Immigration · D2 Entrepreneur Visa
D2 entrepreneur visa Portugal 2026 — business residence for founders.
The D2 is a residence-visa route for non-EU nationals who intend to carry out a genuine economic activity in Portugal. The application may be based on a company, self-employed activity or a liberal profession, depending on the work that will actually be performed.
Overview
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.
Routes
The principal D2 routes.
Company route
Incorporation of, or investment in, a Portuguese company supported by a viable economic project.
Self-employed activity
Commencement of an activity in the individual’s own name, with the applicable tax and social-security registrations.
Liberal profession
A written contract or proposal for services and evidence of professional qualifications where the activity is regulated.
Capital requirements
D2 visa investment & capital requirements.
No fixed minimum investment
Portuguese law does not establish a fixed minimum investment for the D2. The applicant must show resources that are realistic for the proposed activity, together with the means of subsistence required for residence. Any commercial estimate for starting a particular business must be identified as a business-planning figure, not as a legal threshold.
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.
Residence rights
Live, work and run your business in Portugal under the rules applicable to legal residents.
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
Short stays in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in each 180-day period, for business and personal reasons.
Path to citizenship
The residence period may count towards a future application for Portuguese nationality — seven or 10 years depending on nationality — subject to the remaining statutory requirements, including knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, history and national symbols under the implementing regulations.
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 (7 or 10 years, 2026 law)
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 (7 or 10 years, 2026 law)
The D2 is generally suited to a person who intends to establish a genuine working and business base in Portugal. The Golden Visa is an investment-based residence route with different qualifying investments and physical-presence requirements. Neither route guarantees nationality.
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.
- iViable business plan — a detailed Portuguese-language business plan demonstrating market opportunity, financial viability, and economic contribution.
- iiSufficient capital — proof of funds to establish and operate your business, plus personal living expenses during the startup phase.
- iiiRelevant experience — background, qualifications and professional authorisations applicable to the chosen route.
- ivCriminal-record certificates — criminal-record certificates and assessment under the statutory admissibility rules.
- vHealth 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 — choosing and preparing the legal route. We determine whether the activity should be organised through a company, as self-employment or as a liberal profession, and prepare the registrations and supporting documents appropriate to that route.
- 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.
- iCompany formation — we handle Portuguese company registration, articles of association, tax registration, and all corporate formalities.
- iiBusiness plan review — we review and refine your business plan to ensure it meets consular requirements and presents your concept effectively.
- iiiFull immigration support — we prepare your D2 visa application, coordinate documentation, and support you through the entire process.
- ivOngoing 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
Related services
- →Company incorporation in Portugal — establish the legal entity required for your D2 visa application.
- →Start-up Visa for innovative projects — if your business qualifies as innovative, the Start-up Visa may be a better route.
- →Tax planning for entrepreneurs — understand your tax obligations and international double taxation treaties.
Common questions
D2 entrepreneur visa FAQs.
Last legal review: 19 July 2026. This information is general and does not replace individual legal advice. It does not constitute a guarantee of any outcome. The applicable framework depends on the law in force and on the specific circumstances of each case.
Book
Ready to launch your business in Portugal?
Book an initial consultation to assess the proposed activity, the appropriate D2 route and the documents required for the application.
Schedule D2 consultation →