Portugal
Portugal D2 Entrepreneur and Independent Professional Visa
Business and independent professional residence pathway
Portugal's D2 Visa is designed for non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who intend to establish or operate a business in Portugal or work there as an independent professional. The pathway is open and is not based on a points-ranking system.
At a Glance
At a Glance
- Program status
- Open and accepting applications
- Minimum investment
- No fixed statutory minimum
- Minimum net worth
- No fixed statutory minimum
- Maintenance funds
- Required, based on family size
- Business plan
- Strongly important for entrepreneur cases
- Company before applying
- Not universally required
- Language, age and points
- No initial language test, no maximum age, no points system
- Job creation
- No fixed minimum
- Official decision period
- Generally 60 days after complete submission
Who Can Apply?
The D2 covers two categories. Entrepreneurs may apply based on an investment already made or a genuine intention to establish or invest in a Portuguese business. Independent professionals normally rely on a service contract or written proposal and may require professional recognition where their occupation is regulated.
Portugal does not publish a general nationality exclusion list. Eligibility is determined from the applicant's citizenship, residence, admissibility, finances and proposed activity. Applications are normally submitted through the Portuguese post responsible for the applicant's country of citizenship or lawful residence.
Investment, Net Worth and Maintenance Funds
There is no fixed D2 investment or personal net worth threshold. The available capital must be credible for the proposed activity, and the applicant should demonstrate lawful source of funds, sufficient business capital, personal maintenance funds and the ability to support accompanying family members.
Using Portugal's 2026 minimum monthly wage of EUR 920 and the standard family percentages, the indicative 12 month maintenance amount is approximately EUR 11,040 for one adult, EUR 16,560 for two adults, and EUR 19,872 for two adults and one child. Each additional adult adds approximately EUR 5,520, and each additional child adds approximately EUR 3,312. These amounts are separate from business startup and operating capital and should be reconfirmed before filing.
No universal transfer amount applies, but entrepreneur applicants should demonstrate that the business resources are genuinely accessible for use in Portugal.
Business Plan and Company Registration
A document formally titled business plan is not always expressly mandatory. However, entrepreneurs must present detailed information about the investment, funding and intended business. Viamora can assist with business concept development, market research, competitor analysis, target market assessment, commercial strategy, operational planning, staffing, startup costs, investment allocation, financial projections, implementation schedules, risk analysis and supporting commercial documentation.
A Portuguese company does not always have to be registered before the visa application. The business or professional activity generally must be formalized during the residence process through company, tax, social security or professional registration, as applicable.
Important caution: generic, inaccurate, unverified or non-original documents created through artificial intelligence may undermine credibility and may be rejected or given limited weight. Any technology-assisted content should be independently researched, verified and customized to the applicant's genuine business concept and evidence.
Application Process and Long-Term Residence
The applicant prepares the visa form and supporting documents, follows the appointment procedure of the responsible Portuguese consulate or service provider, and normally submits the passport and application package physically. After approval, the residence visa is generally valid for four months and permits entry into Portugal to formalize the activity and complete the residence-permit process with AIMA.
The official decision period is generally 60 days after a complete application enters assessment. Appointment delays, document requests and the later residence-permit stage may extend the overall timeline. Qualifying family members may be eligible for family reunification. The pathway may support future permanent residence or citizenship eligibility, but neither outcome is automatic.
Representation
Applicants may self-represent. Portugal does not have a Canadian-style immigration consultant licence, although Portuguese legal advice and formal representation are regulated. Viamora provides business and commercial support, and Portuguese legal advice should be obtained from an appropriately authorized professional where required.
Viamora Services
What Viamora prepares for Portugal
Business concept development and market research
Competitor analysis and target-market assessment
Commercial strategy and operational planning
Staffing, startup costs and investment allocation
Financial projections and implementation schedules
Risk analysis and supporting commercial documentation
Recommended package
Strategic Business Plan or Full Market Entry Package
A fully researched, pathway-specific business plan with financial projections, operating strategy and a professional pitch deck.
Discuss This Pathway
Discuss your Portugal business concept and planning requirements during a free 30-minute consultation. No obligation.
Viamora is a business advisory firm and is not an immigration consulting firm.