Residence visa D2

Residence visa for the exercise of an independent professional activity or

for immigrant entrepreneurs

The Visa for Entrepreneurial Immigrants, better known as the D2 Visa, is the option for those wishing to pursue an independent professional activity, or to engage in investment activity in Portugal through the incorporation of a company in the Country.

The request for issuing the Visa must be requested at the Portuguese Embassy in the country of residence, upon presentation of a series of documents obtained and prepared with the help of a Lawyer in Portugal.

To apply, it is necessary, among other things, to establish a commercial company. A limited liability company or a Single Member Company are the most used corporate models in Portugal to obtain the D2 Visa. The main difference between these two corporate models is precisely the number of partners that make up them: in the Private Limited Liability Company, a minimum of two partners is required, while in the Sole Proprietorship Company, a single partner is sufficient.

Step 1: Obtaining a Portuguese NIF. The taxpayer number will allow the Applicant to form a commercial company, open a bank account in Portugal and transfer funds to the account, if necessary.

Documents required at this stage:

• Passport;
• Proof of address;
• Power of attorney to appoint a tax representative.

Step 2: Opening a bank account in Portugal in the name of the company, and on personal name.

Documents required at this stage:

• Passport;
• NIF;
• Proof of address;
• Proof of promissory work contract;
• Tax number of the country of residence abroad;
• Company documents (Commercial Registration Certificate, Effective Beneficiary Registration).

Banking Institutions reserve the right to request additional documents, if they deem necessary.

Step 3: Assistance in obtaining residency in Portugal, through the conclusion of a lease agreement, purchase of a property, or an invitation letter.

Step 4: Obtaining health insurance, if necessary.

Step 5: Applicant’s registration with Social Security; opening of activity with the Tax Authority.

Step 6: Obtaining the criminal record of the country of origin, which must be legalized by the Portuguese Embassy or with an Apostille, and later translated by an entity recognized by the Portuguese Government – ​​tending to be the Portuguese Embassy, ​​or Portuguese Lawyer with active membership in the Portuguese Bar Association.

Step 7: Completion of forms and requirements for presentation at the Embassy.

Step 8: Scheduling a trip to the Embassy to present all the necessary documentation.

If all documents comply with what is requested by the competent authorities, the Embassy will issue the respective D2 visa, with an appointment date with the immigration services in Portugal.

When scheduling, the Applicant must ensure the presentation of all documents valid on that date, provide biometric data and pay administrative fees for issuing a Residence Permit.

The Residence Permit will be valid for two years and must be renewed under the same terms.