D2 Visa Portugal – Entrepreneur Visa 2025 - Complete Guide

Complete guide to D2 Visa Portugal 2025. Learn eligibility, investment requirements, application steps, fees, timelines, residency path, and tips for success. Apply for the Portugal D2 Visa Portugal with MetConnect. We handle requirements, paperwork, and strategy—so you can launch your business and secure residency with confidence.

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The Portugal D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa) is a residency visa for non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to start or move a business in Portugal. It grants a multiple-entry stay (two entries) of up to 4 months (120 days)during which you must apply for a Portuguese residence permit.

Designed to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurship, the D2 visa allows founders, freelancers or independent professionals to live in Portugal while building a company. Through this route, entrepreneurs gain access to the EU market, can include family members, and after five years of residence may qualify for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship. (Portugal’s immigration agency SEF has been replaced by AIMA as of 2024.)

At MetConnect LDA, we specialize in helping global entrepreneurs launch their businesses and secure residency in Portugal through the D2 Visa. From crafting your business plan to navigating consulate paperwork and local setup, our team supports you every step of the way.

Who Is Eligible for the D2 Visa Portugal?

To qualify for the D2 Visa, you must be a citizen of a non‑EU/EEA/Swiss country and plan to engage in economic activity in Portugal. Eligible candidates include:

New entrepreneurs:

Those forming a new company in Portugal (or creating a branch of an existing foreign company).

Business owners/shareholders:

Those investing by buying an existing Portuguese business or its shares.

Freelancers/independent professionals:

Qualified professionals (liberal professions) with contracts or service agreements in Portugal.

All applicants must submit a viable business plan that details the business model, market, and economic impact (e.g., job creation or innovation). There is no fixed minimum investment, but you must show adequate capital to launch the venture. In practice, Portuguese small companies often start with approximately €5,000 in share capital.

Crucially, you must prove sufficient means of subsistence for yourself (and dependents) in Portugal. Portuguese rules require showing funds to cover about 12 months of living expenses – roughly €10,440 for a year – through bank statements or sponsor guarantees.

Freelancers must demonstrate relevant qualifications or experience and usually provide signed contracts from Portuguese clients or employers.

You should also have (or be ready to register) a Portuguese company, as evidence of company registration (or in-process documentation) is expected.

Key Eligibility: Non-EU nationality, viable business plan, financial means for investment and living expenses. (Portugal’s new startup visa program under IAPMEI is a related route for certified innovation projects.)

Key Benefits of the Portugal's D2 Visa

Portugal’s D2 Entrepreneur Visa provides a range of significant benefits for aspiring business owners:

Live and work in Portugal:

Establish and run your own business legally. This provides a gateway to the broader EU market.

Family reunification:

You can bring your spouse, dependent children (and sometimes other qualifying relatives) to live in Portugal.

Path to permanent residency/citizenship:

With a valid D2 residence permit, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency after 5 years, and for Portuguese citizenship thereafter (subject to language and residency conditions).

Access to services:

You and your family gain rights to public healthcare and education in Portugal

Schengen travel:

Once you obtain the Portuguese residence permit, you can travel freely within the Schengen Area (90 days in any 180-day period).

Business incentives:

Portugal offers tax incentives (e.g. flat 20% rate under NHR 2.0 for certain incomes) and a supportive startup ecosystem.

These benefits make the D2 visa an attractive alternative to other paths (e.g. Golden Visa, D7 Passive Income Visa), especially if you want to actively build a company.

Portugal D2 Visa Requirements & Documentation

The D2 visa application is document-intensive. You will need to gather:

Application form & passport photos:

Filled visa form and two recent passport-style photos. You can download Application form here.

Valid passport:

With at least 4-6 months’ validity beyond your planned entry to Portugal.

Business plan:

A detailed plan including market analysis, financial projections, job creation, etc.

Proof of financial means:

Bank statements (last 3-6 months) and tax returns covering at least 12 months. This must show you have ≈€10,440 (as of 2025) to live on for a year. Alternatively, a notarized “term of responsibility” from a Portuguese sponsor can substitute.

Investment proof:

Evidence that you have invested (or plan to) in a Portuguese venture. For new companies, submit the company’s formation documents (constitutive act, notarized deeds) or a capital declaration. For freelancers, provide signed contracts or service agreements.

Academic/Professional credentials:

For independent professionals, include diplomas, certificates and proof of professional registration. For other business founders, relevant experience or CV.

Health insurance:

Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000 for medical emergencies for your entire visa period.

Police clearance:

A criminal record certificate (apostilled and, if not in Portuguese, translated) from your country of residence.

Accommodation proof:

Rental agreement or property deed in Portugal to show you have housing.

Residency proof (if abroad):

If applying outside your home country, a copy of your valid residence permit.

All foreign documents must be legalized and translated to Portuguese or English. (Note: Portugal recently introduced online scheduling for residency appointments – see AIMA’s announcement – and visa applicants may book an appointment via the consulate’s system.

Portugal D2 Visa Application – Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare and Submit Application:

Assemble the above documents and submit your D2 visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country. The consulate will review your paperwork (business plan, funds, etc.) and, if satisfactory, issue the D2 visa. This visa is valid for two entries over 4 months . Typical processing time at the consulate is 2–4 weeks, but check with your local consulate for exact timing. (Contact MetConnect LDA)

Enter Portugal & Register:

After visa issuance, travel to Portugal before it expires. Within a few days of arrival, register your address at the local City Hall (Camara Municipal) and obtain a Portuguese NIF (tax number) if you don’t have one. If not already done, incorporate your company or finalize business registration (see Business Registration service). Open a Portuguese business bank account to deposit any share capital.

Schedule AIMA (formerly SEF) Appointment:

You must apply in Portugal for a residence permit. Book an appointment with the Agency for Migration, Integration and Asylum (AIMA) at a Lojas AIMA (formerly Loja do Cidadão) or through any new e-gov portal. (Portugal is digitizing this, and as of mid-2025 applicants can schedule online aima.gov.pt .) Be prepared for potential backlogs – recent reforms are now clearing many pending cases, but wait times can still be several months.

Attend Interview & Submit Docs:

At your AIMA appointment, present the same documents (passport, visa, business plan, company docs, financial proof, insurance, etc.) to obtain the residence permit (Título de Residência) under article 90-A-Q. AIMA will verify that your business plan is viable and funds are in place.

Receive Initial Permit:

If approved, you will receive a residence permit (valid 2 years initially ). Keep this up-to-date: renew it after two years if your business remains active. If conditions change (e.g. company closes), notify AIMA promptly to avoid issues.

Throughout the process, consider professional Legal Support to handle paperwork and Portuguese bureaucracy, as the process can be complex

💡 Need Help?

MetConnect offers complete application support, including consulate document preparation, Portuguese company formation, and local bank account setup.

What to Do After Arriving in Portugal

Once you have your D2 visa and have arrived, focus on establishing your business and meeting residence obligations:

Company Setup:

Finalize your business setup by registering with the Portuguese tax authorities and social security system. Hiring local employees can strengthen your application, as job creation is viewed positively. MetConnect LDA can assist you with the entire setup process, including company formation, tax registration, business bank account setup, and compliance with local legal requirements—so you can focus on growing your venture from day one.

Banking & Finance:

Open a corporate bank account (many banks assist international entrepreneurs; see our Banking Setup service). Keep clear financial records and maintain the required share capital in Portugal.

Housing & Community:

Secure suitable housing (proof of address is needed for permit renewal). Enroll in health insurance or the national health system, and register children in school if applicable. Learning basic Portuguese will help with integration.

Residency Obligations:

To retain your permit, you should live in Portugal a majority of the time. Authorities generally expect at least 6 months per year in-country (recent guidance suggests ~18 months in 2 years). Keep your business operational; if a company dissolves, your residence permit may be jeopardized.

Reporting:

Comply with tax filings and company reporting in Portugal. Good standing with tax/social security reflects well on renewal applications.

By actively living in Portugal and growing your business, you cement your path toward long-term residency and eventual citizenship.

D2 Portugal Visa to Permanent Residency & Citizenship Path

The D2 Visa leads directly to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship opportunities:

Renewals:

Your initial residence permit is valid 2 years. To renew, you must still meet eligibility (business active, sufficient means, continued accommodation, clean record). Renewals are granted in increments (typically 3-year renewals thereafter).

Permanent Residency:

After 5 years of legal residence under a Portuguese permit, you can apply for a permanent residence card. Unlike the Golden Visa, there is no investment minimum to reach PR – just continuous residency and clean legal standing. You must have been physically present most years (the rule is roughly 16–18 months in Portugal over those five years).

Citizenship:

Also after 5 years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalization, subject to passing a basic language test (A2 Portuguese) and integration requirements. Citizenship grants full EU rights.

Family Status:

Importantly, family members on a family permit enjoy the same path – after 5 years they too become eligible for permanent residency and then citizenship.

In short, the D2 visa is a long-term residency path: build your business for five years, meet the stay requirements and language test, and you can become a Portuguese citizen.

D2 Portugal Visa Fees, Processing Times & Application Timeline (2025)

Visa application fee:

The Portuguese D2 visa fee (long-stay business visa) is typically around €90–100 (check consulate sites for current rates). Note that many applicants use VFS or other agencies which charge additional service fees.

Residence permit fee:

Once in Portugal, AIMA charges a fee of €156 for the residence permit card (per adult). There may also be a smaller service charge to schedule the appointment. Children and dependent family cards have reduced fees.

Other costs:

Budget for health insurance (~€300–500/year), translation/legalization of documents (varies), and any notary/registration fees for the company.

Processing times:

Visa approval usually takes 2–4 weeks at the consulate (may be longer if demand is high). After applying in Portugal, AIMA’s backlog is improving (as of 2025, new reforms are clearing many old cases). Still, expect several weeks to a few months before receiving your residence card.

Renewal timelines:

Residence permit renewals can take 1–3 months each time (timing is improving with digital processes). Plan ahead so your permit never lapses.

Tip: Start early on document preparation and consular appointments.

Working with a local team like MetConnect LDA can help you stay on track with deadlines, avoid costly delays, and ensure your business and legal documents meet all D2 Visa requirements. From company registration to legal translations, we handle it all—accurately and efficiently.

Common Application Mistakes & Expert Tips for Success

Strong Competition:

Portugal is popular with entrepreneurs; ensure your business plan is detailed and compelling. Highlight job creation and market need.

Bureaucracy:

Portuguese paperwork can be slow. Meeting with lawyers or consultants familiar with D2 requirements can save time. For example, getting notarized translations and apostilles in advance is wise.

Language Barriers:

Many officials speak English, but forms and contracts are in Portuguese. Learning Portuguese or hiring a bilingual advisor will aid the process.

Legislative Changes:

Keep up with changes. For instance, Portugal replaced SEF with AIMA in late 2023, and new online systems are rolling out in 2024–25. Check official sources or legal updates.

Financial Proof:

Double-check that your bank statements clearly show sustained funds. Vagueness in financial docs is a common reason for consulate return.

Visa vs. Golden/D7:

Understand which route fits you best. A Golden Visa or D7 Visa might suit passive investors or pensioners better, while D2 is for active entrepreneurship.

Expert Tip: Make Your D2 Visa Portugal Journey Smoother with Professional Help

Navigating the D2 Visa Portugal process can be complex—especially when it comes to company formation, legal documentation, and scheduling your AIMA residence appointment. Working with local professionals ensures that every step, from drafting a compliant business plan to preparing interview documents, is handled accurately and efficiently.

At MetConnect, our dedicated teams offer full support through our Business Registration and Legal Support services. By involving experts early, you reduce delays, avoid costly mistakes, and improve your chances of a smooth approval.

Ready to make Portugal your business home?

Contact MetConnect’s D2 Visa team today for expert help with business setup, paperwork, and bank accounts—so you can focus on growing your venture in Portugal.

Speak to an Advisor

FAQ: Common Questions

The D2 visa is a Portuguese residency visa for non-EU nationals who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal. It grants a temporary residency permit (renewable) with the goal of stimulating foreign entrepreneurship.

Eligible applicants are foreigners (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) planning to open a company, invest in a Portuguese business, or work as self-employed professionals in Portugal. Independent professionals must have relevant qualifications and typically an offer or contract in hand

You need a solid business plan, proof of financial means (approximately €10,440 for one year), valid passport, health insurance, clean criminal record, Portuguese company registration (or plan to register), and sufficient funds to both invest in the business and support living expenses

First, submit your dossier to a Portuguese consulate in your home country. Approval takes ~2–4 weeks. Once you get the D2 visa (valid 120 days), enter Portugal, register your address, and schedule an AIMA appointment to apply for the residence permit. Getting the Portuguese residence card can take an additional few months due to processing.

Yes. Your spouse, minor children, and certain dependents can apply for family reunification visas once you have your D2 visa or residence permit. They will receive residency status as long as you maintain your own residence permit

After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal under your residence permits, you can apply for a permanent residence card. After the same 5-year period (with language proficiency), you may apply for Portuguese citizenship. The D2 visa actively builds this residency track

D2 Visa: Best for active entrepreneurs or self-employed professionals who want to run a business in Portugal. No minimum investment amount, but requires a viable business plan and proof of means. Leads to similar residency benefits (PR/citizenship) as other routes.
D7 Visa: For retirees or passive income earners (pensions, rentals) who can support themselves. Requires proof of passive income but no business plan. Allows work only part-time.
Golden Visa: For large investors (e.g. real estate or capital investments of €350k+). Provides residency by investment, but the permit itself is temporary (must renew) and requires costly investment. Golden Visa holders also path to PR but rules changed in 2024.
In summary, choose D2 if you plan to actively start or invest in a business.

Typical issues include an unconvincing business plan, insufficient proof of funds, missing documents (e.g. no company registration evidence), or criminal record concerns. Also, failing to meet the health insurance or legal residence requirements can result in denial.

Yes. As of 2024–2025, Portugal replaced SEF with AIMA for immigration processing, and has begun digitizing scheduling. Immigration backlogs are being cleared, potentially speeding up permit issuance. Stay informed on any new Portuguese ordinances affecting business visas.

Explore our related services

MetConnect LDA offers a full suite of support for your move to Portugal. From visa consulting and business registration to banking setup and legal assistance, we make your transition smooth and compliant—every step of the way.

D2 Visa Portugal – Entrepreneur Visa 2025 - Complete Guide

Who Is Eligible for the D2 Visa Portugal?

Key Benefits of the Portugal's D2 Visa

Portugal D2 Visa Requirements & Documentation

Portugal D2 Visa Application – Step-by-Step Guide

💡 Need Help?

What to Do After Arriving in Portugal

D2 Portugal Visa to Permanent Residency & Citizenship Path

D2 Portugal Visa Fees, Processing Times & Application Timeline (2025)

Common Application Mistakes & Expert Tips for Success

FAQ: Common Questions

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