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Portugal Start-up Visa 2026.

The Start-up Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to develop an innovative business project in Portugal with the support of an incubator certified for the programme. There is no fixed statutory minimum capital, but the project, team and available resources must be credible and consistent.

Overview

What is the Portuguese Start-up Visa?

The legally relevant entity is an incubator certified for the Start-up Visa. Accelerators, venture-capital firms and other ecosystem participants may be involved, but do not replace the certified incubator required for this route. Certification does not itself oblige the incubator to finance the project.

i

Residence for innovative founders

Obtain residence in Portugal by developing an innovative business project hosted by a certified incubator.

ii

Innovation-focused

Designed for founders with disruptive business ideas in technology, biotechnology, sustainable development, and other innovation sectors.

iii

Certified incubator

Hosting by an incubator certified for the programme is required; accelerators and venture-capital firms do not replace it.

Benefits

Why choose the Portuguese Start-up Visa.

i

Innovation ecosystem

Access to Portugal's growing tech ecosystem, venture capital networks, and startup community.

ii

Residency & work rights

Official residency status allowing you to live, work, and operate your startup in Portugal.

iii

Investor networks

Connection to venture capital firms, angel investors, and EU-wide funding opportunities.

iv

Schengen access

Short stays in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in each 180-day period, for networking and business development.

v

Incubator support

Mentorship, resources and support from the certified incubator hosting the project, on terms defined by that entity.

vi

Scaling opportunity

Build your European headquarters in Portugal and scale across EU markets.

vii

Procedural feature

The applicant must meet the general requirements in article 77, including means of subsistence, but benefits from the residence-visa exemption provided for this route — a procedural feature that does not amount to automatic approval.

Requirements

Start-up Visa eligibility requirements.

  • iCertified incubator — hosting of the project by an incubator certified for the programme; accelerators and venture-capital firms do not replace the certified incubator.
  • iiInnovative business — innovative business plan in sectors like technology, biotech, cleantech, or other innovative areas.
  • iiiFounder qualifications — relevant education, experience, or demonstrated expertise in your startup's sector.
  • ivFinancial resources — there is no fixed statutory minimum; financial capacity must be consistent with the business plan, project execution and the applicant’s means of subsistence.
  • vLegal compliance — no conviction for a crime punishable in Portugal by a custodial sentence of more than one year, and health-insurance requirements.

How we help

Start-up Visa application process.

  1. Project review. Review of the project and founders’ profiles.
  2. Company formation. Incorporation of a Portuguese company where appropriate to the project.
  3. Incubator selection. Research and selection of suitable certified incubators.
  4. Business plan. Preparation or review of the business plan and supporting documents.
  5. Incubation application. Submission of the incubation application.
  6. Start-up Visa and residence. Preparation of the Start-up Visa and residence-permit procedure.
  7. After establishment. Corporate, contractual and immigration support after establishment.

DefesaLegal.pt maintains an institutional collaboration with Think8PT, an incubator certified for the Start-up Visa. This collaboration does not involve commissions, remuneration or fee sharing. Our legal assessment remains independent, and clients remain free to choose any certified incubator.

Incubator selection is based on the project’s requirements and the client’s interests.

Tax

Start-up Visa and IFICI.

Certification of an incubator for the Start-up Visa and certification of a company as a startup for tax purposes are separate procedures. If the company meets the requirements of Law no. 21/2023 and obtains certification through Startup Portugal, eligible founders or employees may assess access to IFICI. Participation in a certified incubator does not automatically make the company a certified startup for tax purposes.

Related services

Common questions

Start-up Visa FAQs.

The legally relevant entity is an incubator certified for the programme. Incubator selection is based on the project’s requirements and the client’s interests, and clients remain free to choose any certified incubator; the official list of certified incubators may be consulted with the competent body.
There is no fixed statutory minimum for the Start-up Visa. Financial capacity must nevertheless be consistent with the business plan, project execution and the applicant’s means of subsistence.
Not necessarily. Acceptance by a certified incubator does not create an obligation to finance the project. Incubation terms, services, fees and any investment are agreed separately with the selected entity.
Technology, biotechnology, sustainable development, cleantech, and other innovative sectors. Some restrictions apply.
Yes, multiple co-founders can apply. Each must meet eligibility requirements separately.
Typically 30-60 days after incubator backing is secured and application is submitted.
Eligible relatives may use the applicable family procedure. Their eligibility and financial requirements are assessed separately and should not be presented as an automatic part of the founder’s approval.

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 the specific circumstances of each case.

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