For entrepreneurs looking to gain access to Portugal there are a number of options available.
While it is worth considering the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, an alternative is the D2 visa - often referred to as the ‘entrepreneur visa’.
It requires a far higher physical presence in Portugal than the likes of the Golden Visa.
You cannot be away from Portugal for more than six consecutive months during the first two-year term or eight non-consecutive months. So it is not an option for those seeking global flexibility, for which the Golden Visa is a better choice.
Open to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, this visa is specifically targeted at those who have already invested or intend to engage in investment activities in Portugal.
Guide to establishing a business in Portugal
1. Before you can register a company, you must exist in the eyes of the Portuguese tax authority. To do so, you must obtain a Portugal tax number (NIF). If you are not yet in Portugal, you can appoint a fiscal representative to apply on your behalf.
2. Open a bank account in Portugal. You will need both a personal and business account. To meet the D2 visa requirements, you should look to deposit at least €11,040 (the equivalent of the annual Portugal minimum salary) to demonstrate self-sufficiency.
3. Register your business. You can do this either by visiting, in person, a commercial registry office in Portugal or use the Empressa Online portal. If you opt for a limited liability company (LDA) you will need to hire a certified accountant – a legal requirement – who will handle your tax filings and social security contributions.
4. A full business plan is essential for your D2 application. Portuguese authorities (AIMA) evaluate it based on its economic, social, or cultural relevance. You will need to demonstrate investment, ideally how it will generate employment and, at its heart, how it benefits the Portugal economy.
5. Once your business is registered (or you have proof of the financial means to start it) you will need to provide evidence of a declaration of investment or a company certificate. In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate a 12-month rental agreement or property deed in Portugal, along with proof of your lack of a criminal record and health insurance.
6. If all is accepted, you will initially be issued a four-month entry visa allowing you to enter Portugal. Once there, you will need to meet with AIMA (the immigration agency) where you can exchange that visa for a two-year residency card that can be renewed if your business continues as an on-going, viable, concern.
Portugal Pathways can support you with this process.
As of March 2026, after five years, you can apply for citizenship.
What are the criteria for a D2 visa in Portugal?
- You must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
- You must have a clean criminal record.
- You must be able to demonstrate a viable business plan with benefits to the Portuguese economy.
- You should be able to demonstrate that action has started in the process of forming a company in Portugal or have a contract or proposal for independent service work.
- You will need to satisfy the financial requirements outlined above. The amount required will increase if you have dependents join you. This is calculated as an addition 50% for a spouse and 30% for each dependent child. Your business will need to demonstrate sufficient profit to deliver you a salary to cover you and any dependents.
- You will need a Portugal Tax Number (NIF) and open a bank account in Portugal.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways website and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
