D2 Visa for Entrepreneurs: Secure Your Future in Portugal Today

Foreign business owners or registered sole proprietors have the right to acquire a Portuguese residence permit, known as the D2 Visa. Highly regarded among international business communities, the Entrepreneur's Visa offers non-resident entrepreneurs the opportunity to secure residency for themselves and their family members.

Eligibility criteria for the D2 Visa

The D2 Visa is tailored for business owners and sole proprietors in Portugal. Initially granted for 2 years, it can be extended for an additional 3 years. Following this period, holders may seek permanent residency and eventually European citizenship in Portugal.

Here’s what the eligibility criteria for the D2 Visa program include in 2024:

• Entrepreneurs establishing new businesses in Madeira or mainland Portugal.
• Foreign investors acquiring existing businesses within the country.
• Sole proprietors.
• Individuals establishing a subsidiary of a foreign company in Portugal.
• Family members, including spouses and dependents, via the family reunification program.

The Portuguese D2 Entrepreneur's Visa stands apart from the Investor's Golden Visa and D7 Visa due to its more lenient financial and investment requirements. Nonetheless, applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to support their living and business operations in Portugal for the upcoming year to qualify for the residence permit.

Benefits of Portugal's D2 visa program

The D2 Visa offers several key advantages for those considering relocation to Portugal:

• It provides a residence permit in a secure European state, with the added benefit of unrestricted travel within the EU.
• Opportunities for conducting business in Portugal, coupled with attractive tax benefits in the Azores and Madeira.
• Potential European citizenship after a five-year residency period.
• Family reunification option that allows spouses, children, parents, or financially dependent siblings of the main applicant to also obtain residence permits.
• Access to the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime for those who haven't been Portuguese tax residents in the last five years and are not EU or Swiss nationals. 
• Benefits of the state healthcare system, educational opportunities (both free and paid), and the broader European market for goods and services.

Steps to obtain the D2 visa and documents necessary

To obtain a Portuguese residence permit, an entrepreneur must complete these steps:

1. Verify their accommodation in Portugal, whether owned or leased.
2. Establish a company, acquire an existing business, or set up a subsidiary in the country.
3. Demonstrate a source of income from business operations.
4. Show evidence of sufficient living funds for both the entrepreneur and any applying dependents.
5. Compile and file an application along with all necessary documentation.

Applying for a Portuguese D2 Visa requires the submission of both personal and business-related documents. Applicants from abroad must ensure all documents are translated into Portuguese or English beforehand, notarized, and duly apostilled (legally certified) for validation.

For businesses and sole proprietors applying for the Portuguese D2 Visa, the following documents and data are required:

• A comprehensive business plan for the new company or sole proprietorship.
• An investment declaration detailing the funds already invested in the Portuguese venture and any additional investments planned.
• Proof of sufficient funds to sustain business operations in Portugal for the intended duration of stay, which is at least one year.
• A minimum initial investment averaging EUR 500, typical for small businesses in Portugal.
• Business registration documents, including contracts, invoices, financial reports, and a current bank statement.
• The current number of employees and the projected number of job positions to be created.

Applicants for the Portuguese Entrepreneur's Visa must also provide several personal documents: 

• Proof of financial means for the main applicant and dependents, with a minimum yearly deposit of EUR 9,120 for the company founder or sole proprietor, an additional 50% (EUR 4,560) for the spouse, and 30% (EUR 2,376) for each child and other dependents included in the application.
• A criminal record certificate from the law enforcement authorities of the current country of residence, issued within 6 months prior to the residence permit application. The certificates are required from each country where the applicant has resided for a year or more.
• Non-EU citizens must appoint a tax representative in Portugal as part of the D2 Visa application process. If you are a resident of Portugal, you can confirm it by documents evidencing that you own property in Portugal, entered into a long-term rental contract for a minimum of one year, or simply by an invitation letter from a friend or relative residing in Portugal.
• Medical insurance coverage for at least 6 months, suitable for the initial D2 Visa application and the waiting period for SEF's response.
• A scanned copy of a valid foreign passport with an open tourist Schengen visa (assistance available upon request). The passport should remain valid for at least 6 months after the four-month primary visa expires.
• Two passport-sized color photographs.
• A NIF (tax identification number), which we can obtain on your behalf.
• A certificate of registration with the Social Insurance Fund of Portugal, a service provided by our partners.
• Documents evidencing that you hold a Portuguese bank account, which International Wealth will gladly assist you with.

At International Wealth, we’ll be happy to offer comprehensive support in finalizing long-term rental agreements for Portuguese real estate, which is essential for opening a bank account and securing a residence permit. With this service, it will be much simpler to apply and your expenses will be greatly reduced.

Expert assistance every step of the way

To make things easier, we suggest you benefit from International Wealth expert assistance with your D2 Visa:

• Initial Consultation: A free session to discuss all pertinent details, including service offerings, intended Portuguese region of residence, applicant count, business type, and preferred banking institution.
• Service Payment: Flexible options are available, including bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or digital banking methods.
• Document Preparation: This involves the legalization, translation, and notarization of all necessary paperwork.
• Real Estate Arrangements: Clients may choose to rent or purchase property in Portugal based on their preference.
• Business Registration: We facilitate the establishment of a sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, or Joint-Stock Company in Portugal, complete with comprehensive business solutions.
• Residence Permit Application: Filing for the residence permit and subsequent acquisition of the document from the Portuguese immigration authority (SEF).

Would you like to get your Portuguese Visa in no time and without much effort? To make it possible, get in touch with International Wealth without further delay!