Portugal has been establishing itself as one of the leading European destinations for business expansion, attracting startups, international holdings, technology companies, and investors seeking access to the European Union market.
In addition to legal stability and a strategic location, the country offers a favorable environment for business internationalization and global mobility.
In this scenario, the D2 Visa has become one of the main entry routes for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business presence in Europe while obtaining legal residency in Portugal.
D2 Visa vs. Golden Visa:
Although both may lead to residency in Portugal, the D2 Visa and the Golden Visa have completely different structures.
The Golden Visa has traditionally been linked to passive investments, especially investment funds and asset structures.
The D2 Visa, on the other hand, is focused on active participation in the business.
In other words, it was designed for entrepreneurs who wish to:
- Open a new company in Portugal
- Expand existing operations
- Create European branches
Establish a business presence in the European market.
For many international entrepreneurs, especially after the recent changes to the Golden Visa, the D2 has become a more strategic alternative aligned with real business expansion.
The main requirements for the D2 Visa in 2026:
The D2 Visa was developed for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to open a company or establish operations in Portugal.
The main requirements include:
- A solid and viable business plan
- Proof of sufficient share capital for the project
- Formation of a Portuguese legal entity
- Proof of sufficient personal financial means for subsistence
More than the amount invested, Portuguese authorities evaluate the consistency, economic viability, and relevance of the business project.
One of the biggest mistakes in D2 processes is presenting a generic business plan.
Portuguese immigration authorities do not evaluate only numbers. They evaluate strategic coherence.
A strong plan must demonstrate:
- Financial viability
- A real operational structure
- Economic potential of the business
- Sustainability of the operation in Portugal
Compatibility between the entrepreneur’s profile and the proposed project
In practice, the business plan becomes one of the most important documents in the entire process.
Even before applying for the visa, many entrepreneurs need to legally structure their operation in Portugal.
This process normally involves:
- Obtaining the NIPC/NIF
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Defining the corporate structure
- Depositing the share capital
- Formal company registration
Depending on the business activity, there may also be specific regulatory requirements or licensing obligations.
A poorly organized structure can compromise not only the visa, but also the future business operation itself.
The D2 Visa is not just an immigration process.
It is a strategic tool for entrepreneurs who wish to expand operations, access the European market, and establish a solid international presence.
When properly planned, the D2 connects immigration, business, and global mobility into a single strategy.
Take your business to Europe with security and structure. Schedule a corporate mobility consultation with our specialized legal team.
Author: Anna Miranda – Immigration Lawyer in Portugal
Anna Miranda is an immigration lawyer specialized in Portuguese citizenship, residence permits and international mobility.