Guide to Portugal’s D2 Entrepreneur Visa

The Portuguese D2 Visa, commonly referred to as the Entrepreneur Visa, is tailored for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals seeking to start a business, invest, or work as self-employed professionals in Portugal. This visa supports entrepreneurship and economic contributions, offering a pathway to residency and eventual citizenship.

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Overview

✅ Processing Time: 2 to 6 months, depending on the country of application. The main blockers being the availability of appointments, your ability to collect the necessary documents quickly, and the setup of the business

✅ Income Requirement: Minimum €9,840 annually (Portuguese minimum wage) for individual applicants.

✅ Residency: Two-year initial residence permit, renewable for three additional years.

✅ Citizenship Path: Eligibility for Portuguese citizenship after five years of residence.

✅ Complexity: of the three common pathways (DN/D7/D2) the D2 is by far the most complex as it involves business incorporation in Portugal on top of all the general personal requirements.

Key Requirements

Financial Documentation

  • Proof of income viability: Minimum €9,840 annually (Portuguese minimum wage) for individual applicants.

    • If expanding an existing business, you will need to prove your current business comfortably meets these net earnings as a starting point

    • If creating a new business, a detailed business plan will be assessed against the likeliness of reaching this net income.

  • Savings: Recommended €10,440 per adult (additional amounts required for dependents).

Business Plan

  • €250–€1,000 for company registration or freelance setup.

  • Sufficient funds to sustain the business, supported by a detailed business plan.

Eligibility

  • Entrepreneurs: Planning to establish or expand a business in Portugal.

  • Investors: Making significant investments in Portuguese companies.

  • Self-Employed Professionals: Freelancers or contractors with Portuguese clients.

  • Start-Up Founders: Innovators launching a start-up in Portugal.

Step-by-Step Process

    • Obtain a Portuguese NIF (Tax Identification Number).

    • Open a Portuguese bank account and deposit required funds.

    • Secure proof of accommodation (e.g., a 12-month rental contract).

    • Prepare a detailed business plan showcasing the economic value and viability of your project.

    • Personal Documents:

      • Valid passport (minimum 3 months’ validity post-entry).

      • Certificate of no criminal record (translated, apostilled, and notarized).

      • Two recent passport-sized photos.

    • Financial Documents:

      • Bank statements proving sufficient savings and investment capacity.

      • Business registration documents or freelance contracts.

    • Other Requirements:

      • Proof of accommodation.

      • Travel insurance with €30,000 coverage.

      • Motivation letter detailing your business intentions and financial stability.

    • Complete the application form and book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Global office.

    • Submit all required, translated, and certified documents.

    • Pay the visa application fee (€80–€90).

  • Option 1: Starting a Company

    • Register the business and appoint yourself as a director.

    • Open a corporate bank account.

    • Hire a certified accountant and comply with tax and social security obligations (33.74% of monthly income).

    Option 2: Registering as Self-Employed

    • Secure a VAT representative in Portugal.

    • Register under the simplified regime with reduced tax rates (20%).

    • Show evidence of contracts or agreements with Portuguese clients.

    • Travel to Portugal

      • The 120-day visa allows entry to Portugal for residency processing. You will either already have, or be waiting for, an AIMA appointment.

    • AIMA Appointment:

      • Prepare updated documents.

        • DIY: You will need to prepare a similar round of documents, but they will need to be updated. Please be aware your documents will be checked in a deeper way with AIMA so, for example, they will now be checking that a lease agreement is legitimately registered with the tax authority

        • With Yon: Once again we would handle the document collection & checking process for you, so that when you turn up at the appointment you know everything will be valid and accepted. We will also handle any appeals if needs be.

      • Complete biometric requirements.

      • Pay the AIMA appointment fee of €170 in person.

    • Receive your residence Card:

      • Initial validity: Two years (renewable for three additional years).

      • This will be posted to your registered address in Portugal, and usually takes a couple of weeks to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

    • Entrepreneurs, investors, self-employed professionals, and start-up founders are eligible if they plan to contribute to the Portuguese economy.

  • Yes, spouses and children can apply for dependent visas. Additional savings and notarised documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, are required.

  • After five years of continuous or accumulated residency, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by fulfilling these conditions:

    • Clean criminal record.

    • A2-level proficiency in Portuguese.

    • Incomplete or uncertified documentation.

    • Insufficient financial or business proof.

    • A poor business plan

    • Criminal record issues

  • Processing times vary but typically range from 2–6 months.

Been there, done it—now let us help you

“In 2023, we moved to Portugal to build a hospitality business called Yon Living, but the high fees and confusing process of securing a visa caught us off guard. The lack of transparency made things harder than they needed to be, adding unnecessary stress to an already big life change.

Determined to make the process smoother for others, we began helping our guests navigate the complexities of visas. Since then, we’ve quietly assisted hundreds of people in successfully relocating to Portugal, guiding them through every step with clarity and care.

Now, we’re opening up our expertise to everyone—not just our guests—making it easier than ever for anyone to call Portugal home. Whether you’re chasing new opportunities, seeking a fresh start, or fulfilling a lifelong dream, we’re here to help you every step of the way.”

— Ant and Tom, founders of Yon

Navigating the bureaucracy on your behalf with a proven process

Dealing with visa applications can be overwhelming, but we make it simple. Let us navigate the complexities, so you can focus on what truly matters—your move to Portugal.

Ongoing legal support

You will have access via email, chat & calls to our immigration lawyers throughout the entire process. Not just a 30 minute chat at the start.

Thorough document checks

We'll lead the flow. We will ask for, store and validate your documents ahead of your appointments to maximise your acceptance chances.

Consulate bookings

We will obtain your appointment at your local consulate, or VFS global at a day and time that suits you.

Admin

We will handle your application forms, motivation letters and correspondence with the consulate throughout the process.

Additional documents

Whether it be a registered lease agreement, your NIF, or setting up a Portuguese bank account. We are on hand to advise you the smoothest & safest route forward.

Appeals

In the event of any rejections, we will be quickly submitting appeals behind the scenes to get the process back on track.

What people are saying about us

Hear why individuals and companies worldwide choose Yon to manage their visa applications.

Jessica Dixon
★★★★★

“Moving abroad seemed intimidating but Yon made it effortless. From start to finish, I felt supported, and their tech-driven approach simplified everything. Their community has been amazing too - like an instant family of fellow nomads!”

Mairi and Flora McCrone
★★★★★

"Thanks to Yon, the complicated visa process became manageable. They answered all our questions and provided clear guidance every step of the way. Now, we’re living our dream life abroad.”

Jonny Cleaver
★★★★★

"I had no idea where to start with my visa, but Yon guided me every step of the way. They handled the paperwork and legal stuff, leaving me to focus on my work and move. Highly recommended!"

Anita and Bella
★★★★★

“Yon turned what could have been a stressful situation into a breeze. They were knowledgeable, and made it easy to track the visa process simple. I couldn’t be happier with the result—visas approved for the entire family and a whole new adventure ahead."

Join a community who’ve already made the move to Portugal

Through our sister company, Yon Living, we've built a vibrant community for those relocating to Portugal. Join our buzzing WhatsApp groups for answers to all your questions and enjoy weekly events like supper clubs, coworking days, drinks nights, boat trips, and more.

Get started with Yon, today.

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