Is it possible to obtain a residence permit in Portugal by establishing a company? D2 Entrepreneur Visa Requirements

One of the most frequently asked questions by Turkish citizens wishing to establish a company in Portugal is whether company formation also grants the right to live and work in Portugal. Establishing a company in Portugal, and having a foreigner become a partner or appointed as a director, is legally possible. However, company formation and immigration status are separate processes.

A Turkish citizen can establish a company in Portugal without actually going there, own all the shares, and manage their Portuguese business through representatives. However, for the company owner to settle in Portugal, reside permanently in the country, and actively conduct the company's operations, they will need to obtain the appropriate visa and residence permit.

The primary immigration pathway used for this purpose is the residence visa, commonly the D2 entrepreneur visa . Officially, under Portuguese legislation, it is a residence visa for entrepreneurs who wish to engage in independent professional activities or invest in Portugal. Citizens of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland can apply for this visa to engage in independent activities or make investments in Portugal. Portugal's official website also states that this application pathway is for self-employed individuals and immigrant entrepreneurs. (Gov.pt)

What is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

The D2 visa is a national visa type that allows third-country nationals who wish to establish their own business, invest in an existing business, or engage in independent professional activities in Portugal to enter the country and obtain a residence permit.

The D2 visa primarily covers two different groups of applicants. The first group includes individuals who will provide independent services in consulting, software development, design, engineering, or other freelance activities. The second group consists of entrepreneurs who wish to establish a company in Portugal, invest in an existing company, or undertake another commercial investment project.

According to Article 60 of the Portuguese Foreigners Law, for independent professional activity, the applicant must have a service contract or a written contract proposal within the scope of self-employment, and if the activity is a regulated profession, must possess the necessary professional qualifications. For entrepreneurial applications, the applicant must have carried out an investment transaction in Portugal or be able to demonstrate that they have available financial resources in Portugal and intend to invest.

The D2 visa is a national visa that serves as both a work visa and a transition to a residence permit. After entering Portugal with this visa, the residence permit application process is completed through AIMA (Portuguese International Agency for Migration).

Does setting up a company in Portugal automatically grant residency?

Establishing a company in Portugal alone does not automatically grant residency rights. Registration of the company in the commercial register is important evidence that the applicant has an investment connection in Portugal; however, the immigration authorities will assess visa requirements independently of this.

If a person merely establishes a company with very low capital, fails to put it into operation, and cannot present a genuine business plan, their D2 visa should not be expected to be granted. The consulate may examine whether the company was established solely for immigration purposes, the viability of the business, and the applicant's actual role in the project.

Therefore, along with company registration, a business plan, financing, business address, customer relations, professional experience, bank records, and connections to the Portuguese economy must also be explained.

The correct approach for a D2 visa is not simply "I've started a company, therefore I need to obtain a residence permit." The application must be based on a real and sustainable business project that can actually be implemented in Portugal.

Is it mandatory to establish a company in advance for a D2 visa?

Portuguese legislation does not require applicants for an entrepreneur visa to have fully established their company prior to application. The law provides for alternatives, such as the applicant having completed the investment process or demonstrating that they possess usable financial resources in Portugal and intend to invest.

However, in practice, the prior establishment of the company, obtaining a National Insurance Fund (NIF), preparing a company bank account, and making certain investments can strengthen the credibility of the application.

If the company has not been established prior to the application, at least the following elements must be shown in detail:

• The type of company that is planned to be established,
• The company's field of activity is,
• Estimated capital and investment budget,
• The address to be used in Portugal,
• Customer and revenue model,
• The schedule for the start of the activity,
• The necessary permits,
• The applicant's professional background,
• The availability of financial resources in Portugal.

If the company was previously established, the following documents can be added to the file: trade registry certificate, articles of association, ownership structure, director information, company NIPC number, bank records, and documents relating to its activities.

Establishing a company may not always be advantageous. A company established with an incorrect business code, insufficient capital, or inconsistent with the applicant's business plan may raise additional questions rather than strengthen the case. Therefore, business registration procedures should be prepared in conjunction with the immigration plan.

Is there a minimum investment amount required for a D2 visa?

Regarding the Portuguese D2 entrepreneur visa, the legislation does not specify a fixed minimum investment amount applicable to all applicants. Instead of a particular Euro amount, the Aliens Law requires the applicant to have made an investment or to demonstrate their intention to invest by possessing usable financial resources in Portugal.

Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the D2 visa has a mandatory minimum investment threshold that applies to everyone, such as €10,000, €25,000, or €50,000.

However, the absence of a fixed legal minimum investment does not mean that every project will be accepted with a symbolic investment. The investment amount should be appropriate to the type of business to be established and its expenses.

For example, a one-person company providing remote consulting or software services cannot be valued with the same capital as an investment in a restaurant, manufacturing plant, logistics business, or hotel. The consulate may examine whether the expenses projected in the business plan are compatible with the shown financing.

When determining the investment amount, in addition to establishment costs, the following items should also be taken into consideration:

• Company headquarters or business premises rent,
• Equipment and software expenses,
• Staff salaries,
• Tax and social security payments,
• Accounting and legal consulting fees,
• License and permit costs,
• Marketing and customer acquisition budget,
• Working capital for the initial months.

The investment shown in file D2 should not be limited to simply displaying funds in a bank account. It must explain how the shown funds will be used in accordance with the business plan.

How to Prepare a Business Plan for a D2 Visa?

A business plan is one of the most important documents in an entrepreneur visa application. A plan consisting only of general statements or industry information gathered from the internet is insufficient.

The business plan should clearly demonstrate what the applicant will do in Portugal, how they will reach customers, how they will finance the project, and when the business will start generating revenue.

A strong D2 business plan should generally include the following sections:

Entrepreneur's Professional Background

The applicant's education, work experience, management background, and relevance to the proposed business should be explained. If the applicant has previously worked in the same sector, this can be supported by company records, employment contracts, references, invoices, and professional documents.

It is not prohibited for a person to invest in a field completely unrelated to their past experience. However, the applicant must explain how they will manage this new activity, how they will acquire the necessary expertise, and with whom they will work.

Business Model

The company's product or service must be clearly stated. It should specify how revenue is generated, whether clients are individual or corporate, and whether services are offered within Portugal or internationally.

Market and Competition Analysis

The target customer group, competitors, pricing, industry size, and the differentiation of the venture in the Portuguese market should be explained. General statements about the strength of the Portuguese economy alone are not sufficient.

Financing Plan

Initial investment, working capital, monthly expenses, projected income, and the break-even point should be based on realistic calculations. Bank accounts should clearly show how much of the money is allocated for personal expenses and how much for company investment.

Employment Plan

The D2 legislation does not mandate the employment of a permanent staff member for all applications. However, if hiring is planned, the duties, salaries, and hiring schedule should be specified. The potential for job creation can support the application; however, staff numbers that are not realistically feasible should not be stated.

Application Schedule

The company's establishment, bank account, office lease, licensing, recruitment, marketing, and commencement of operations stages should be shown in chronological order.

Subsistence Requirement for D2 Visa

The applicant must demonstrate not only the funds to invest in the company, but also the resources to cover personal living expenses in Portugal. The investment budget and the personal living budget must be kept separate.

In Portugal, the cost of living assessment for national visa applications is based on the minimum monthly wage. The reference monthly amount for 2026 is €920. Portugal's official visa system uses this amount as the basis for the 2026 cost of living assessment (vistos.mne.gov.pt)

According to Portaria No. 1563/2007, the minimum wage is 100% for the first adult in the family, 50% for the second and subsequent adults, and 30% for children under 18 and dependent adult children. In residence visa applications, it is generally required that resources be secured for at least a 12-month period.

Based on the 2026 reference year, the overall calculation is as follows:

Person	Monthly reference amount	12-month amount
Main applicant	920 Euro	11,040 Euros
Second adult	460 Euro	5,520 Euros
Every child	276 Euro	3,312 Euros

These amounts alone are not sufficient for the final approval of the visa. The applicant's accommodation expenses, investment budget, family size, and the regularity of their income sources may also be taken into consideration.

Financial resources may be demonstrated through bank balances, regular income, rental income, company profits, dividends, investment income, or other legitimate sources. The source of the funds must be disclosed, and it must be proven that they are genuinely available for the applicant's use.

For large sums deposited into the account immediately before the application, documentation demonstrating a sale, inheritance, earnings, company dissolution, or other legal source must be submitted.

Documents Required for D2 Visa

The list of documents may vary depending on the procedures of the consulate where the application is submitted and whether the applicant is self-employed or an entrepreneur. However, the following documents are generally prepared for a D2 application:

• National visa application form,
• Valid passport,
• Biometric photo,
• Criminal record certificate
• Permission from Portuguese authorities to conduct a criminal record check,
• Health or travel insurance,
• Accommodation document in Portugal,
• Bank and income records showing sources of income,
• NIF document,
• Rota,
• Documents showing the source of investment,
• Portuguese bank account or available fund records,
• If the company has been established, the trade registry and the articles of association,
• Company headquarters or business documents,
• Customer, service or preliminary agreements,
• Professional experience and education documents,
• Records of professional qualifications in regulated occupations.

Entrepreneurial applications must include a description of the investment made or planned; independent professional applications must include a service contract or a written contract proposal. If the applicant is pursuing a legally regulated profession, it must also be demonstrated that they are authorized to perform the relevant activity.

Criminal records, population registers, diplomas, and company documents obtained from Türkiye must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese if necessary. The validity periods of the documents should be checked against the application date.

How to List Accommodation in Portugal?

For a D2 visa, the applicant must demonstrate their place of stay in Portugal. Proof of accommodation can be a rental agreement, property deed, a valid accommodation contract, or a statement of responsibility that meets the requirements.

A cancellable hotel reservation for only a few days may be deemed insufficient for a D2 application for long-term settlement. The accommodation document must support the applicant's genuine plan to live in Portugal.

During the AIMA hearing, the applicant must also explain in what legal capacity they reside at the specified address. If the applicant is the owner or usufructuary, the real estate registry records may be requested; if the applicant is a tenant, the lease agreement or the landlord's statement may be required. (AIMA)

The company headquarters and the personal residence address do not have to be the same. While a virtual office address can be used as the company headquarters, it does not necessarily mean it fulfills the individual's residential needs.

Where can I apply for a D2 visa?

Turkish citizens residing in Türkiye apply to the competent Portuguese consular authority or to the authorized foreign service provider that accepts applications on behalf of the consulate.

Before applying, the current document list, appointment system, biometric rules, and translation requirements of the competent consular authority should be checked. The official Portuguese website (Gov.pt)

Simply submitting the application file may not be sufficient. The applicant may be called in for an interview and asked questions about their business plan.

It is important that the applicant can explain the following points clearly and consistently:

• Why he chose Portugal,
• Why the activity will be carried out in the specified city,
• Who will be the business's customers?
• The source of the investment,
• His role within the company,
• How to make a living in Portugal,
• When the activity will start generating revenue.

How long does it take to get a D2 visa?

According to Portugal's official website ( Gov.pt ) , updated on May 25, 2026, the processing time for an independent professional activity or entrepreneurship visa is 60 days

This is the legal or administrative review period assuming the file is complete and no further investigation is required. Requests for additional documents, security checks, verification of company information, or consular workload may affect the actual timeframe.

When planning a visa application, the company's commencement of operations, lease agreements, and commercial commitments should not be drawn up as if the visa will definitely be granted and is irreversible. The potential losses the business will suffer in case of refusal or delay should be assessed in advance.

How many months is a D2 visa valid for?

A Portuguese residence visa is issued granting two entries and is valid for four months. During this period, the applicant must enter Portugal and apply to the competent authority for a residence permit. (vistos.mne.gov.pt)

The fact that the D2 visa is valid for four months does not mean that the right to reside in Portugal will only last for four months. The visa is a temporary document issued for entry into Portugal and completion of AIMA residency procedures.

The applicant must check the dates on their visa, enter Portugal on time, and follow up on the AIMA procedures without delay.

AIMA Application After Entering Portugal

After entering Portugal with a D2 visa, the residence permit application is completed at AIMA. The application is made in person by appointment; although an electronic platform application is being developed for visa holders, AIMA's official statement indicates that the application can be submitted by appointment at any AIMA store. (AIMA)

The following documents are generally required during the AIMA process:

• Valid passport,
• Valid D2 residence visa,
• Registration of commencement of business at the tax administration,
• Social security record,
• If the company has been established, a current trade registry certificate is required
• If working independently, a service contract is required
• If operations have commenced, the most recent invoices issued,
• The residential address in Portugal,
• Livelihood,
• Health insurance or proof of inclusion in the national health system.

AIMA states that, in addition to the commencement of operations registration, a service agreement, a continuous registration certificate showing company incorporation, or the most recent issued invoices may be submitted at the independent activity session. (AIMA)

The mere fact that a company has been established but has not yet commenced operations, completed tax procedures, or fulfilled social security obligations may constitute a deficiency in the AIMA (Automated Tax Assessment) process.

How long is a D2 Residence Permit valid for?

The initial temporary residence permit granted for independent professional activity is valid for two years from the date of issuance. The permit may be renewed for three-year periods if the conditions continue to be met. (AIMA)

For renewal, it may not be sufficient for the company to simply be registered in the commercial registry. It must be demonstrated that the business is ongoing, that tax and social security obligations are being fulfilled, and that the applicant has a source of livelihood and suitable housing.

If a company hasn't issued invoices for a long time, has outstanding tax debts, or appears to be operating only superficially, problems may arise during the renewal process.

A company's losses in the early years are not an automatic reason for rejection. However, the business situation, investments, and the sustainability of the business must be explained with documentation.

Is it possible to work another job while holding a D2 session?

The D2 residence permit is primarily granted for independent professional activity or entrepreneurship. However, according to AIMA's current statement, a holder of an independent activity residence permit may later begin working for an employer; in this case, they must apply to AIMA to have their residence permit card amended to reflect their new employment status. (AIMA)

Therefore, it should not be assumed that a D2 holder has completely changed their status simply by signing an employment contract without taking any action. Employment status and the type of activity indicated on the residence permit should be considered together.

It is also incorrect to state from the outset that the D2 application is actually for the purpose of working for an employer. If the person will be working for an employer, the appropriate work visa should be evaluated.

Is it possible to obtain a D2 residence permit while visiting Portugal as a tourist?

In the past, it was possible to apply for visa-free residency through a "manifestação de interesse" (manifestation of interest) by starting independent activity after legally entering Portugal. However, this visa-exempt application route for independent activity has been abolished as of June 4, 2024. Only applications initiated before June 3, 2024, can benefit from the old arrangement. (AIMA)

Therefore, it should not be assumed that in 2026, Turkish citizens will be able to automatically obtain a D2 residence permit by establishing a company after entering the country for tourism or short-term stays.

The general and secure application process is to apply for a D2 residence visa from Türkiye or the country of legal residence, enter Portugal after receiving the visa, and complete the AIMA residence permit process.

Establishing a company in Portugal and changing immigration status from within Portugal are different procedures. A person visiting as a tourist can be a company partner; however, company partnership does not extend the person's stay.

The Difference Between D2 Visa and Startup Visa

The D2 entrepreneur visa and the Startup Visa are not the same application. The D2 is available to entrepreneurs who will make a genuine commercial investment in Portugal, whether traditional or innovative.

Startup Visa is a special program based on innovative, scalable, and technology or knowledge-based projects being run through a certified Portuguese incubator. Under Startup Visa, the entrepreneur must contract with a certified incubator and the project must be evaluated within the IAPMEI system. (Diário da República)

For projects such as restaurants, shops, foreign trade, traditional consulting, or local service businesses, the D2 visa may be more suitable. For technology startups with innovative and rapid growth potential, the Startup Visa should also be considered.

The D2 Visa is not a Golden Visa

The D2 visa is not the same as the Golden Visa, Portugal's investment-based residency program. With the D2, the applicant is expected to settle in Portugal and actively engage in business or independent activity.

The Golden Visa is based on investment activities defined by law and is subject to different residency requirements and fees. Becoming a partner in a company or establishing a company alone does not qualify as a Golden Visa investment.

The reason there is no fixed and high legal investment threshold in D2 applications is that the application is based on the entrepreneur's business plan and active intention to operate, rather than passive investment.

Family Reunification with D2 Visa

A D2 residence permit holder may apply for family reunification when the conditions are met. However, it should not be assumed that family members will automatically obtain residence permits simultaneously with the D2 applicant.

Following the legislative amendment of October 22, 2025, as a general rule, individuals applying for family reunification must have held a valid residence permit for at least two years. This period may be reduced to 15 months for spouses or partners who have lived together for at least 18 months prior to the application. Exceptions apply for minors or dependent children and their parents, and for certain types of residence permits specified in the law. Furthermore, the period may be reduced or waived in special circumstances where strong family ties exist.

Family reunification requires proof of suitable housing and sufficient financial resources to support all family members without relying on social assistance. Current legislation also stipulates that family members must participate in integration measures regarding the Portuguese language and constitutional values.

Therefore, when preparing the D2 plan, it is necessary to consider not only when the main applicant will come to Portugal, but also when and by what legal means the spouse and children will come.

Transition from Session D2 to Permanent Session

Temporary residence permits obtained through the D2 process establish a legal residency period. Individuals who have held a temporary residence permit in Portugal for at least five years and meet other requirements can apply for a permanent residence permit.

AIMA requires applicants for permanent residency to have at least five years of temporary residency, proof of livelihood, housing, fulfillment of tax and social security obligations, and basic Portuguese language skills. Permanent residency status is granted without time limit; however, the card must be renewed every five years. (AIMA)

Obtaining a D2 visa does not automatically guarantee permanent residency after five years. Renewal of residency permits, maintaining legal status in Portugal, and fulfilling the necessary language and financial requirements are all necessary.

Reasons for D2 Visa Rejection

D2 applications can be rejected for various reasons. One of the most common problems is that, although the company has been established, it lacks a real operation or a viable business model.

The main situations that may increase the risk of rejection are:

• The business plan should consist of abstract and copied statements
• The applicant's professional background could not be linked to the project
• The investment amount does not cover operating expenses
• Company and personal livelihoods should not be separated
• The inability to explain the source of the money in the bank account,
• The lack of a real accommodation plan in Portugal,
• The company's headquarters or business address may not be trustworthy
• Unrealistic customer and revenue forecasts,
• The applicant's role within the company is unclear
• Criminal record or entry ban issue,
• Discrepancies in names, addresses, or amounts among the documents,
• Failure to evaluate the necessary licenses for the business.

The fact that the company was established only shortly before the visa application is not, in itself, a reason for rejection. However, the company's purpose and investment preparations must be explained with sufficient documentation.

Common Mistakes in D2 Applications

The most common mistake is considering the ability to establish a limited liability company with low capital in Portugal as sufficient investment for a D2 visa. From a commercial law perspective, the ability to establish a company is not the same as the immigration authority deeming the project feasible.

Another mistake is presenting all the money to be invested in the company as personal income. The applicant's funds allocated for housing, food, and other living expenses should be separated from the company's investment budget.

Simply stating very high revenue and employee numbers in a business plan doesn't always strengthen the case. The assumptions need to be consistent with market data, contracts, and actual financing.

Choosing the wrong CAE activity code when establishing a company, the company's articles of association not aligning with the business plan, or the applicant not being listed as a director may also necessitate clarification in the immigration file.

Documents obtained from Türkiye lacking apostille, translations, or valid expiration dates may lead to delays or rejection of the application.

Furthermore, assuming that the visa-free residency route, which was abolished in 2024, is still valid could lead to serious loss of rights. It should not be assumed that one can obtain a regular D2 residence permit later by making a short-term entry into Portugal in 2026. (AIMA)

Conclusion

Turkish citizens can establish a company in Portugal and own all of it. However, establishing a company, acquiring a share in a partnership, or being appointed as a director does not, by itself, grant the right to live and work in Portugal.

For those wishing to settle in Portugal by establishing a business, the primary immigration pathway is the D2 entrepreneur visa. The applicant must demonstrate that they have made a genuine investment in Portugal or have the intention to invest, possessing available financial resources.

There is no fixed minimum investment amount applicable to everyone for the D2 visa. However, the investment must be consistent with the business activity, operating expenses, and business plan. Companies established with symbolic capital but lacking actual business activity may not be considered eligible.

In addition to company documents, the application must include a detailed business plan, source of investment, personal income, accommodation, professional experience, client or contract connections, and financial projections for the business.

The 2026 subsistence level assessment uses a reference of €920 per month and €11,040 for the 12-month period for the main applicant. This amount should be assessed separately from the company's investment budget.

Visa applications are submitted to the competent Portuguese consular authority, and the official evaluation period is 60 days. A positive decision results in a residence visa valid for two entries and four months. Within this period, the applicant must enter Portugal and complete the residence permit process with AIMA (International Association of Portuguese Citizens).

The initial D2 residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed in three-year periods if the conditions are met. After five years of temporary residence, a permanent residence permit can be considered if other conditions are also met.