D2 · Entrepreneur / Freelancer

D2 Visa: Entrepreneur / Freelancer

Last verified: 2026-08-02

Overview

The D2 visa is for non-EU citizens who intend to work as independent professionals or develop a business / investment activity in Portugal.

General requirements
Intend to pursue independent professional activity or develop a business/investment activity in Portugal.
Have sufficient means of subsistence.
Have accommodation arrangements in Portugal.
Meet the general entry and residence conditions, including no legal bar to entering/staying in Portugal.
If you are a freelancer / independent professional
Have a partnership agreement, services contract, or written proposal for a services contract.
Be qualified to practise the profession when it is subject to specific qualifications in Portugal.
If you are an entrepreneur
Have completed an investment operation or intend to carry out an investment operation in Portugal.
Demonstrate available financial means in Portugal, including financing from a Portuguese financial institution when applicable.
Concretely demonstrate the intention to carry out the investment and related project.

General documents11

Completed and signed national visa application form
Valid passport or other travel document
2 recent passport-style photographs
Travel ticket ensuring return
Valid travel insurance covering medical costs, urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
Authorisation/request to consult the Portuguese criminal record
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin/nationality or from the country where the applicant has lived for more than one year
Proof of accommodation arrangements in Portugal
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
Proof of lawful status in the country where the application is filed, when applicable
Foreign documents duly legalised/apostilled and translated when required

Freelancer / independent professional2

One of the following: partnership agreement; services contract; or written proposal for a services contract
Statement from the professional body confirming requirements to practise a regulated profession in Portugal (when applicable) (Optional)

Entrepreneur3

Declaration regarding the investment made or intended
Proof of investment operations already carried out, or proof of available financial means in Portugal (including financing from a Portuguese financial institution, when applicable)
Documentation demonstrating a genuine intention to complete the investment

1
PreparationOnline
Confirm eligibility
Confirm you meet the visa requirements and gather your core documents.
2
PreparationIn person
Secure accommodation
Obtain proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental or ownership).
3
ConsulateOnline
Book Consulate / VFS
Book your appointment at the Portuguese consulate or VFS centre in your country of residence.
https://visa.vfsglobal.com
4
ConsulateIn person
Submit the application
Attend and submit the national visa application with all required documents.
5
ConsulateOnline
Visa decision
Await the decision. The legal visa processing period is typically 60 days.
6
ArrivalIn person
Enter Portugal
Travel on the D visa and prepare the residence-permit stage with AIMA.
7
AIMAOnline
Check AIMA appointment
Confirm or await your biometrics / attendance appointment with AIMA.
https://aima.gov.pt
8
AIMAIn person
AIMA appointment
Attend AIMA for biometrics and to complete the residence-permit application.
9
AIMAOnline
Receive residence permit
Receive the residence card and confirm renewal timelines.

Prazo / Timeline

Variable — legal visa period: 60 days; then the residence-permit procedure with AIMA follows.

Custo / Cost

€110 visa + approx. €247.30 AIMA + documentary/VFS and activity formalisation costs, when applicable

Renovação / Renewal

2 years → 3 years → permanent residence at 5 years

Fiscal / Tax

Assess NHR eligibility

Perfil / Profile

Startup founders, independent consultants, artists