Entrepreneur Visa

Launch Your Business in Portugal

The D2 Visa is your gateway to European entrepreneurship. Start a company, invest in an existing business, or work as an independent professional — all while building a path to EU residency and citizenship.

No Minimum Investment Required
5 Years Path to Citizenship
27 Countries Schengen Access
Business and entrepreneurship

Build Your Future in Europe

Join thousands of entrepreneurs who chose Portugal as their base for European expansion.

The D2 Visa Advantage

More than just a visa — it's your ticket to the European market and a new quality of life.

Schengen Freedom

Travel visa-free across 27 European countries. Perfect for networking and expanding your business connections.

Family Reunification

Bring your spouse, children, and dependent parents. Your family gets the same residency rights as you.

Tax Benefits

Access to Portugal's favorable tax regime for entrepreneurs. Potential benefits under the new IFICI program.

Path to Citizenship

After 5 years of legal residency, apply for Portuguese citizenship and gain an EU passport.

Is the D2 Visa Right for You?

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to establish themselves professionally in Portugal. If any of these describe you, you may be eligible:

  • Entrepreneurs planning to start a new company in Portugal
  • Business owners wanting to open a branch of an existing company
  • Investors looking to buy shares or acquire a Portuguese business
  • Freelancers & consultants with service contracts in Portugal
  • UK entrepreneurs seeking to regain EU market access post-Brexit

Flexible Requirements

Unlike other investment visas, the D2 has no minimum capital requirement. Focus on your business plan and demonstrate financial viability — that's what matters.

€0 Minimum Investment
Any Business Sector

Key Requirements

The D2 Visa focuses on your business potential rather than large capital investments.

1

Business Plan

A structured plan demonstrating your business's viability, economic contribution, and potential for job creation in Portugal. Must show clear objectives and financial projections.

2

Financial Proof

Evidence of sufficient funds to establish and operate your business, plus living expenses in Portugal. Minimum €10,440 per year (based on Portuguese minimum wage) for personal subsistence.

3

Clean Criminal Record

Criminal record certificates from your home country and any country where you've resided for more than one year. Certificates must be recent (within 3 months).

4

Health Insurance

Valid travel medical insurance covering your initial period in Portugal until you gain access to the national healthcare system as a resident.

5

Portuguese NIF

Tax identification number in Portugal, required for all business and financial activities. We can help you get one.

6

Company Documents

If buying an existing business: company registration, contracts, and financial statements. If starting new: proof of capital or Portuguese bank statement.

From Application to Residency

A clear path to your Portuguese business venture.

1

Consultation

We assess your eligibility and help structure your business plan for the visa application.

2

Documentation

Gather and prepare all required documents, including business plan, financial proof, and certificates.

3

Visa Application

Submit your D2 Visa application at the Portuguese consulate. Processing takes approximately 60 days.

4

Arrive & Apply

Enter Portugal within 4 months and apply for your residence permit at AIMA. Valid for 2 years, renewable.

Common Questions

There is no minimum investment requirement for the D2 Visa. However, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to start and sustain your business, plus living expenses in Portugal (approximately €10,440 per year). Your business plan must show financial viability.
The D2 Visa itself is valid for 4 months, during which you must enter Portugal and apply for your residence permit. The residence permit is initially valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 3 more years. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
The D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs and business owners who plan to actively work and run a business in Portugal. The D7 Visa is for people with passive income (pensions, investments, rental income) who want to live in Portugal without working. If you want to be professionally active, D2 is the right choice.
Yes, the D2 Visa allows for family reunification. Your spouse, children under 18, dependent adult children who are studying, parents, and minor siblings can all join you and receive the same residency rights. You'll need to prove sufficient income to support them (50% extra for spouse, 30% per child).
To maintain your residency status, you must spend a continuous period of at least 6 months in Portugal each year, or alternatively 16 months total over any 2-year period. This ensures you maintain genuine ties to Portugal while running your business.
The D2 Visa is flexible and accommodates virtually any legal business sector. From cafes and restaurants to tech startups, consulting firms, and real estate agencies — there's no restriction on business type. You also don't need approval from a business incubator, unlike some startup visa programs.

Free Eligibility Consultation

Not sure if the D2 Visa is right for your situation? Our team will evaluate your profile, discuss your business plans, and advise on the best pathway to Portuguese residency.

Every entrepreneur's situation is unique — let us help you find the right approach.

info@welbridge.com

Your European Business Awaits

Portugal is consistently ranked among the best countries for entrepreneurs. Low bureaucracy, strategic location, and access to 450 million EU consumers — your opportunity starts here.

Pricing: Upon consultation — Every case is evaluated individually