Portugal D2 Visa

Planning to work for yourself in Portugal? The Portugal D2 visa is the residence visa for freelancers and entrepreneurs who want to build their business there.

The Portugal D2 visa is not an investor programme. There is no fixed minimum investment and no property requirement. What counts is the activity you will carry out in Portugal.

There are 2 routes. As a freelancer you need a contract or a written proposal for services. As an entrepreneur you have already invested, or you show funds available in Portugal and your intention to invest there.

You also need means of subsistence from EUR 920 a month, the Portuguese minimum wage for 2026. The visa is valid for 4 months. Within that time you apply to the migration agency AIMA for a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years at a time.

After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence. Citizenship is open after 7 years of legal residence for EU and CPLP nationals and after 10 years for everyone else.

Does the climate in Portugal suit you? The climate map shows comfortable days per year in Portugal and how other countries compare.

The consular visa fee is EUR 110. AIMA charges EUR 133.00 for processing the application and EUR 114.30 for issuing the first residence permit, EUR 247.30 in total. Applying online reduces these by 25 % (EUR 185.60). Each renewal costs the same 2 items again. Permanent residence costs EUR 351.10 to issue. Company formation, translations and advice come on top.

The basis is the Portuguese minimum wage for 2026 of EUR 920 a month. Each additional adult adds EUR 460 and each child EUR 276.

As an entrepreneur your funds must cover at least 12 months. For a single applicant that is EUR 11,040. The funds may also come from financing by a Portuguese bank.

As a freelancer you can also prove your means through your service contract or written proposal. The consulate may ask for further evidence.

To get the D2 visa you must meet one of 2 routes and prove your means of subsistence.

Route 1, independent activity: You have a contract or a written proposal for services in a liberal profession. If your profession requires a licence, you add proof of your qualification.

Route 2, entrepreneur: You have already made an investment in Portugal. Or you show funds available in Portugal and your intention to invest there. The law sets no minimum amount. The consulate assesses the economic, social, scientific, technological or cultural relevance of your project.

Means of subsistence: EUR 920 a month for you, 50 % of that for each additional adult and 30 % for each child. As an entrepreneur your funds must cover at least 12 months.

For the residence permit at AIMA you must show after arrival that you are actually working: you have set up a company, registered your self-employed activity with the tax office and social security, or signed a service contract. You must also be enrolled in social security.

Important since 23 October 2025: the former rule that let self-employed applicants obtain the permit in Portugal without a visa has been removed from the law. Plan for the consular route.

For all applicants:

• Application form and 2 passport photos
• Passport valid at least 3 months beyond your planned return, with a copy
• Proof of legal stay in the country where you apply, if you are not a national
• Travel insurance
• Criminal record certificate with apostille (from age 16)
• Proof of means of subsistence

Route 1, independent activity:

• Contract or written proposal for services
• If required: certificate from the competent body on your professional qualification

Route 2, entrepreneur:

• Proof of the investment made, or
• Proof of funds available in Portugal plus a statement on the planned investment (type, amount, duration)

The consulate may request additional documents. For the residence permit at AIMA you add proof of your activity: articles of association, a service contract or your registration as self-employed.

The D2 visa gives you an EU residence permit without putting money into property or a fund. The investment goes into your own business.

With the permit you move freely within the Schengen area. You work legally on your own account in Portugal and can later change your activity by notifying AIMA.

Already with the visa you receive a provisional tax number (NIF), social security number (NISS) and health number (SNS). So you can open a bank account and issue invoices from day one.

The route leads to permanent residence after 5 years and to citizenship after 7 or 10 years. Portugal allows dual citizenship, so you keep your current passport.

Portuguese citizenship is open after 7 years of legal residence for nationals of the EU and of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), and after 10 years for all other nationals (Organic Law No. 1/2026, in force since 19 May 2026). Interrupted periods are added up if they fall within 9 or 12 years.

New requirements cover language, culture, history and national symbols, fundamental rights and the organisation of the state, and your own means of living. The implementing rules are still pending.

You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years on a temporary permit. You need basic Portuguese, means of subsistence and accommodation.

Watch your absences: the temporary permit can be cancelled if you are away from Portugal for 6 consecutive months or 8 months in total during its validity. Exceptions apply with prior justification to AIMA or proven professional activity abroad.

Family: your spouse and children can apply for a visa together with you. Family reunification later on requires 2 years on a valid permit since 23 October 2025, with no waiting period for minor children.

The visa is issued by the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence. AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) is responsible for the residence permit.

The legal basis is Articles 60 and 89 of Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July as amended by Law No. 62/2026, together with Articles 31 and 55 of Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007. Means of subsistence are set by Portaria No. 1563/2007.