What is the minimum investment for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

There is no fixed minimum investment, but you must demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and operate your business. Consulates typically expect at least €5,000–€50,000 depending on your business type, plus evidence of additional funds to support yourself.

Do I need to create jobs to get the D2 visa?

Not necessarily. While job creation strengthens your application, it is not a strict requirement for the D2 visa. The focus is on demonstrating a viable business that contributes to the Portuguese economy.

How long does D2 visa processing take?

Visa processing typically takes 60-90 days after submission. However, you should allow time beforehand for company registration and document preparation—the full process usually takes 4-6 months.

Home / Services / D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Immigration · D2 Entrepreneur Visa

D2 Entrepreneur Visa Portugal 2025 — Business Residency for Founders.

Launch your business in Portugal and secure residency for yourself and your family. The D2 visa is designed for entrepreneurs, business founders, and investors who want to establish a company in one of Europe's most business-friendly environments.

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.

Capital requirements

D2 visa investment & capital requirements.

No fixed minimum investment

Unlike the Golden Visa, there's no set amount. You need sufficient capital to establish and operate your specific business.

€5,000–€50,000+

Proof of personal funds

Evidence you can support yourself and family in Portugal while your business becomes profitable (bank statements, savings).

iii

Business plan required

A detailed business plan in Portuguese showing viability, market analysis, financial projections, and economic contribution.

Key advantage: The D2 visa is accessible to entrepreneurs at various stages—from bootstrapped startups to established business owners expanding to Europe. The focus is on your business concept and execution ability, not on hitting a specific investment threshold.

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.

Full residency rights

Live, work, and run your business in Portugal with the same rights as any legal resident.

iii

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

Travel freely throughout the 27 Schengen countries for business and personal reasons.

Path to citizenship

Apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years of legal residence (A2 Portuguese required).

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 after 5 years

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 after 5 years

Bottom line: Choose D2 if you want to build and run a business in Portugal. Choose Golden Visa if you want residency with minimal presence and passive investment.

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, or experience relevant to your proposed business sector.
ivClean criminal record — no serious criminal offences in Portugal or your country of residence.
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 – Company registration. We help establish your Portuguese company (Unipessoal, Lda, or SA), obtain NIF, open a bank account, and complete legal formalities.
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 (2025).

There is no fixed minimum investment. You must demonstrate sufficient capital to establish and operate your business—typically €5,000–€50,000+ depending on your business type, plus funds to support yourself.

Not necessarily. While job creation strengthens your application, it is not a strict requirement. The focus is on demonstrating a viable business that contributes to the Portuguese economy.

Most legitimate business activities qualify—technology companies, consulting firms, e-commerce, hospitality, import/export, professional services, and more. Regulated sectors may have additional requirements.

Yes. Consulates require a detailed business plan in Portuguese demonstrating your concept, market analysis, financial projections, and economic contribution.

Yes. You can include your spouse, dependent children (generally under 18, or up to 26 if students), and dependent parents through family reunification.

Visa processing typically takes 60-90 days after submission. Allow additional time for company registration and document preparation—the full process usually takes 4-6 months.

Yes. After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must pass a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).

Your residency is not automatically revoked if your business struggles. You may restructure, pivot to a new business, or transition to another visa type. Consult with us to explore options.

Book

Ready to launch your business in Portugal?

Contact us for a free D2 visa consultation. We'll evaluate your business concept, explain the requirements, and create a roadmap to Portuguese business residency.

Schedule D2 consultation →

or call +351 222 084 267