D2 Visa in Portugal

The D2 visa is a residence visa for Portugal. It is meant for people who want to start or run a business there: entrepreneurs, freelancers and other professionals. Dealing with official rules and paperwork in a foreign country can be hard, and this service helps with each step of the application.

Who can apply

• People who are not citizens of the EU, the wider European area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• There is no minimum amount of money you have to invest.
• There is no limit on the kind of business. It could be a shop, a bar or a restaurant.
• Your business plan (a written description of your business and how it will work) has to be approved before the visa is given.
• If you already have a business, you can open a branch in Portugal or move the whole business there. This usually means a limited company or working for yourself, and paying tax in Portugal.

The visa is first given for 1 year. After that it can be renewed for 2 years at a time.

How it works

It starts with a talk about your business idea and your plans. Then the application is prepared: the business plan, proof of investment and the other papers the immigration office asks for. Help is available throughout if questions or problems come up.

What the service includes

• A first talk with a lawyer who handles this type of visa.
• Preparing the business plan and gathering all the other documents.
• Help filling in the forms.
• Help getting your residence card after you arrive.
• Help setting up the business and registering it with the business register, the tax office and social security.
• Help with work contracts for any staff, so they follow local employment and safety rules.
• If you want it, ongoing help with tax, accounts and payroll (paying staff).