SETUP COST:
from €80,000
VISA-FREE:
Schengen
TIME TO RESIDENCY:
6 Months
TIME TO CITZENSHIP:
5 - 6 Years
Portugal STARTUP Visa
Are you an ambitious entrepreneur who dreams of starting a successful business and moving to Europe? Look no further. Portugal's Startup Visa program is your gateway to making this dream come true. With its attractive opportunities and welcoming environment, Portugal is becoming a hotspot for startups and innovation.
This article will explore the Portugal Startup Visa, its requirements, and how it can pave the way for you to move, thrive, and expand your business in Europe. So, let's delve into the details and discover how you can embark on this exciting entrepreneurial journey.
What are the main benefits of Portuguese Startup Visa?
Route to Portugal citizenship
After 5 years of legal residency in Portugal, you may apply for Portuguese passport.
Economic Solution
One payment, all inclusive for the legal fees, and business support.
Whole Family
Your spouse and children below 26 can also be included. Your parents and your spouse's parents are also eligible.
Free travel in Europe
Portugal is part of the Schengen zone, allowing you to travel freely throughout Europe without the need for a Schengen visa.
Why Choose the Portugal Startup Visa Program?
One of the main reasons for choosing the Portugal Startup Visa Program is its flexible and accessible requirements. Unlike many other countries' visa programs for entrepreneurs, Portugal does not require a minimum investment amount. This means you don't need large sums of money to participate in the program. Instead, the focus is on the potential of your startup and its contribution to the Portuguese economy. And this is the track on which we can help you.
The Portugal Startup Visa Program offers two types of visas: the D2 Startup Visa and the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa. The D2 Startup Visa is specifically for innovative and scalable startups, while the Portugal Entrepreneur Visa is for individuals with an entrepreneurial background and a solid business plan. We will guide you through the process of getting a Portuguese D2 Startup Visa.
Portugal's attractive business environment and quality of life also make it an ideal destination for entrepreneurs. With its affordable cost of living, excellent healthcare system, and beautiful landscapes, Portugal offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost compared to other European countries. Additionally, the country's strategic location and strong connections with other European and international markets make it an ideal base for expanding your business.
In conclusion, the Portugal Startup Visa Program offers a unique and enticing opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to launch or expand their startups. Portugal provides the perfect ecosystem for your entrepreneurial journey with its flexible requirements, fast-track process, and attractive business environment.
So why wait?
Start exploring the possibilities of the Portugal Startup Visa Program and unlock your potential in the European startup scene.
Portugal Startup Visa Requirements
How to Get Portugal D2 Startup Visa?
Business Requirements (our part):
The startup must have a business concept that focuses on technology and innovation. This means that a suitable project will fall into one of the following categories: Customer products and services, or commerce. Communications. IT. Electronics. Biotech. Energy. Healthcare.
The business plan must also be detailed enough and show perspective for the following:
- Be projected to attain over €325,000 in assets or turnover in 5 years
- Create jobs.
- Be able to step onto the global market.
Thanks to its Startup Visa program, Portugal has become an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and startups from around the world. This program offers a pathway for non-EU entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses in Portugal. But what are the eligibility criteria for the Portugal Startup Visa?
Two requirement categories—personal and business category requirements — will make you eligible for the startup visa application.
Personal Requirements (your part)
- Be over 18
- Has no criminal record
- Has enough money to reside in Portugal
- No strict requirements for education or work experience, but specialised education and relevant experience might be helpful.
Portuguese Startup Visa vs Golden Visa
A comparison
| Category | Startup | Golden |
|---|---|---|
| Intended for | Entrepreneurs | Investors |
| Eligibility | Clean police record | Make an investment |
| Investment | 20k | 500k |
| Approval time | 60 days | 2 years |
| Stay requirement | Move and live there | 7 days/year |
| Rights | Live, work, education, healthcare | Live, work, education, healthcare |
| Visa-free | Schengen | Schengen |
| Citizenship | After 5 years | After 5 years |
The Portugal Startup Visa program is one way for foreign entrepreneurs to establish their businesses and move to Portugal.
This program allows these startup founders to live and work in the country. It offers access to an extensive support network, mentorship programs, and co-working spaces. The aim is to foster the growth of innovative companies and contribute to the country's economic development.
On the other hand, the Golden Visa is another program that has gained popularity among foreign investors looking to obtain residency in Portugal.
This program allows individuals to obtain residency permits in exchange for substantial investments in the country, such as fund investment or capital transfers.
How It Works?
Portugal Startup Visa Application Process
STAGE 1
Applicant preparation
Onboarding , Evaluation
Portuguese Tax ID and bank account
STAGE 2
Business Preparation
Business Plan,
Incorporation, and
Capitalization in bank
account
Document collection
STAGE 3
File Submission
Appointment in the applicant’s country
STAGE 4
Travel to Portugal
Visit Portugal, take biometrics and pick up your residence card
STAGE 5
Startup Implementation
Receive support from
Incubator to develop
your startup.
Website Launch.
Market Validation with
Social Medias and Blog
YEAR 5
PORTUGAL PR OR PASSPORT
You can apply for permanent residency or citizenship following 5 years of Portuguese residency.
How to get Portugal Passport?
After the fifth year of having residency in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
Once you become a Portuguese citizen, you can live and work anywhere in the European Union and get the world’s 4th best passport. That means you can live in Germany or in the Netherlands if you prefer.
Portugal allows dual nationality. So you can keep your original citizenship. However, you must check that your country also permits dual citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
All you have to know about Portugal D2 Start Up Visa
What is the Portugal Startup Visa program?
The Portugal Startup Visa program is a residence permit that allows foreign entrepreneurs to live and work in Portugal while developing their startup. D2 Portugal Startup Visa aims to attract investment, talent, and innovation capacity to Portugal.
Who is eligible for the program?
To be eligible for the Portugal Startup Visa program, applicants must provide a business plan for their startup, demonstrate innovative potential, and show potential for job creation and scalability (we will do it for you). Additionally, they must be financially self-sufficient and have a clean criminal record.
What are the benefits of the program?
- You can get a Portugal residence permit in 6—11 months;
- You can move, live, and work in Portugal with a Startup Visa;
- You can freely travel in the Schengen Area;
- We take care of your startup business;
- You can include your spouse or common-law partner, children under 18, disabled children over 18, unmarried children over 18 who are enrolled in full-time studies, and financially dependent parents;
- You can apply for citizenship or permanent residency after 5 years of obtaining a residence permit.
How long is the process?
The total time is about 6 months.
What time should I spend in Portugal?
The Startup Visa requires you to live in Portugal for most of the year to maintain your residency permit. The rule is that you spend no more than six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months outside of Portugal for the duration of your residence permit. Sometimes, longer periods of absence may be permitted for professional or force majeure reasons.
Should I pay tax in Portugal?
Portuguese startup visas require you to remain in the country for 183 days per year at minimum. You will also become a tax resident if you hold this visa type. You can also obtain a beneficial status to pay less tax as an NHR. While regular tax can be up to 48%, you may be allowed to pay only 20%!
Can I get access to health care and education?
Portugal has high-quality health care and education services at a low cost. You can access these services from public facilities or choose private services for a more unique approach.
Does Portugal offer a citizenship program?
No. Portugal offers residency options only.
How can I get Portuguese citizenship?
You should live in Portugal for 5 years and pass a basic language test.
Can my family also get Portugal citizenship?
Yes, if they all meet the above requirements.
Should I live in Portugal to maintain my Portuguese citizenship?
No.
Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?
Yes.
Can I buy a Portuguese passport?
No. It would be a criminal act.
Get Your Personalised Quote Now!
RCP offers you Portugal residency with citizenship. Contact us to get your tailored Portuguese residency estimation.
Get Your Estimation Now! Personal
Check out
WHICH IS THE BEST EUROPEAN RESIDENCY PROGRAM FOR YOU?
Directly created for you by RCP
Unlock your guide