Portugal D2 Visa
While Portugal has moved away from its traditional Golden Visa program, the country has doubled down on attracting entrepreneurs and business owners through its D2 Visa. This program offers a compelling alternative for those seeking EU residency through business investment and entrepreneurship.
Investment Amount: While there’s no fixed minimum, investments typically start around €250,000.
Business Plan: Applicants must present a viable business plan for a new or existing Portuguese company.
Job Creation: The business should demonstrate potential for job creation in Portugal.
Residency Benefits: The D2 Visa provides a path to permanent residency and citizenship after 5 years.
Tax Benefits: Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime offers significant tax advantages for new residents.
The D2 Visa program has been a catalyst for Portugal’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. According to Startup Portugal, the country saw a 26% increase in the number of new startups in 2022, with foreign entrepreneurs accounting for nearly 20% of founders. Notable success stories include Unbabel, an AI-powered translation platform that raised $60 million in Series C funding, and Feedzai, a fintech company valued at over $1 billion.
