The Portugal D2 Visa

On other pages you’ll find plenty of information about the two most popular ways to acquire a Visa for Portugal – the D7 Visa and the Golden Visa . However. There is a third alternative which might be right for you – The Portugal D2 Visa, sometimes known as ‘The Entrepreneur’s Visa’. This pathway is certainly worthy of consideration if you want to...

open a business in Portugal
set up a branch of your current business in Portugal
run a business that’s already established in the country

What is the Portugal D2 Visa?

The D2 Visa is designed for citizens from outside the EU.
The first, and most obvious benefit, is that, unlike the Golden Visa, the D2 Visa doesn’t require prior investment in the country. Also, unlike the D7 Visa, you don’t have to demonstrate a source of regular income.

The main requirement for a D2 Visa is that you have a viable business (or business idea) that you can run in Portugal. This business can be of any type – manufacturing, retail, service, etc.

Two types of D2 Visa in Portugal

1. The Entrepreneur’s route

Ideal if you’re planning to start a completely new business in Portugal or a Portuguese branch of an existing business.

For this, you need...

A NIF (Portuguese tax number)
A business bank account with a Portuguese bank
To set up a Portuguese limited company (LDA)
An accountant familiar with the Portuguese tax system

You’ll also need to demonstrate evidence of sufficient funding to support your business.

2. The Independent Service Provider’s route

This option is best for anyone providing a service. You don’t have to incorporate a Portuguese company nor take on an accountant. But you will need...

A NIF (Portuguese Tax Number)
A business bank account with a Portuguese bank
Proof of relevant experience or qualifications in your field
Proof of a contract with at least one client

If your work is ‘remote’ – i.e. your clients are outside Portugal, then the D7 passive income Visa could also be best, as remote work is classified as ‘passive income’.

What are the benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa?

There are several...

You don’t have to demonstrate passive income
You don’t have to make a significant investment in Portugal
You can gain Portuguese citizenship after 5 years

How do I acquire a D2 Visa?

Your main task when you apply for a D2 Visa in Portugal is to demonstrate to the Portuguese authorities that your business plan has a reasonable chance of success. As a minimum, your business must generate enough income to support you while you live in the country. Part of this involves showing ‘proof of means of subsistence’. You should have enough savings in the bank for you to live in Portugal for at least 12 months. The authorities would be looking here at 12 months of the Portuguese minimum wage - currently €705 per month. So you’ll be looking at demonstrating savings of around €8,500.

Two stages to the D2 application process

Stage 1
Attending an interview at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. All being well, you’ll be issued with your D2 Visa, which will be initially valid for four months and enable you to travel to Portugal on the D2 status and apply for residency.

Stage 2
An appointment in Portugal with the SEF (Immigration authorities). It can take a long time to get an appointment. As long as the appointment is booked, you’ll be legally permitted to stay in Portugal even after the four-month visa period is over.

What else do I need for my D2 Visa in Portugal?

Proof of accommodation in Portugal

You’ll also need to show proof of accommodation. This could be in the form of...

A rental contract
deeds to a property
a letter from a friend or relative who is already a legal resident of Portugal inviting you to stay with them

Criminal record check

You’ll need to show the authorities a recent (no longer than three months old) criminal record check from any country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months.

Six months Travel Insurance

You should insure yourself for at least six months to ensure you’re still protected if your residency appointment is delayed. Of course, once you’ve acquired your residence permit, you’ll be entitled to Portuguese state healthcare.

Your insurance policy should include...

Medical emergency cover across the Schengen area
Repatriation of the body in case of death

The D2 Visa and Portuguese citizenship

To be eligible for Portuguese (and EU) citizenship, you need to have spent at least five years as a legal resident of the country.

To do this, you must maintain your residency status for the entire five years – keeping Portugal as your primary home and country of tax residency. You must spend at least six months in the country each year.

Find out more about the D2 Visa for Portugal