D2 business visa for Portugal

The D2 business visa for Portugal is a popular option for entrepreneurs and investors looking to start a business, or invest in a business in Portugal.

This visa is designed for those who wish to establish or invest in a business in the country and has several benefits for those who qualify.

Portugal is an attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs due to its stable economy, high quality of life, and strategic location in Europe.

To apply for a D2 visa, applicants must submit a business plan that outlines their proposed business or investment, as well as the financial means to support themselves during their stay in Portugal.

The visa is granted for an initial period of up to one year, after which it can be renewed for two additional years. After five years of residency in Portugal, applicants may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.

While the D2 visa is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish themselves in Portugal, the application process can be complex and time-consuming.

It is important to understand the requirements and gather all necessary documentation before beginning the application process. In this article, we will explore the requirements for the D2 visa and provide tips for a successful application process.

Frequently asked questions about D-2 Visa for Portugal

What is a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
A D-2 visa is a long-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Portugal for a period of up to 120 days per year.
Who is eligible for a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Entrepreneurs, investors, and independent workers who want to set up a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal can apply for a D-2 visa.
What are the requirements for a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
The requirements for a D-2 visa include proof of financial means, accommodation, health insurance, criminal record, and a business plan if you are an entrepreneur.
How long does it take to process a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
The processing time for a D-2 visa can vary depending on the consulate and the workload. It can take up to 90 days to receive a decision. In some cases it make take much longer.
How long is a D-2 Visa for Portugal valid?
A D-2 visa is valid for up to one year and can then be renewed
Can I bring my family with me on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and children under 18 with you on a D-2 visa.
Can I work for an employer on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
No, you cannot work for an employer on a D-2 visa. You can only work for your own business or as a freelancer.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
No, there is no language requirement for a D-2 visa, but it can be helpful to know Portuguese to communicate with clients and suppliers.
Do I need a bank account in Portugal to apply for a D-2 Visa?
No, you do not need a bank account in Portugal to apply for a D-2 visa, but you will need to provide proof of financial means. It is however recomended you opptain your NIF number and bank acconut before applying
Can I travel to other countries on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Can I apply for Portuguese citizenship on a D-2 Visa?
No, you cannot apply for Portuguese citizenship on a D-2 visa. You need to have a residency permit for at least five years before you can apply for citizenship.
Can I extend my stay on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Yes, you can extend your stay by applying for a renewal of your visa.
Can I bring my pets with me on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Yes, you can bring your pets with you, but you need to provide a health certificate and vaccination records.
Do I need to pay taxes in Portugal on a D-2 Visa?
Yes, if you have a business or earn income in Portugal, you need to pay taxes in Portugal.
Can I bring my car with me on a D-2 Visa for Portugal?
Yes, you can bring your car with you, but you need to register it in Portugal and pay taxes and insurance.

Who can apply for the D2 Visa?

The D2 visa to Portugal is designed for individuals who are interested in establishing or investing in a business in the country. This visa is applicable to both entrepreneurs who wish to start a new business venture in Portugal, as well as investors who are looking to invest in an existing Portuguese company.

To be eligible for the D2 visa, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must submit a comprehensive business plan that outlines their proposed business or investment in Portugal.

The business plan should include details such as the type of business, market analysis, financial projections, and the applicant's role in the company.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves and their business venture while living in Portugal. This includes providing proof of financial resources, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, or other assets.

In addition, applicants must have a clean criminal record and be able to show proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Portugal.

Overall, the D2 visa is an excellent option for individuals who are interested in establishing or investing in a business in Portugal.

However, it is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted as part of the application process.

Proof of sufficient financial means for D2 Visa to Portugal

To apply for a D2 visa in Portugal, you will need to provide proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in the country.

The exact amount required can vary depending on your family size, length of stay, and other factors.

According to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), the minimum monthly financial requirement for a D2 visa in 2023 is €665 per adult and €332.5 per minor.

Therefore, for a family of four with two adults and two minors, you would need to show proof of at least €1,995 per month (2 x €665 + 2 x €332.5).

You will need to provide evidence of your financial means such as bank statements, employment contracts, and other documents that prove your ability to support your family during your stay in Portugal.

The amount of money you need to have in your bank account can vary depending on your specific situation, but generally, having enough funds to cover at least six months of living expenses is recommended.

Requirements that must be met to qualify for the Portugal D2 Visa

To qualify for the D2 visa to Portugal, applicants must meet a set of requirements that are designed to ensure that they have the necessary resources and skills to establish or invest in a business in the country.

Here are the main requirements that applicants must meet:

Business Plan: Applicants must submit a detailed business plan that outlines their proposed business or investment in Portugal. The business plan should include details such as the type of business, market analysis, financial projections, and the applicant's role in the company.
Financial Resources: Applicants must demonstrate that they have the financial means to support themselves and their business venture while living in Portugal. This includes providing proof of financial resources, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, or other assets.
Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must have a clean criminal record and provide a certificate of good conduct from their home country or any other country where they have lived for more than a year.
Health Insurance: Applicants must have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Portugal.
Relevant Experience: While not a strict requirement, applicants who have relevant experience in the business sector they plan to establish or invest in will have a stronger application.
Investment in Portugal: Applicants must show a commitment to investing in Portugal and contributing to the country's economy.
Tax Representative: Non-EU citizens applying for the D2 Visa are also legally required to appoint a Tax Representative in Portugal or choose to be notified by the Portuguese Tax Authority through the tax authority portal (Portal das Finanças) or through an official electronic mailbox (v.g. Via CTT).

It is important to note that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval of the D2 visa application.

The Portuguese immigration authorities will evaluate each application on a case-by-case basis and may request additional documentation or information as needed.

Key Benefits of the Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 visa offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or invest in a business in Portugal.

Some of the key benefits of the D2 visa compared to other types of visas:

Business Establishment: The D2 visa allows applicants to establish their own business in Portugal, which is not possible with other types of visas such as tourist or student visas.
Investment Opportunities: The D2 visa also allows applicants to invest in an existing Portuguese company, which can be a great opportunity for those looking to expand their business or investment portfolio.
Residency Permit: The D2 visa grants a residency permit, which allows the holder to live and work in Portugal for the duration of the visa.
Renewal: The D2 visa can be renewed for up to two additional years, providing long-term stability for the business venture.
Permanent Residency: After five years of residency in Portugal, D2 visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship.
Family Reunification: D2 visa holders may also bring their immediate family members to Portugal, including spouses and children.
EU Access: Portugal is a member of the European Union, which means that D2 visa holders have access to the EU market and can take advantage of the benefits that come with it, such as free movement of goods and services.

Overall, the Portugal D2 visa is an excellent option for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or invest in a business in Portugal, as it offers a path to long-term residency and access to the EU market.

Documents needed to apply for a D2 visa to Portugal

Applicants for a D2 business visa to Portugal must provide a comprehensive set of documents as part of the application process.

Here are the key documents that are typically required:

Passport: A valid passport that will not expire for at least three months after the intended stay in Portugal.
Application Form: Completed visa application form.
Business Plan: A detailed business plan outlining the proposed business or investment in Portugal.
Financial Resources: Proof of financial resources, such as bank statements, investment portfolios, or other assets, to demonstrate that the applicant can support themselves and their business venture in Portugal.
Criminal Record: A certificate of good conduct from their home country or any other country where they have lived for more than a year.
Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in Portugal.
Relevant Experience: Any relevant documents that demonstrate the applicant's experience in the business sector they plan to establish or invest in.
Investment in Portugal: Documentation to demonstrate a commitment to investing in Portugal and contributing to the country's economy.
Accommodation: Proof of accommodation arrangements in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking.

It is important to note that the Portuguese immigration authorities may request additional documentation or information as part of the application process.

Therefore, it is advisable to carefully review the application requirements and ensure that all necessary documentation is provided to avoid delays or rejection of the visa application.

Before you start the application process for D2 Visa it is recomended that you:

Obtaining a Portugal taxpayer identification number (NIF)
Open a bank account in Portugal and transfer funds thereto. We recommend €12,000.00, plus €6,000.00 for the spouse and €3,600.00 per child.
Secure long-term accommodation in the country by either buying or renting a property long term (we recommend 1 year, even if there is an early break clause).

Cost of obtaining a Portugal D2 visa

The cost of obtaining a Portugal D2 visa varies depending on several factors, including the applicant's country of origin, the length of stay, and the processing time of the visa application.

Here are some of the typical costs associated with obtaining a Portugal D2 business visa:

Application Fee: The visa application fee is typically around €90, but this can vary based on the applicant's country of origin.
Legalisation of Documents: Applicants may need to pay for the legalisation or apostille of their documents, which can range from €20 to €100 per document.
Translation of Documents: Documents that are not in Portuguese must be translated by a certified translator, and the translation fees can range from €15 to €50 per page.
Biometric Data Collection: Applicants must provide their biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a visa application centre, and there may be a fee associated with this service.
Health Insurance: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance coverage, and the cost of this insurance will depend on the provider and level of coverage.

It is important to note that these costs are subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. Additionally, applicants may need to pay additional fees for services such as expedited processing or visa application centre services.

To renew your D2 visa in Portugal, follow these steps:

Submit your renewal application: You can submit your renewal application at any SEF office in Portugal. You should submit your application at least 30 days before your visa expires.
Provide the required documents: You will need to provide the same documents that you provided for your initial visa application, such as proof of financial means, accommodation, health insurance, and criminal record. You should also provide any new documents that may be relevant to your current situation.
Pay the renewal fee: You will need to pay a fee for the renewal of your visa. The amount can vary depending on your situation and the type of visa you have.
Attend the interview: SEF may call you for an interview to ask you questions about your current situation, the reason for the renewal of your visa, and any changes in your circumstances since you first applied for the visa.
Wait for the decision: SEF will process your application and inform you of their decision. If your application is approved, you will need to go to the SEF office to collect your renewed visa.

It is important to note that you should apply for your renewal well in advance to avoid any problems or delays.

Also, if you have any doubts or questions, you can contact the SEF office or a lawyer who specialises in immigration law for assistance.

The minimum requirement to continue residing in Portugal is that you spend at least 4 months in the country during the first year and at least 6 months per year during each 3-year subsequent period.