Discover the in-depth guide to Portugal's D2 Visa, designed for entrepreneurs and independent professionals.
Are you an entrepreneur looking to relocate to a vibrant country with exceptional quality of life?
Portugal could be your ideal destination. For its safety, cultural richness, and affordability, Portugal has become a popular choice for investors and expats.
The Portuguese D2 Visa is perfect for business-minded individuals aiming to move to a tax-friendly environment and establish or grow a successful business in a flourishing economy.
Brief Overview of Portugal's D2 Visa
Understanding the D2 Visa
The D2 Visa, or Portugal Entrepreneur Visa, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to gain Portuguese residency to start or grow a business in Portugal.
What is the D2 Visa?
The D2 Visa is for those looking to:
Start, expand, or buy a business in Portugal.
Work as a freelancer for Portuguese clients.
This process requires a strong business plan and proof of financial stability to run a business in Portugal.
Benefits of the D2 Visa
With the D2 Visa, you can:
Live in Portugal and travel freely within the Schengen Area.
Access affordable education and healthcare.
Apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years (family members included).
Requirements for the D2 Visa
To apply, you must:
Be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss citizen with a clean criminal record.
Have a business plan that fits one of these categories:
Buy or invest in a Portuguese company.
Expand an existing foreign business to Portugal.
Start a new business in Portugal.
Freelancers offering valuable services in Portugal.
Freelancers with a job offer or contract in Portugal.
D2 Visa Financial Requirements
The required funds depend on your family size:
For an individual: €9,840 (annual Portuguese minimum wage).
For a couple: €14,760 (minimum wage + 50%).
For each child: Add €2,952 (30% per child).
Example: A family of two adults and two children would need €20,664 available in a Portuguese bank account.
Who Can You Bring on the D2 Visa?
Eligible dependents include:
Your spouse or civil partner.
Minor children (or over 18 if in Portuguese education).
Dependent parents.
Legally dependent family members (such as children, siblings, or other relatives under guardianship).
How to Apply for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa
To apply for the D2 Visa, follow these steps:
Gather Required Documents: Compile all necessary paperwork, including proof of income, accommodation, and travel insurance.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the D2 visa application form accurately.
Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment at your nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Global office.
Gather Recent Documents: Ensure updated financial reports, bank statements, criminal records, and other time-sensitive documents.
⚠️ If you're unsure about your documents, consider a Visa Dossier Review, where a lawyer can review your paperwork and suggest corrections.
Required Documents for the D2 Visa Appointment
Bring these documents to your appointment:
Portuguese NIF (tax ID number)
Portuguese bank account details
Valid passport with at least three months validity post-entry
Proof of accommodation for 12 months (Airbnb/Booking confirmations not accepted)
Proof of funds (annual Portuguese minimum wage, plus extra for dependents) in a Portuguese bank account
2 recent passport-sized photos (3x4 cm)
Visa travel insurance covering up to €30,000 and repatriation
Criminal record from any country where you’ve resided for a year or more
Declaration of intent to move and reside in Portugal and become a tax resident
Declaration of investment
Business viability documents
Visa Fee (€90, plus any local administrative fees)
D2 Visa Fee
The D2 Visa fee is €90 per person, plus local administrative fees.
How Long Does it Take to Get a D2 Visa?
Wait times vary by office, ranging from four weeks to several months. Check with your local office for specifics and plan accordingly.
Preparing for the AIMA Appointment
After your visa is approved, you’ll attend an AIMA appointment in Portugal to verify your residency. Bring all updated documents, as some offices may require the re-issuing of certain documents like the criminal record, which must be less than three months old.
⚠️ Before leaving your home country, consider appointing someone with power of attorney to manage important documents and bring extra copies of essentials like birth and marriage certificates, property titles, and vaccination records.
Common Reasons for D2 Visa Rejection
Common reasons for denial include:
Insufficient funds
Incomplete or invalid business documentation
Criminal record issues
Missing documents
⚠️ For help with the application process, Inlis consulting offers a consultation to answer any questions.
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