Portugal D2 Immigration (Entrepreneur Visa)
The Portugal D2 was created to attract foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in Portugal by creating small and medium-sized companies with economic, technological, or cultural relevance to the country. Portugal’s high standard of living, safety, relatively lower cost of living, pleasant climate, and well-educated workforce make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors.
What is Portugal D2?
The Portugal D2 (Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa) is one of the most popular routes to residency for non-EU citizens who want to live and work in Portugal by opening a company, launching a start-up, or transferring/expanding an existing business. Once approved, you and your eligible family members can obtain residency in Portugal, enabling you to live and work there.
D2 vs Golden Visa
The D2 typically has no fixed “minimum investment amount” like the Golden Visa. Many firms advise a practical capital level (often €5,000+) to show credibility and viability—more robust capitalization can strengthen the file.
Business plan evaluation
The business plan is assessed for financial viability and for its economic, social, scientific, technological, and cultural relevance.
Flexible business types
Unlike certain “start-up only” programs, D2 is typically not limited to tech businesses, and you can choose your location within Portugal based on your strategy.
Portugal at a glance
Portugal is a country in Western Europe on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its capital is Lisbon, known for its lifestyle and international community. Portugal offers a strong business environment, good infrastructure, and access to the wider EU market.
Language
Portuguese
Currency
Euro (€)
Total Area
92,152 km²
Capital
Lisbon
Eligibility (general)
Eligible applicants
The D2 is open to non-EU/EEA/Switzerland citizens who:
• Want to start a business in Portugal, or
• Set up a Portuguese branch of an existing foreign business.
Existing business?
You can expand a current company into Portugal by opening a branch—without being restricted to one region, and without needing to be in a specific “innovation” category (depending on strategy and documentation).
Important
Eligibility and assessment depend on your business plan, capital structure, background, and document quality. We structure the strongest compliant file for your case.
Portugal D2 Entrepreneur Residency
Obtain Portuguese residency by establishing a business or opening a Portuguese branch with a credible plan.
Once approved, you can live and work in Portugal under your residence permit conditions.
Operate in Portugal while benefiting from EU market proximity and mobility for business purposes (rules apply).
After initial residence, you may apply to bring eligible family members under reunification rules.
Flexible & business-friendly
The D2 is often considered more flexible than specialized programs because it can support many business types— not only technology start-ups—depending on the strength of the plan and documentation.
What matters most
A solid business plan, sufficient capital, credible reasoning, and clear proof of funds & subsistence.
Requirements for the D2 Visa
Core requirements
• A solid, well-structured business plan
• A viable business activity (new or existing)
• Sufficient capital & credible financial structure
• Solid business reasoning for the venture
• Proof of financial resources to set up and grow the business
Means of subsistence (living support)
You must show proof of means to support yourself (and family if included). This is often linked to minimum wage references, and the numbers can change yearly. A common approach is: full amount for main applicant, plus a portion for spouse, plus an amount for children.
Business plan evaluation
Your plan is assessed for financial viability and relevance (economic, social, scientific, technological, and cultural contribution).
Family reunification
Who you can bring
After receiving your initial residency permit, you may apply for family reunification for eligible relatives. You must show financial capacity to support each family member.
Eligible dependents (general)
• Spouse or partner
• Minor or incapacitated child
• Children 18+ (single & studying in Portugal) where applicable
• Dependent parents (main applicant or spouse)
• Minor siblings legally under your care
Path to Portuguese citizenship
Residence permit duration
Under the D2 route, Portuguese residence permits are commonly granted for an initial period (often 2 years), followed by renewals—subject to compliance and current rules.
Settlement / citizenship
After 5 years of residence, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship, subject to legal requirements and compliance.
Physical presence (general)
During the residence period, you must meet presence requirements to maintain your status. A common reference is spending at least 90 days in Portugal (rules can vary and may allow flexibility if business travel is required).
Step-by-step process
Case strategy & business plan
Define your business model, capital plan, and build a strong, compliant business plan aligned with D2 assessment criteria.
Company setup preparation
Prepare company formation steps (or branch setup), supporting documents, and proof of funds/means of subsistence.
Embassy / consulate submission
Book an appointment and submit the D2 application at the Portuguese embassy/consulate in your country of residence.
Decision & visa issuance
Receive the decision and visa (validity depends on the issued visa type and current rules).
Portugal entry & residence appointment
Enter Portugal and attend the immigration appointment for biometrics and residence permit issuance.
Residence card & renewals
Receive the residence card, maintain compliance, and prepare for renewals and long-term settlement options.
How Next Citizen helps
Business plan & strategy
We structure the case, shape the business plan narrative, and align documents with D2 evaluation criteria.
Document checklist
We provide a tailored checklist and guide you on proof of funds, subsistence, and supporting documentation.
Submission readiness
We review the full file for consistency, compliance, and clarity before embassy/consulate submission.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Portugal D2 visa?
The D2 is an entrepreneur route that can grant residency to non-EU applicants who establish a business in Portugal or open a Portuguese branch of an existing company, subject to assessment and documentation.
Is there a minimum investment amount?
Unlike certain investment programs, D2 is often not framed around a fixed minimum investment amount, but you must show credible capital and viability. Many advisors suggest practical capital levels (often €5,000+) to strengthen credibility.
Can I include my family?
Yes—family reunification can apply after initial residence, and you must show you can financially support each eligible dependent under the applicable rules.
Does it lead to citizenship?
After 5 years of residence, applicants may be eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship, subject to legal conditions and compliance.
Let’s discuss your Portugal D2 case
Confidential consultation
Share your profile and business plan idea. We’ll review eligibility, required documents, and the best strategy for a strong D2 submission.
What we’ll cover
Business plan structure, capital strategy, means of subsistence, and step-by-step next actions.
Response time
We aim to reply quickly during business hours.