Portugal D-2 Visa
The Portuguese D-2 visa is a beneficial option for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent professionals who wish to establish a business in Portugal and the Schengen area.
Portugal generally offers two types of visas, both short- and long-term. The D2 visa falls under the category of Portugal’s long-term visa program. This is also known as the Portuguese entrepreneur visa, independent professional visa, and start-up visa.
Who is eligible for the D2 visa program from Portugal?
The following individuals are eligible to obtain a D2 visa:
- Entrepreneurs.
- Self-employed professionals.
- D2 Visa for start-ups.
- Investors.
- The owner, shareholder, partner, and board of directors of the company.
- For branch owners, shareholders, and directors.
How to apply for a Portuguese D2 (immigrant entrepreneur) visa?
To obtain a Portuguese D2, the visa applicant must have a well-defined and established business plan as well as extensive research on future business opportunities in Portugal. The applicant should have a strong relationship and study with the Portuguese territory and business community. Before beginning your business project in Portugal, you should also register with the appropriate authorities. One of the most important indicators of your interest is business capital. An investor should have enough budget and money to start a commercial activity/company in Portugal.
A 14-step procedure to obtain D2 Visa for Portugal:
Step 1: Conduct research and contact the Portuguese business community.
Step 2: Formation and opening of a branch office in Portugal.
Step 3: Obtain all required licenses and permits to run the business.
Step 4: Open a business account for the company at any Portuguese financial institution.
Step 5: Employ an accountant/manager to run the business on Portuguese territory.
Step 6: Begin paying taxes and social contributions as a company employee/shareholder partner.
Step 7: Transfer at least 50% of your business capital to a Portuguese company bank account.
Step 8: Fill out the D2 visa application form, which is available on the website of the Portuguese consulate in your home country (duly completed and signed).
Step 9: Create a solid business plan, cover letter, and reference documents:
- MOU and certificate from a Portuguese company.
- Statement of a Portuguese bank account with a capital.
- Submit your personal and business tax identification numbers.
- Submit your personal and business social security numbers.
- Contracts for your manager and accountant should be submitted.
- Submit social contribution receipts for the last three months for you and your employees.
- Submit your Portugal accommodation proof.
Step 10: Additional documents from your home/residence country:
- Proof of current business/employment in your home country.
- Tax and income proof from your home country.
- Evidence of your current and future business experience and education.
- Passport and previous travel history data are required.
- Personal and business bank statements from your home country.
- Your fixed deposit and investment asset details and proofs should be attached.
- Your current employer/business partner makes the decision to open a new branch or company in Portuguese territory.
- Proof of your resident country’s legal residence from the appropriate authority (long-stay visa, or residence, or work permit).
- Airline ticket reservation.
- Travel health insurance.
- Police criminal record issued by the competent authority from the applicant’s home country.
Step 11: The Portuguese consulate may request additional documentation or request an interview with the applicant.
Step 12: The Portuguese consulate will transfer your visa application to the competent authority known as SEF in Portugal. The final decision on your D2 visa application will take approximately two to three months.
Step 13: The final visa decision made by the SEF Portuguese immigration authority will be delivered to the consulate in your home country, which will determine whether or not your application is granted a visa.
Step 14: After successfully obtaining a D2 visa (valid for 120 days) in accordance with article 60, you must book an appointment with SEF for biometrics to obtain a residence card (valid for two years) in accordance with Article 89.1.
How to start a company in Portugal?
A: This visa is intended for new businesses, independent professionals, immigrant entrepreneurs, business owners, shareholders, partners, and boards of directors. They can apply for a Portuguese D-2 Visa, also known as a long-term residence visa.
A: This visa falls under the residence category and is considered a long-term visa valid for more than 90 days.
A: Applicant may formally request to Portuguese consulate at their home/resident country.
A: There is no minimum investment amount required by the Portuguese authorities for a D-2 visa, although it will always depend on your project or business plan in Portugal.
A: No, the D-2 Visa is primarily for business owners and partners. A family application is considered under family reunification, an entirely different visa category, which is only possible after the D-2 visa holder has successfully obtained a residency card.
A: No, it is not a must requirement. Suppose you have independent professional skills such as IT specialization, doctor, plumber, carpenter, technician, or other freelancer credibility and certifications, as well as substantial experience in your independent activities. In that case, you may request a D-2 visa without establishing a business.
A: You can start a business in Portugal if you give legal power of attorney to a Portuguese representative, lawyer, consultant, or any other person who lives there. A power of attorney should be signed and stamped by a Portuguese consulate or Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your home country.
A: Yes, you may apply for a business or professional visa for Portugal under a partnership in your company as long as that shareholder is an active participant.
A: No, investing in Portugal is not required in order to be granted a visa. However, it is also crucial to show the embassy your investment plan and budget.
A: A D-2 visa request at the Portuguese consulate is anticipated to take 60–90 days. Still pending confirmation of the time period by the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service).
A: The validity duration for the so-called long-term D-2 visa is 120 days. Upon landing, you must present your access to the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) for biometrics regarding the issuance of a two-year residence card pursuant to the article 89.1.
A: In addition to the investment budget, the minimum requirement for maintenance is approximately € 665 x 12 months.
A: Yes, you can engage in multiple legal activities in Portugal despite your current status.
A: The employee category and the D-2 visa are entirely distinct. In this instance, prior authorization from a Portuguese authority is required.
A: In Portugal, the tax obligations based on the company’s activities are between 4 and 23 percent VAT. Also, the annual corporate tax rate in Portugal is between 20% and 25%.
A: Only the active employee, manager, shareholder partner, and board of directors are required to pay 11% (of the employee’s salary) and 23.75% (from the company contribution).
A: After obtaining a D-2 visa/residence card from Portugal, you have 90 days of unrestricted business travel within the Schengen zone. Under the single taxation system.
A: The individual must reside in Portugal for six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months. A person is required to notify SEF prior to leaving Portuguese territory.
A: Yes, if you are working or conducting business in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will be eligible for social benefits as a legal resident of Portugal.
A: Yes, you may own 100 percent of the company’s shares without a local representative or physical presence from within Portugal.
A: Yes, it is possible to own a stake in an existing business or company in Portugal.
A: The formation of a company, which can occur on-site or online, will take one business day following the establishment of the necessary paperwork.
A: You have appeal/review rights regarding your application, subject to the application’s justification for denial.