D2 Visa
Portugal
Residency in Portugal for entrepreneurs and independent professionals. Start your business, invest or work as a freelancer with a path to citizenship in 5 years.
Who is the D2 Visa for?
The D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is for foreigners who wish to establish a business, invest or work independently in Portugal. There are two main categories of applicants.
Entrepreneurs
Start or invest in a business
Ideal for those who want to start a new business in Portugal, invest in an existing company or expand operations of a business already established in their home country to the Portuguese market.
Independent Professionals
Freelancers & liberal professionals
For freelancers or liberal professionals who wish to practice their activity independently in Portugal, holding a service contract or proposal with a Portuguese entity.
D2 Visa Benefits
Free movement in Europe
Grants legal residency and work in Portugal, with free movement across the Schengen Area — 27 European countries without border controls.
Family reunification
Right to bring spouse, minor or dependent children, adult student children, dependent parents and minor siblings under legal guardianship.
Path to citizenship
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, the holder becomes eligible for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
Access to public services
Grants access to education and Portugal's National Health Service (SNS) for the holder and family.
Alternative to Digital Nomad visa
Excellent option for those who don't qualify for the Digital Nomad visa but wish to work independently in Portugal.
No mandatory minimum investment
The law does not stipulate a fixed investment amount. It is possible to open a company with share capital starting from €1, as long as viability is demonstrated.
D2 for Entrepreneurs
Start or invest in a company in Portugal. See the specific requirements for this category.
Solid Business Plan
- The most important document in the application — must demonstrate the viability and potential of the project
- Include market analysis, financial projections and impact on the Portuguese economy
- Explain how the business will contribute to job creation, innovation or development of new products/services
Financial capacity and investment
- Prove sufficient financial resources to sustain the proposed investment
- Share capital for SMEs typically between €3,000 and €5,000
- Having a Portuguese bank account with deposited capital is a positive factor
- While it's possible to open a company with €1, viability must be demonstrated
Economic and social relevance
- The investment must be relevant to Portugal
- Job creation is a favorable factor, but not mandatory
- It is possible to obtain the visa with a sole proprietorship (unipessoal)
Business documentation
- If the company is already established: certificate of incorporation, permanent certificate and declaration of activity commencement
- Registering the company in Portugal before applying for the visa is a very favorable factor
D2 for Independent Professionals
Freelancers and liberal professionals who wish to practice their activity independently in Portugal.
Service contract or proposal
- Demonstrate a service relationship with a person or entity in Portugal
- Can be a partnership contract or written proposal for service provision
- The contract must be with recognized liberal professions
Professional qualification
- Prove that you are qualified to practice the profession in Portugal
- For regulated professions: registration with the corresponding professional order (e.g., bar association)
- Demonstrate relevant knowledge and experience in the field
Qualification and relevance
- Services offered must be specialized
- Important to demonstrate relevant knowledge and experience in the field of activity
- Prove that the activity is viable and sustainable in Portugal
Step-by-step application process
The process follows two main phases: application at the consulate and formalization of residency in Portugal.
Strategic preparation
Define the D2 Visa path
Entrepreneur (start/invest in a business) or Independent Professional (freelancer/liberal professional with a service contract).
Prepare project documentation
Entrepreneur: develop a convincing Business Plan. Freelancer: obtain a service contract or proposal with a Portuguese entity.
Initial steps in Portugal (recommended)
Obtain NIF (Tax Identification Number), open a bank account and, for entrepreneurs, register the company before applying.
Phase 1 — Consulate Application
The D2 residence visa application is submitted at the Portuguese Consulate in your country of origin or legal residence. In some countries, the service is delegated to companies like VFS Global. The consular fee is approximately €90.
Gather complete documentation
Application form, valid passport (minimum 3 months), 2 photographs, proof of financial means, accommodation contract, travel insurance, criminal records with Apostille of The Hague and authorization for AIMA to check Portuguese criminal records.
Wait for decision (60 to 90 days)
The consulate typically takes 60 to 90 days to analyze and decide. If approved, a residence visa valid for 4 months is issued, allowing two entries to Portugal.
Phase 2 — Travel and AIMA in Portugal
After arriving in Portugal, attend AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) for biometric collection. Present NIF, NISS, proof of accommodation and updated business documentation. Issuance fee: ~€170.08.
Issuance of residence permit
After the appointment, AIMA has up to 90 days to issue the residence card. The initial permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for successive periods of 3 years.
Required Documentation
In addition to the Business Plan or service contract, the following documents are required.
Maintenance and Future in Portugal
Residence renewal
After the first 2 years, the permit is renewed for periods of 3 years. To maintain your rights, you cannot be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the permit's validity.
Path to citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence, D2 Visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality, with access to an EU passport.
D2 vs D7 vs Digital Nomad
Choosing the right visa is essential. See the main differences.
Entrepreneur
For those with an active business plan who intend to live from business profits or as an independent worker in Portugal.
Passive Income
For those with sufficient passive income (pensions, rental income, dividends) who don't need to actively work in Portugal.
Remote Work
For those who work remotely for companies or clients located outside Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the D2 Visa and who is it for?
The D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to enter Portugal to establish a business, invest or work as an independent professional. It targets two categories: entrepreneurs who want to create/invest in businesses and independent professionals (freelancers/liberal professionals).
Is there a minimum investment amount for the D2 Visa?
The law does not stipulate a fixed minimum amount. While it's possible to open a company with share capital of €1, it is essential to demonstrate business viability. For SMEs, it's common to present share capital between €3,000 and €5,000. More important than the amount is demonstrating that the project can positively impact the Portuguese economy.
Do I need to have the company already established to apply for the D2?
It's not mandatory, but it is a very favorable factor. You can apply by presenting a detailed business plan. However, having the company already registered and a Portuguese bank account with deposited capital strengthens the application's credibility.
What is the difference between the D2 Visa and other visas like D7 and Digital Nomad?
The D2 is for those with an active business plan who intend to live from business profits. The D7 is for those with passive income (pensions, rental income, investments). The Digital Nomad visa is for those who work remotely for companies outside Portugal.
Can I bring my family with the D2 Visa?
Yes. The holder has the right to family reunification: spouse or common-law partner, minor or dependent children, single adult student children, first-degree dependent ascendants and minor siblings under guardianship.
What is the initial validity of the visa and residence permit?
The residence visa (passport sticker) is valid for 4 months and allows two entries to Portugal. The residence permit (card) has an initial validity of 2 years, renewable for periods of 3 years.
What is the minimum time I must stay in Portugal?
To maintain the residence permit, you cannot be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the permit's validity. There are exceptions for absences due to compelling personal, family or professional reasons.
How much does the process cost?
The consular fee is approximately €90. The residence permit issuance at AIMA costs about €170.08. Additionally, there are costs for document translation, travel insurance, legalizations and potentially business plan preparation.
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