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 635EUR, 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, Accommodation in Portugal and Company formation
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,
- Open a banking account,
- Secure long-term accommodation in Portugal (by either buying, renting or borrowing a property),
- Apply online for a residence visa and for an appointment for an interview at the VFS Global or Portuguese Consulate (depending on country) serving his/her current region of legal residence, even if the applicant’s nationality entitles him/her to enter Portugal without a visa.
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 Plan,
- Health insurance policy or affidavit stating that this will be bought in Portugal within 90 days of arrival
- Criminal record certificate (or police clearance letter)
- Documentary evidence of having 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 Program Application In Portugal
A special visa, as outlined above, is required for entering Portugal when applying for the Portugal self-employed D2 visa permit.
- 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
- Married Certificate ( for family Reunification program),
- 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 €130+VAT monthly
- Social Security – €220.00 monthly
- Virtual office for company registration in Portugal – € 49.00+VAT monthly. Includes receiving mail and answering calls.
Our package includes the following services;
- Fiscal and Legal Representation, with our in-house Lawyer
- Business Plan,
- Company Formation,
- Minute’s 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
Contact us for more information.
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.
We would love to make a free consultation in a short 15 minutes conversation and to talk about the program best meets your needs. Please let us know so we can schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
PRISCO Business Group legal team 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.
- 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 minimum share capital of EUR 1,00.
- Apply for licenses and permits in accordance with the company’s activities.
- Register for tax purposes and social contributions in Portugal.
Documentation required:
All documents must be in English (or translated into English by a certified translator)
- Proof of address;
- 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), apostile or authenticated by the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Filled out Data Protection Form.
The following information describes the steps that we will follow for your application should you decide to retain our services, as well as the timeline from beginning to end of your process.
Please take some time to review, and should you have any questions, we will be happy to help you move forward.
Step 3: Residence Permit Program Application In Portugal
A special visa, as outlined above, is required for entering Portugal when applying for the Portugal self-employed D2 visa permit.
- 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
- Married Certificate ( for family Reunification program),
- 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
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.
PRISCO can also help you to make the family reunification and secure residency cards for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
We can assist you to start your D2 Visa process and apply those documents remotely by Power of Attorney.
Once we take your passport copy, proof of address, criminal records and Power of Attorney signed and legalised, usually it takes no more than 24 hours to have the company and the VAT approved.
There is no minimum amount required for the incorporation of a limited liability company or a sole proprietorship company, it is sufficient to define the shares of each partner, the value of which may not be less than 1 Euro. However, We strongly advise to have a business and financial plan very detailed and must not be incompatible with the nature of the business activity.