Portugal D2 Visa Information

 The Portugal D2 Visa, often called the "entrepreneur visa," is a residency permit designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who want to live in Portugal while starting a business, running an existing company, or working as an independent professional.

The D2 visa falls under Portugal's "independent professional activity and entrepreneurial activity" category, making it suitable for:

• Entrepreneurs — Those looking to start a new business in Portugal or expand an existing one.

• Independent Professionals & Freelancers — Consultants, designers, IT professionals, marketers, and other service providers.

• Investors — Individuals planning to invest in an existing Portuguese company.

• Pathway to EU Residency & Citizenship — After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.

• No Fixed Minimum Investment — Unlike some other European programs, the D2 visa does not require a minimum business investment amount.

• Family Reunification — Your spouse and dependent children can join you in Portugal.

• Access to Portugal's Growing Startup Ecosystem — Portugal has become a hub for entrepreneurs, with a thriving community and supportive business environment.

 Viable Business Plan
The cornerstone of your application. Must demonstrate business viability, financial sustainability, and economic contribution to Portugal.

Personal Financial Means
Proof you can support yourself for at least one year in Portugal (approximately €11,040 for a single applicant based on 2026 figures).

Portuguese NIF & Bank Account
You must obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and open a local bank account.

Proof of Accommodation
A 12-month lease, property deed, or host invitation in Portugal.

Health Insurance
Comprehensive health insurance covering Portugal (minimum €30,000).

Clean Criminal Record
A criminal background check from your home country, properly legalised/apostilled.

 Stage 1: Consulate Application
Submit your application, business plan, and supporting documents at the Portuguese consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. Processing typically takes 60-90 days.

Stage 2: Entry to Portugal
Once approved, you receive a temporary visa valid for 120 days to enter Portugal.

Stage 3: AIMA Appointment
After arriving in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit with AIMA (the Portuguese immigration agency).

Stage 4: Residence Permit
Your residence permit is initially valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 3 years. After 5 years of legal residency, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

The personal-means anchor is the Portuguese minimum monthly wage. For 2026, the baseline is €920 per month, or €11,040 for 12 months for the main applicant .

Applicant group planning baselines :

• Main applicant: €920/month, or €11,040/year
• Additional adult (spouse/partner): 50% supplement, or approximately €460/month
• Child or dependent child: 30% supplement, or approximately €276/month
• Business runway: Separate from personal means. Budget enough to make the business plan credible for your model

Important: While there is no fixed statutory D2 investment amount, the practical test is whether the activity, funds, and evidence are credible for the proposed business .

After you arrive in Portugal on your D2 visa, you must attend an appointment with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo), the Portuguese immigration authority that replaced SEF in 2023 .

What happens at the appointment :

• Identity verification — staff check your passport, visa, and appointment confirmation
• Photograph and fingerprints
• Information confirmation — verify your name, passport number, and other details
• Payment receipt

Important tips:

• Arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment
• Bring your passport, visa confirmation letter, and appointment confirmation email
• For the photograph, ensure your hair doesn't cover your face and remove glasses if possible

The backlog: AIMA has worked through a significant backlog since it replaced SEF, so appointment availability and processing can take several months . This is the least predictable part of the move .

Criminal Record:

• Must be issued within the last 90 days 
• Must be apostilled/legalised (ACRO + Hague Apostille for UK applicants is explicitly referenced) 
• Must be translated into Portuguese 

Other Documents:

• Birth and marriage certificates require apostille 
• Check your consulate's specific requirements, as they can vary 

Budget the following official fees for the first stage :

• National residence visa fee: €110
• AIMA reception and analysis: €99.80 to €133.00
• AIMA temporary residence permit issuance: €85.80 to €114.30
• Total official fees: Approximately €295.60 to €357.30

Additional costs include VFS service charges, translations, apostilles, insurance, tax advice, accounting, company setup, and professional support

 D2 Visa — Best for entrepreneurs, business owners, and independent professionals actively running a business in Portugal.

D7 Visa — Best for passive income holders, retirees, and individuals with regular passive income.

D8 Visa — Best for digital nomads and remote workers employed by companies outside Portugal.