D2 Visa

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 760EUR, own no debts and no criminal records, 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.

The D2 Visa application must be applied by VFS Global or by Portuguese Consulate (depending on which country) in your home country. After the decision you can come to Portugal with the D2 visa and you must apply for residence permit within 4 months period. While waiting for the process to be completed, you can work normally in the country. During the period until you are called for an interview with SEF (Immigration Office) and obtain approval of your request of residence permit, you should not leave Portugal without your residence permit issued.

STEPS & REQUIREMENTS

Step 1: NIF, Bank Account, Company formation and Accommodation

The applicant for a Immigrant Entrepreneur (self-employed) D2 visa as part of the Portugal residence permit program must begin the proceedings, completing this checklist:

Obtaining the tax number – NIF,
Company Formation ( Deeds, Records book, RCBE, VAT and Business Certificate),
Open a private and business banking account,
Secure long-term accommodation in Portugal (by either buying, renting or borrowing a property).

Step 2: Visa Application at the VFS GLOBAL near you

The exact requirements of eachVFS/consulate may vary however all consulate or VFS interviews will require the following documentation:

Passport, valid for at least 6 months after the expiry date of the Portugal self employed visa being applied for (which will be valid for 4 months)
Portuguese Tax number – NIF
Two recent passport-size colour photos
Declaration outlining reasons for obtaining Portuguese residency
Very detailed Business and Financial Plan,
Company registration Certificate (Certidão Permanente),
Social Security Registration Certificate,
Health insurance policy Schengen coverage,
Criminal record certificate (or police clearance letter) apostile or notarised by Portuguese Consulate
Documentary evidence of having a 12 months term accommodation in Portugal (property title deed, rental agreement or property loan agreement)
Documentary evidence of sufficient finances available to the applicant in Portugal (e.g. a Portugal bank statement showing a reasonable balance)

Step 3: Residence Permit Application In Portugal

On this step you hold a 4 Months D2 Visa, that allows you for 2 entries in Portugal and it will be requested to present during your interview at the Immigration office among the below requirements;

Tax number – NIF
Passport having the special D2 visa issued by the VFS or Portuguese Consulate
The documentary evidence of having sufficient financial means and permanent accommodation in Portugal, as submitted to the Portuguese Consulate
Documentary evidence of sufficient finances available to the applicant in Portugal (e.g. a Portugal bank statement showing a reasonable balance)
Company registration Certificate (Certidão Permanente),
Extract from Social security payments,
Health insurance policy in case you bought it in Portugal
Various Portuguese documents that your lawyer and your accountant can obtain on your behalf

Family Reunification Program

Family members of the holder of the residence permit obtained through a D2 visa are also entitled to apply for residence permit, based on Portuguese family reunification statues.

The permanent or temporary resident of Portugal may also be required to provide documentation of sufficient funds to support the applicants. The Portuguese resident will also be responsible for providing accommodation for family members.

Temporary Residence Permit

Both the residence permit and the family reunification for your family member will be issued initially for a period of two years and will be renewable for a three years. You must not spend more than 6 consecutive months outside Portugal during the validity of each year of temporary permission.

Portuguese Nationality

After having completed a legal residence in Portugal for 5 consecutive years and subject to approval, you will be entitled to a Permanent Residency and can apply for the Portuguese nationality.

See below the monthly costs you will have with your company:

Accounting – average rate €160+VAT monthly
Social Security – €266.00 monthly (based on 2023 new regulations)
Virtual office for company registration in Portugal – € 59.00+VAT monthly. Includes receiving mail and answering calls.

Our package includes the following services;

Fiscal and Legal Representation, with our in-house Lawyer
Business and Financial Plan,
Company Formation,
Business Records Book,
RCBE Registration,
Request for Social Security number,
Request for criminal records in Portugal,
Remote process via POA – (if started remotely),
Opening a personal and corporate bank account,
Legal Advice whenever needed, (corresponding to the process),
Representation with public bodies and entities,
Application for D2 Visa and residence permit application,
Assistance of our lawyer on the day of your appointment with the SEF. (Immigration Office)

Costs and Conditions:

Optional Services

Property Search – Acquisition or renting.
Short Stay Accommodations

Deadline

The deadline for requesting personal documents by power of attorney (Tax number NIF, banking account, rental agreement) and opening a company is up to 20 working days from the starting date of the process.

We will assist you to apply and assemble all the required documents in order to request the D2 Visa at the VFS Global near your region.

After you have D2 Visa granted, we have within 4 months to apply your residence permit in Portugal. We will make an appointment with S.E.F. (Immigration Office) to arrange date, place and time for the interview and the collection of your biometric data.