Understanding the Portugal D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs

Portuguese documents | GetXDocs

The Portugal D2 visa is designed for foreign entrepreneurs who plan to conduct business in Portugal. This visa provides a pathway to residency and, eventually, citizenship for entrepreneurs and their families.

What is the Portugal D2 Visa?

The D2 visa is ideal for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish a business presence in Portugal. Applicants can either purchase a local company or its shares, create a branch of an existing legal entity, or establish a new company in the country. A detailed business plan outlining the business prospects is required.

With a D2 business visa, the applicant can obtain a residence permit for themselves and their family members. Within four months of visa issuance, the entrepreneur must apply for a residence permit from the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum of Portugal (AIMA). After five years of residency, they can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.

Investment Requirements

There is no minimum investment requirement for the D2 visa. However, to maintain residency, the entrepreneur must spend at least 16 months in total over two years, or 18 months continuously, in Portugal.

Housing and Health Insurance

To secure a residence permit, the applicant must confirm housing availability in Portugal through a lease or sale agreement. Additionally, health insurance, costing at least €400, is required.

Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa

  1. Easy Obtaining Rules: No specific industry or business incubator approval is needed. There is also no requirement for permanent passive income outside Portugal or a minimum investment amount.

  2. Visa-Free Travel: D2 visa holders can stay in Schengen countries for 90 days within a 180-day period.

  3. Favourable Business Environment: Portugal offers a stable economy, a reliable banking system, and a growing economy, making it an attractive location for entrepreneurs.

  4. Family Immigration: Entrepreneurs can move to Portugal with their families and enjoy high-quality healthcare and education in a safe and pleasant environment.

  5. Pathway to Citizenship: After five years of temporary residency, entrepreneurs can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. Portuguese language proficiency at the A2 level is required.

Family Reunification

An entrepreneur's spouse, children, and parents can obtain temporary residence permits through family reunification. Children over 18 and parents must confirm financial dependence on the main applicant. Spouses must be officially married or in a civil partnership recognized by the state.

Required Documents for the D2 Visa

To apply for a D2 visa, the main applicant, who must be over 18 years old, needs to provide the following documents:

  • Visa application

  • Two color photographs (3x4 cm)

  • Passport and a copy

  • Bank statement

  • Lease or sale contract for housing in Portugal

  • Certificate of no criminal record with an apostille

  • Permission to check criminal records in Portugal

  • Health insurance

  • Business plan

  • Founding documents and financial statements (if the company is already open)

  • Statement from the Bank of Portugal on the availability of funds to open a company (if the company is not yet opened)

Application Process

  1. Preliminary Due Diligence: Applicants undergo a pre-verification process to anticipate potential difficulties and reduce the rejection risk.

  2. Business Plan or Company Purchase: Entrepreneurs must create a business plan or buy a company in Portugal. Lawyers assist in preparing documents, opening a bank account, and registering with the Portuguese tax office.

  3. NIF and Bank Account: Obtain a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), an individual tax number required for opening a bank account.

  4. Submit Documents and Get a D2 Visa: Submit the required documents at the Portuguese consulate and pay the consular fee of €90. The visa processing time is up to 60 days.

  5. Residence Permit Application: Upon arrival in Portugal, submit documents for a residence permit to AIMA within the four-month validity of the D2 visa. The fee for accepting the application and issuing the card is €156 per person. The residence permit card is valid for two years and can be extended.

Conclusion

The Portugal D2 visa is an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in a stable and welcoming environment. With the added benefits of family reunification, visa-free travel in the Schengen area, and a pathway to Portuguese citizenship, the D2 visa offers significant advantages for business-minded individuals.

Prepared on the information from imin-portugal.com

Previous Post Next Post