In Portugal, you have the option to directly apply for a D2 Visa/Residence Permit, unlike the D7 Visa which requires a prior Visa from the Portuguese Consulate. This means you don’t need a special-purpose residence Visa from the Portuguese Consulate in your country/area of residence. The average processing time for the application is approximately 60 days.
Once you have obtained the D2 Visa, you are allowed to stay in Portugal for up to 4 months. During this period, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to obtain a valid Portuguese residency.
The D2 Visa is open to the following individuals:
- Entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in Portugal.
- Entrepreneurs who already have a business in their home country and intend to open a branch in Portugal.
- Self-employed individuals, including independent professionals and liberal professionals, who have a work contract or a written work proposal in Portugal. Freelancers and digital nomads can also apply if they can demonstrate that they offer unique and valuable services in the country.
Qualification Requirements for the Portugal D2 Visa
To successfully obtain the D2 Visa, certain criteria must be met, and supporting documents must be provided. The evaluators assess the potential contribution of the company and consider the following elements:
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Declaration of Investment:
- A declaration stating that you have made or intend to make an investment in Portugal, specifying its nature, value, and duration.
- The application will be evaluated based on the economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural relevance of the investment. The creation of jobs in Portugal is also given significant weight.
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Business Plan:
- A well-structured business plan that demonstrates the social, economic, and cultural impact of your business.
- The plan should showcase the potential for growth and contribute to the overall economic development.
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Personal Financial Means:
- Evidence of having sufficient financial means to support yourself for one year, regardless of your business income.
- As the main applicant, you must have 100% of the minimum annual salary, which is €9,870.
- If you have a spouse, an additional 50% of this value (€4,935) is required. For each dependent child, an extra 30% (€2,962) should be added.
- For example, a couple with one child would need approximately €17,767 per year to meet the financial requirement for the D2 Visa.
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Health Insurance:
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage that is valid across the European Union (EU) is mandatory for you and any dependent applicants.
- Once you receive your residence card, you will gain access to the Public Healthcare System.
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Tax Representative:
- Non-EU citizens applying for the D2 Visa are legally obligated to appoint a Tax Representative in Portugal.
- Alternatively, you can choose to receive notifications from the Portuguese Tax Authority through the tax authority portal (Portal das Finanças) or an official electronic mailbox (e.g., Via CTT).
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Financial Capacity:
- Provide evidence of your financial capacity to sustain your company and ensure its viability during your intended stay in Portugal.
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Share Capital:
- The share capital represents the initial investment required for the company to function, even if it is not generating profits.
- Small companies in Portugal typically have an average social capital of €5,000, which serves as a reference value for your application.
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Service Contract:
- Liberal professionals must submit a written contract or proposal outlining the services they intend to provide.
By meeting these qualification requirements and submitting the necessary documentation, you can enhance your chances of obtaining the Portugal D2 Visa.
Advantages of the D2 Visa
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Business and Professional Opportunities:
- The D2 Visa grants you the right to establish a business or work as an independent professional in Portugal while residing in the country.
- This opens up opportunities to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors or practice your profession in a thriving European market.
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Schengen Area Travel:
- Enjoy free entry and unrestricted movement within the Schengen Area, which consists of 26 European countries, without needing an additional Visa.
- As a D2 Visa holder, you benefit from the same travel privileges as European Union citizens.
- This is particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs who wish to travel across Europe, network, and establish corporate connections.
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Family Reunification:
- The D2 Visa allows for family reunification in Portugal.
- Your family members, including partners, children, parents, or dependent siblings, can join you and live in the country.
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Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) Tax Regime:
- You have the option to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident tax regime.
- This regime is available to individuals who have the right to reside in Portugal (EU/EEA/Swiss citizens or residence permit holders) and have not been tax residents of the country in the previous five years.
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Path to Permanent Residence or Citizenship:
- After five years of being a legal permanent resident in Portugal, you may be eligible to apply for permanent citizenship.
- Please note that obtaining citizenship usually requires passing a basic Portuguese language test.
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Portuguese Residency Benefits:
- As a resident of Portugal, you and your family have access to the country’s Public Healthcare System.
- Your children are entitled to receive education through the Public Education System.
Renewal of the D2 Visa
- The D2 Visa allows you to obtain a Portuguese Residence Permit, which enables you to live and work in Portugal for one year.
- The permit can be renewed every two years, provided that you can demonstrate the continuity of your professional activities.
- After five years of legally authorized residence, you have the option to apply for Portuguese nationality.
Minimum Stay Requirements
- To maintain your residency in Portugal, you are required to spend a minimum of four months in the country during the first year.
- Additionally, during each subsequent three-year period, you must spend at least six months per year in Portugal.
Applying for the D2 Visa
To begin the application process for the D2 Visa, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Portugal Taxpayer Identification Number (NIF).
- Open a bank account in Portugal and transfer funds. We recommend having €12,000.00 for the main applicant, €6,000.00 for the spouse, and €3,600.00 per child.
- Secure long-term accommodation in Portugal by either purchasing or renting a property for at least one year, even if there is an early termination clause.
- Apply online through the E-Visa Portal at the Portuguese Consulate in your home country or in Portugal if you are already in the country.
Required Documents
As an applicant for the D2 Visa, you will generally need the following documents:
- Valid Passport: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the expiration date of the Visa you are applying for (which typically expires after four months).
- Recent Passport Photos: Provide two recent color passport-size photos.
- Declaration of Reasons: Submit a declaration outlining the reasons for seeking residency in Portugal.
- Health Insurance: Present a Health Insurance Plan that is valid in Portugal or provide an affidavit stating that you will purchase one within 90 days of your arrival.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Include a criminal record certificate or police clearance letter (FBI report for U.S. residents) issued no more than 90 days before the application submission.
- Proof of Accommodation: Provide documentary evidence of having accommodation in Portugal, such as a property title deed or a tenancy agreement.
- Sufficient Funds: Submit documentary evidence of having adequate funds to support yourself in Portugal, such as a local bank statement.
- Freelance Professionals or Entrepreneurs: If you are a freelance professional, include a copy of your contract and, if applicable, proof of professional qualifications. If you are an entrepreneur, provide the business plan and proof of investment or access to necessary funding in Portugal.
By preparing and submitting these required documents, you can initiate the application process for the D2 Visa and pursue your residency in Portugal.
Why Choose Reliance as the Premier Immigration Consultancy in Dubai for Portugal?
Reliance Immigration Services stands out as the leading consultancy in Dubai, specializing in immigration services for Portugal. Our dedicated team of highly skilled professionals possesses up-to-date expertise in the immigration industry, ensuring a seamless and successful visa application process for you and your loved ones.
Here’s why we are the preferred choice for immigration services:
- Comprehensive Assistance: We provide personalized and comprehensive support throughout your entire immigration journey, making sure you have the best chance of achieving your migration goals.
- Expert Guidance: Our team consists of efficient lawyers and an interactive case management team who handle the tedious work of case filing and documentation on your behalf. You can relax while we navigate the complexities of the process.
- Smooth Process: We streamline the application process for you, ensuring efficiency and accuracy every step of the way. Our expertise and experience allow us to handle your case with precision, maximizing your chances of success.
- Client-Centered Approach: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We offer free consultation and counseling, helping you understand your eligibility and options for a successful immigration journey to Portugal.
- Eligibility Assessment: We conduct a thorough assessment of your eligibility, considering various factors specific to your circumstances. This assessment ensures that your application is submitted with the highest prospects of approval.
- Filing and Documentation: Our team takes care of all the necessary filing and documentation for your visa application process. We meticulously compile the required paperwork to present a strong and compelling case on your behalf.
- Visa Filing: Once your application is approved, we handle the visa filing process efficiently, ensuring compliance with all necessary requirements.
At Reliance, we are committed to helping you achieve your immigration-related objectives and turning your migration dream into a reality. Choose us as your trusted partner for a smooth and successful immigration journey to Portugal.
