like parental and sickness leave. You must be able to demonstrate the viability of your project in Portugal with a business plan for an entrepreneur visa. You must also incorporate a company by registering it in the Commercial Register. Our Corporate law Department can help you set up the company remotely by means of a simple power of attorney before you move to Portugal.
In Portugal, there is some discretion when verifying and assessing the economic and employment benefit that the business activity will bring. However, most of the time, the application’s chances of success are enhanced by how qualified the service provider is or the scale of need for the business in the country.
For the Freelance visa, it is necessary to register with the Tax Office and pay contributions directly to the Social Security Service.
Who is Elegible?
The D2 visa is available to any non-EU citizen who is planning to launch a business in Portugal that can be considered of “general interest”. Typically, the project must be innovative, brings new scientific or technological advancements, has a significant economic impact or has the potential to create many new jobs in Portugal.
The visa is intended for new businesses, startups, independent professionals, immigrant entrepreneurs, company managers, shareholders, partners, and board members.
Independent professional activity means that performed by autonomous professionals, or freelancers, who offer their services to clients. These clients can be individuals or companies and there’s a fixed price for the work.
Independent professions like IT specialisation, plumber, carpenter, technicians are eligible. In this same category are also included lawyers, architects, physicians and engineers, who are independent professionals, but who exercise their professional activity bound to previous registration in the respective Professional Order.
General requirements:
- Not to be an EU Citizen and not be in Portugal irregularly.
- No prior criminal record
- Intension to open a company in Portugal (Business plan is mandatory).
- Have sufficient economic means to mantain residence (820€/month for main applicant, 410€/month for each adult family member and 246€/month for minor family member);
- Applicant needs to prove funds in a company Portuguese bank account: besides the personal bank account with sufficeint means considering the accompany family members.
Should I apply for an entrepreneur visa or a work visa?
- Get a NIF and a Portuguese Bank Account: The NIF is requested before the Tax Authorities by a fiscal rpresentative through a Power of Attorney. Then a Portuguese bank account must be opened and the funds transferred.
- Visa Application: Personally at the Portuguese Consular Section/Embassy or a competent authority in country of origin or legal residence.
- Visa requirements may vary depending on the consulate or Embassy
- Visa fee: 90€ per applicant (average price)
- Resolved within 60 business days of submission
- Must enter Portuguese Territory within the validity of the visa (4 months)
- Residence Permit: The first Residence permit is issued for 2 years and renewed for 3 yeras. After 5 years, the resident may apply for a permanent residence permit, valid for 5 years, and for Portuguese citizenship.
How does the process of obtaining an entrepreneur or freelance visa work?
First of all, the applicant has to either create a company, which we can advise on and execute, or enrol with the correct professional organization for freelancers.
Once the applicant established the company or has signed a contract delivering services as a liberal professional, they can apply for a visa at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in their home country.
After the respective D2 visa has been issued, the applicant can travel to Portugal and make an appointment at the Portuguese Border and Immigration Service, called SEF. At this appointment, the applicant will submit their residence permit application, collect biometric data and deliver the documentation.
After the appointment, the application is analyzed internally and the applicant is notified of the decision of approval. They then receive the residence card.
The Entrepreneur route for the D2 visa:
– Get a NIF (tax number in Portugal)
– Set up a business bank account at a Portuguese bank
– Create a Portuguese limited company (LDA)
– Appoint an accountant who understands the Portuguese tax system
– Show evidence of having sufficient financial means to set up and run the company. Incorporating a company in Portugal requires paying corporation tax every year as well as social security contributions.
The Independent service provider route for the D2 visa:
– Get a NIF (tax number in Portugal)
– Set up a bank account at a Portuguese bank
– Show proof of relevant experience or qualifications in your field, like an academic degree or CV
– Show proof of a contract with one or more clients
Ready to begin your journey towards obtaining a D2 visa in Portugal? Our team of experienced immigration lawyers is here to help. Don’t navigate the complex application process alone. Contact us today to receive personalized guidance, ensure your documents are in order, and increase your chances of a successful outcome. Let us handle the legal aspects while you focus on your plans for Portugal. Reach out now to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team.
How can a lawyer help me with the D2 Visa?
A lawyer can be a valuable asset in helping you with the D2 Visa process in Portugal by:
Assessing eligibility: A lawyer will evaluate your business plan or freelance activity to ensure it meets the requirements of the D2 visa, including proof of viable economic activity and sufficient financial means.
Document preparation: They assist in gathering the required documents, such as a comprehensive business plan, proof of financial resources, health insurance, and proof of accommodation in Portugal.
Application submission: A lawyer will ensure that your D2 visa application is correctly filled out and submitted to Portuguese authorities, reducing the risk of mistakes or delays.
Registering the business: For entrepreneurs, a lawyer can help you with the legal steps to establish your business in Portugal, including company formation and registering with tax authorities.
Appealing rejections: If your D2 visa application is denied, a lawyer can help appeal the decision, addressing any issues that caused the rejection.
Ongoing legal support: They can assist with visa renewals, transitioning to permanent residency, and ensuring compliance with Portuguese business and tax regulations.
If you’d like, we can discuss your specific situation in more detail to help you through the D2 Visa process in Portugal.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in Portugal a reality.
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Why Portugal?
Obtaining a digital nomad visa in Portugal offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Portugal’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of Portuguese hospitality, savor its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich Portuguese culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Portugal has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned Portuguese food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Portugal has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxes will I have to pay?
If you reside in Portugal, you will become a tax resident, which means that you will have to pay taxes in Portugal. The resident income tax rates for Portugal goes from 13.25% for less than 7,703€ up to 48% for income over 81,199€. If you are self-employed worker, your income will be taxed like this as well.
If you stablish a corporation, like a limited company, the income rate will be at 21% of the profits, but if you are a new start-up you can benefit from lower rates of 12,5% on the first 50,000€ of income.
How do I apply for a D2 visa?
To apply for a 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.
How long does the D2 visa process take?
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.
Can I bring my family with me to Portugal on a D2 visa?
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.
Can I work for multiple employers with a D2 visa?
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.
Can I study in Portugal with a D2 visa?
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.
Can I apply for permanent residency in Portugal with a D2 visa?
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 Team
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, whether it’s residence in Portugal or simply an investment.
Visit us: Rua Joaquim António de Aguiar n.º 43, RC Esq, Lisbon, 1070-150 (Portugal)Call us: +351 210 200 969
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