D2 Entrepreneur Visa Portugal 2025 – Business Residency for Founders
Launch your business in Portugal and secure residency for yourself and your family. The D2 visa is designed for entrepreneurs, business founders, and investors who want to establish a company in one of Europe's most business-friendly environments.
What is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?
The D2 visa (Entrepreneur Visa or Business Visa) allows non-EU citizens to obtain Portuguese residency by establishing and operating a business in Portugal. Unlike the Golden Visa, it does not require a minimum investment amount—instead, you must demonstrate a viable business plan and sufficient capital to execute it.
Ideal for: Startup founders, small business owners, consultants opening a Portuguese branch, investors in Portuguese companies, and anyone who wants to run an active business while living in Portugal.
Capital Requirements
D2 Visa Investment & Capital Requirements
Key advantage: The D2 visa is accessible to entrepreneurs at various stages—from bootstrapped startups to established business owners expanding to Europe. The focus is on your business concept and execution ability, not on hitting a specific investment threshold.
No Fixed Minimum Investment
Unlike the Golden Visa, there's no set amount. You need sufficient capital to establish and operate your specific business—typically €5,000–€50,000+.
Proof of Personal Funds
Evidence you can support yourself and family in Portugal while your business becomes profitable (bank statements, savings).
Business Plan Required
A detailed business plan in Portuguese showing viability, market analysis, financial projections, and economic contribution.
Benefits
Main Benefits of the D2 Entrepreneur Visa
No Minimum Investment
Start with the capital your business actually needs—no arbitrary €500K threshold like the Golden Visa.
Full Residency Rights
Live, work, and run your business in Portugal with the same rights as any legal resident.
EU Market Access
Use Portugal as your base to access EU markets, customers, and business opportunities across Europe.
Family Inclusion
Include spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents in your application.
Schengen Mobility
Travel freely throughout the 27 Schengen countries for business and personal reasons.
Path to Citizenship
Apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of legal residence (A2 Portuguese required).
Comparison
D2 Entrepreneur Visa vs Golden Visa
D2 Entrepreneur Visa
- ✓ No minimum investment amount
- ✓ Start any type of legitimate business
- ! Must live primarily in Portugal
- ✓ Active involvement in your business
- ✓ Path to citizenship after 5 years
Golden Visa
- ! Requires €200K–€500K investment
- ! Limited to funds or cultural donations
- ✓ Only 7 days/year in Portugal
- ✓ Passive investment, no active management
- ✓ Path to citizenship after 5 years
Bottom line: Choose D2 if you want to build and run a business in Portugal. Choose Golden Visa if you want residency with minimal presence and passive investment.
Eligibility
D2 Visa Eligibility Requirements
We evaluate your business concept, experience, and financial situation during the initial consultation to determine D2 eligibility and identify the strongest application strategy.
Viable Business Plan
A detailed Portuguese-language business plan demonstrating market opportunity, financial viability, and economic contribution.
Sufficient Capital
Proof of funds to establish and operate your business, plus personal living expenses during the startup phase.
Relevant Experience
Background, qualifications, or experience relevant to your proposed business sector.
Clean Criminal Record
No serious criminal offences in Portugal or your country of residence.
Health Insurance
Valid health insurance covering Portugal for at least the initial period.
Our Process
Step-by-Step D2 Visa Process
Step 1 – Business Concept Assessment
We evaluate your business idea, market opportunity, and D2 eligibility. We identify the strongest positioning for your application.
Step 2 – Company Registration
We help establish your Portuguese company (Unipessoal, Lda, or SA), obtain NIF, open a bank account, and complete legal formalities.
Step 3 – Business Plan Development
We prepare or review your Portuguese-language business plan to meet consular expectations and demonstrate viability.
Step 4 – Visa Application
We prepare all documentation and support you through the consular application process in your country of residence.
Step 5 – Approval and Residence Permit
After visa approval, you enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit. We assist with AIMA appointments and business launch.
Why Choose Us
How Our Law Firm Helps Entrepreneurs
We provide comprehensive legal support for entrepreneurs navigating Portuguese business registration and immigration.
Company Formation
We handle Portuguese company registration, articles of association, tax registration, and all corporate formalities.
Business Plan Review
We review and refine your business plan to ensure it meets consular requirements and presents your concept effectively.
Full Immigration Support
We prepare your D2 visa application, coordinate documentation, and support you through the entire process.
Ongoing Compliance
After approval, we assist with residence permit renewals, corporate compliance, and eventual citizenship applications.
Business Types
What Types of Businesses Qualify?
Most legitimate business activities qualify for the D2 visa. Here are common examples:
Technology & Startups
- • Software development
- • SaaS companies
- • E-commerce platforms
- • Tech consulting
Professional Services
- • Consulting firms
- • Marketing agencies
- • Design studios
- • Training/coaching
Trade & Hospitality
- • Import/export
- • Retail businesses
- • Restaurants/cafés
- • Tourism services
Common Questions
D2 Entrepreneur Visa FAQs (2025)
What is the minimum investment for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?
There is no fixed minimum investment. You must demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and operate your business—typically €5,000–€50,000+ depending on your business type, plus funds to support yourself.
Do I need to create jobs to get the D2 visa?
Not necessarily. While job creation strengthens your application, it is not a strict requirement. The focus is on demonstrating a viable business that contributes to the Portuguese economy.
What types of businesses qualify for the D2 visa?
Most legitimate business activities qualify—technology companies, consulting firms, e-commerce, hospitality, import/export, professional services, and more. Regulated sectors may have additional requirements.
Do I need a business plan in Portuguese?
Yes. Consulates require a detailed business plan in Portuguese demonstrating your concept, market analysis, financial projections, and economic contribution.
Can I include my family in the D2 application?
Yes. You can include your spouse, dependent children (generally under 18, or up to 26 if students), and dependent parents through family reunification.
How long does D2 visa processing take?
Visa processing typically takes 60-90 days after submission. Allow additional time for company registration and document preparation—the full process usually takes 4-6 months.
Can I get Portuguese citizenship through the D2 visa?
Yes. After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).
What happens if my business fails?
Your residency is not automatically revoked if your business struggles. You may restructure, pivot to a new business, or transition to another visa type. Consult with us to explore options.
Ready to Launch Your Business in Portugal?
Contact us for a free D2 visa consultation. We'll evaluate your business concept, explain the requirements, and create a roadmap to Portuguese business residency.