Portugal Entrepreneur Visa
Run your business or independent practice from Portugal with the D2 visa. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders and self-employed professionals from your first viability check to the day your residence permit is issued.
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For Entrepreneurs and Independent Professionals
Portugal’s D2 visa is for non-EU nationals who want to start a business or work as an independent professional in the country. Unlike an investor program, it does not require a fixed capital amount. Instead, the authorities look at whether your plan is real, viable and relevant to Portugal.
If you can show a credible project and enough funds to support yourself, the D2 offers a flexible entry into the EU with a clear path to long-term residence.
Why Start a Business in Portugal?
A welcoming, affordable country with a flexible permit and a clear route to permanent residence.
No Fixed Capital Requirement
There is no set minimum investment. Your eligibility depends on the viability of your business and your means of support.
Family Reunification
Your spouse and children can apply for residence permits, and family members can generally work in Portugal.
Permanent Residence Option
After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence, subject to the conditions.
Schengen Mobility
Your residence permit lets you travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to Schengen rules.
Business or Self-Employment
You can operate as an independent professional or through a company, and switch structures later as your business grows.
Lifestyle and Value
Enjoy mild weather, safe cities and a lower cost of living than much of Western Europe.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the main conditions for the D2 visa, based on current Portuguese requirements.
A Viable Business or Contracts
A business plan, or service contracts and proof of professional activity, showing that your work is real and sustainable.
Means of Subsistence
For 2026, the minimum wage is €920 per month. Applicants commonly show about €11,040, which is twelve months, with extra for family members.
Tax Number and Bank Account
A Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a local bank account, which we help you open before you apply.
Accommodation
Proof of a place to live in Portugal, such as a rental agreement.
Insurance and Clean Record
Valid travel or health insurance for the visa stage and a clean criminal record certificate from your home country.
Qualifications
Professional qualifications or experience relevant to the activity you plan to carry out.
From Entry Visa to Long-Term Residence
The D2 works in two stages: an entry visa, then a residence permit issued in Portugal.
- An entry visa of about four months, issued by the Portuguese consulate
- After arrival, a residence permit of two years from the immigration agency, AIMA
- Renewals are issued for longer periods while you keep meeting the conditions
- Permanent residence may be possible after five years, with a basic level of Portuguese
- Citizenship timelines follow the nationality law in force, which is now longer than before
The immigration agency has faced processing backlogs, so timelines vary and we give you a realistic estimate.
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Fiscal Foundation
We help you obtain your Portuguese tax number and open a bank account before you apply, which most consulates expect.
Strategic Filing
We prepare your business plan or service contracts so your application shows a credible, sustainable activity.
National Visa Collection
You apply for the D2 visa at the Portuguese consulate and, once approved, receive an entry visa of about four months.
Biometrics and Filing in Portugal
After arrival, you attend your appointment with the immigration agency to submit biometrics and request your residence permit.
Residence Permit Issuance
You receive your two-year residence permit and can operate your business or practice fully in Portugal.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your chances before you spend money on fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that shows a viable, sustainable activity.
Tax Number and Banking
Help setting up the practical foundations before you apply.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, apostilles and translations for the whole family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with your appointment, permit and settling in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Portugal entrepreneur visa.
Can I switch from a self-employed professional to a company later?
Yes. Many applicants start as independent professionals and later set up a limited company. Your residence permit remains valid as long as you keep showing professional activity and meet your tax obligations.
Do I need to hire employees immediately?
No. There is no requirement to hire staff for the D2 visa. What matters is that your business or professional activity is real, viable and able to support you.
Do I need to be fluent in Portuguese for the visa?
No. Fluency is not required to obtain the D2 visa. A basic level of Portuguese is, however, required later for permanent residence and for citizenship.
How much money do I need to show?
For 2026, the minimum wage is €920 per month, and applicants commonly show about twelve months of that amount, around €11,040. Additional amounts apply for a spouse and for children, and we calculate the total for your family.
Can my family join me?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for residence permits, and family members can generally work in Portugal. We prepare the complete family file.
How long does the process take?
The visa stage and the residence permit stage both depend on consulate and immigration agency workloads, which have varied a lot. We give you a realistic estimate once we know your situation.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Portuguese authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Start Your Business in Portugal?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.