Residence Permit for self-employed Workers
The D2 visa also called the Visa for Immigrant Entrepreneurs, gives resident status to immigrants who plans to involve themselves into investment activities in Portugal. The legal basis for this ‘D’ type visa can be found in article 60(2) of Law No. 23/2007 from July 4, and regulated by article 31(2)(3) of Regulation Decree No. 84/2007 from November 5. and Paragraph 2 of this article 89 was amended by Law no. 59/2017, pf07/21 and fourth amendment to the Aliens Act in force since 1st August’ 2917.
In basic terms, you have to establish and invest in your company in Portugal, pay social security, have at least a minimum salary, own no debts and no criminal records, in the scope of a well-defined business plan, which will be analysed by the authorities, on an investment level, for it’s prospective economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural relevancy.
HOW CAN WE HELP
PRISCO’s legal team (Dra. Danielly Prado) can assist you to start a company and get all your residency affairs in order, providing a one-stop shop for all your needs in connection with your relocation to Portugal.
Our aim is to provide you with a smooth landing in Portugal, based on your requirements, providing guidance, information and assistance to investors and those looking to relocate to Portugal, successfully acquiring visas for families and individuals.
COMPANY FORMATION
Public and private limited liability companies can be easily set up in Portugal, following these steps:
- Verify the business name and make a reservation with the Portuguese Trade Register.
- Appoint a legal representative for your company in Portugal.
- Draft the Articles of Association with information about the owners, business activities, etc.
- Open a bank account for depositing the share capital of a minimum EUR 1,00.
- Apply for licenses and permits in accordance with the company’s activities.
- Register for tax purposes and social contributions in Portugal.
- Appoint an official accountant (mandatory).
Documentation required:
All documents must be in English or Portuguese (or translated by a certified translator)
The entire process and timeline are divided in the following 7 steps:
1) Signing our services agreement, payment of retainer fee, and submission of personal information package.
- Proof of address (translated into English by a certified translator),
- Passport valid for more than 6 months beyond the planned departure date,
- Criminal records certificate, issued less than three months from the time of submission (from the country of origin or where the applicant lives or has lived for more than a year), authenticated by the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- Filling up our Data Protection Form,
- Filling out our KYC Form.
In case you are not able to come to Portugal to begin your process, we can incorporate your company and apply for the personal documentation by power of attorney, it will take up to 3 days to be issued and fully incorporated.
2) Appointing our lawyer as legal representative (Dra. Danielly Prado), signing our Power of Attorney to obtain your TAX number – NIF.
3) Drafting the articles of association with the information about the owners, business activities, registration of a commercial company name, incorporation of the company, virtual office registration, opening a private and corporate bank account, registration with the NISS (VAT/Tax), minutes book, and registration of starting activity.
4) Obtaining the documentation response from the government bodies. (This wait period could take up-to 15 days, it is subject to government processing times and is not under our purview.)
5) Make an appointment with VFS GLOBAL or with the Portuguese Embassy depending on your country of origin,
6) We will send you all the personal and company documents certified by our in house lawyer to file the D2 Visa process.
7) You need to wait 60 days to receive a decision, if positive you will receive a 4 months valid visa to enter Portugal and apply for the residence permit under the art. 89.1.
** IF you are already in Portugal and wish to apply directly for the residence permit without the VISA than the below information follows;
1) Our dedicated lawyer will create an online application at S.A.P.A., under the art.89.2 and submit all the required documents.
2) You must wait immigration office validate your “MANIFESTAÇÃO DE INTERESSE” (residence permit application request). Once confirmed, the immigration office will send you an email confirming your request and allow you to choose an available location, date and time for your appointment.
3) On the appointment date with SEF you need to show all documents required. We will obtain recent copies of all documents in order to present to the immigration office. The officer will collect your biometrical data and make a digital photo. After the interview you will receive a declaration with your protocol number and that you have to wait a decision within 30 days. They will mail your Residence Permit Card to your home address once it’s approved.
Time may vary, subject to government processing times during COVID19 pandemic crises.
Family Reunification
As soon as you receive your residence permit, permanent or temporary, you also need to provide documentation of sufficient funds to support your family and you will also be responsible for providing accommodation for your family members.
PRISCO can also help you to make the family reunification and secure residency cards for your family.