Visa D3 Portugal.
Residence for entrepreneurs and self-employed or liberal professionals
- A great alternative to Digital Nomad visa
The advantages of a D2 visa Portugal
- Allows legal residence and work in Portugal and free movement within the Schengen Area
- Provides access to family reunification, enabling your close relatives to obtain residence
- After 5 years of legal residence, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship
- Provides access to public services such as the National Health Service and Education
The D3 Visa in Portugal, also known as the Highly Qualified Activity Visa, is a specialized long-term residence permit. It is designed to attract international talent and professionals with exceptional qualifications, offering a clear pathway to legally settle in the country.
This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit. It is exclusively targeted at professionals who already have a work contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese company.
This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit. It is exclusively targeted at professionals who already have a work contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese company.
Who Is Considered a Highly Qualified Professional?
Portuguese law defines a highly qualified activity as one that requires exceptional specialized technical skills or an appropriate qualification for the role. Portuguese government considers this category to relate to higher education or over five years of professional experience in activities requiring specialized technical skills.
Some examples of areas and positions include:
Some examples of areas and positions include:
Company directors, executives, and senior public administration officials.
Professionals in medicine, science, information technology (IT), engineering, education, culture, and law.
VISA D2 PORTUGAL
(entrepreneurs and freelancers)
• We guarantee obtaining a D visa
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Initial consultation, case analysis, and Q&A
✔ Personal manager
✔ Registration of an individual entrepreneur and necessary transactions for the business
✔ NIF for the main applicant
✔ Creation of a motivation letter
✔ Assistance in writing a business plan
✔ Appointment booking and communication with the consulate
✔ Document package check before submission
✔ Remote support for D visa application
✔ Handling possible additional requests
✔ Access to a licensed lawyer through your case manager
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Initial consultation, case analysis, and Q&A
✔ Personal manager
✔ Registration of an individual entrepreneur and necessary transactions for the business
✔ NIF for the main applicant
✔ Creation of a motivation letter
✔ Assistance in writing a business plan
✔ Appointment booking and communication with the consulate
✔ Document package check before submission
✔ Remote support for D visa application
✔ Handling possible additional requests
✔ Access to a licensed lawyer through your case manager
- We guarantee obtaining a visa and residence permit
🏆 ALL SERVICES FROM THE "SMART" PACKAGE plus the following:
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Insurance for the visa (for the main applicant)
✔ Assistance with opening a personal bank account in Portugal
✔ Preparation of documents before submitting to the immigration office for residence permit
✔ Individual tax consultation with a local tax specialist
✔ Change of taxpayer address in the NIF
✔ Assistance in obtaining permanent address registration (Atestado de residência pela Junta de Freguesia)
✔ NIF for all applicants
✔ Driver’s license exchange assistance
✔ Concierge service for one month in Portugal
✔ "Adaptation" guide package: everyday topics like healthcare, education, transport and cars, housing, travel, shopping, marriage, moving with pets
Read what our clients think
Pay as you go
We offer convenient payment schedule — pay in two stages while we process your visa and new residence
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Pay in stagesYour payments will be split in several comfortable stages for all packages over €1000 -
We guarantee our workIn an unlikely case your visa or residency is denied, we will resubmit documents or offer to switch program/country free of charge or return your money -
Own team in every country we serveOur team is not only our own experience of moving, but also years of work with hundreds of client cases of varying complexity
Request your one-on-one consultation with our Portugal experts
You will get a detailed personal roadmap for your relocation process to Portugal on a D3 (entrepreneur or freelance) visa and find out all costs, requirements and timelines.
Our local team to handle your case
- Ícaro CoutoAttorney for Portuguese clientsÍcaro is a lawyer passionate about international challenges, He had a career built on civil litigation, visa and nationality consulting. Ícaro has helped countless people turn their dreams into reality with strategic and precise legal solutions.
He supervises our most complex Residence applications and files claims to get your Residence quick in case process stalls. - Dmitriy ZaevPortugal Residence: AIMA processes, legal actions, reunifications
Dmitriy handles some of IMIGRATA's most complicated client issues: lawsuits against AIMA, reunification with Portuguese citizens through school-age children, residency for medical emergencies, and other complex cases that are typically referred to our lawyer after Dmitriy's thorough consultations.
- Alexandra KulikovaVisa programs specialistAlexandra is an expert in Portuguese immigration, specializing in visa types such as the Digital Nomad Visa, D3/90.2, D7, D2, family reunification, and others.
She works with applications in Moscow, Belgrade, Paris, Tel-Aviv, Ankara, as well as other locations around the world.
Pathways for Obtaining the D3 Visa and Residence Permit
There are different pathways for a highly qualified professional to obtain residence in Portugal. The choice depends on the candidate’s specific situation.
Standard Process: Consular Visa (Two Phases)
This is the traditional route, starting in the candidate’s country of origin or legal residence and divided into two main phases:
PHASE 1: Residence Visa Application at the Consulate
The candidate must submit a D3 Visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or the consular section of the embassy in their country of origin or residence. In some countries, this process is handled by official partners such as VFS Global. The visa is valid for four months and allows two entries into Portugal, during which the holder must travel to the country to apply for the residence permit.
PHASE 2: Residence Permit Application at AIMA
After arriving in Portugal, the D3 visa holder must attend an appointment at AIMA to provide biometric data and formalize the residence permit application. In most cases, this appointment is indicated on the visa issued by the consulate.
Direct Application in Portugal (Visa Waiver)
An advantageous option is to apply for the residence permit directly in Portugal, without the need for a prior D3 residence visa.
According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal (e.g., as a tourist) and who, during their stay, obtains a work contract meeting the requirements for highly qualified activity, can apply directly for a residence permit at AIMA. This process becomes a single phase, making it significantly faster.
According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal (e.g., as a tourist) and who, during their stay, obtains a work contract meeting the requirements for highly qualified activity, can apply directly for a residence permit at AIMA. This process becomes a single phase, making it significantly faster.
It is important to note that the D2 Visa is distinct from the StartUP Visa (for innovative businesses), the Golden Visa (which requires larger investments and the creation of at least 10 jobs), and the Digital Nomad Visa (for those working remotely for companies outside Portugal).
Ícaro Couto
Advogado
Step-by-Step for Obtaining the D2 Visa
The process to obtain a residence permit in Portugal through the D2 Visa is fundamentally divided into two major phases: the first occurs at the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, and the second takes place in Portugal at the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).
PREPARATORY PHASE: Laying the Foundation for Your Project
Before starting the formal application, strategic preparation is crucial. This is the most critical phase, where the success of your application is shaped.
PREPARATORY PHASE: Laying the Foundation for Your Project
Before starting the formal application, strategic preparation is crucial. This is the most critical phase, where the success of your application is shaped.
Define the D2 Visa Pathway
Entrepreneurs: If you intend to start a new company, invest in an existing one, or open a branch in Portugal.
Self-Employed Professionals (Freelancers/Liberal Workers): If you are a freelancer or liberal professional and already have a service contract or proposal with an entity in Portugal.
Prepare Key Project Documentation
Entrepreneur: Develop a solid and convincing Business Plan. This is the most important document of your application. It should demonstrate the business’s viability, include a market analysis, financial projections, and explain the positive impact on the Portuguese economy (such as job creation or innovation).
Self-Employed Professional: Obtain a partnership or written service contract proposal with a company or client in Portugal. You must also demonstrate that you are qualified to practice your profession in Portugal, if applicable.
Take Initial Steps in Portugal (Recommended)
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- Open a bank account in Portugal. Depositing the company’s capital or investment funds into account strengthens the credibility of your application.
- For entrepreneurs, registering the company in Portugal before applying for the visa can be a very favorable factor.
PHASE 1: Visa Application at the Consulate
This phase aims to obtain the residence visa, which will be placed in your passport, allowing your travel to Portugal
This phase aims to obtain the residence visa, which will be placed in your passport, allowing your travel to Portugal
Gather Required Documentation
In addition to the Business Plan or service contract, you will need documents and proof of supporting evidence:
In addition to the Business Plan or service contract, you will need documents and proof of supporting evidence:
- Completed official visa application form.
- Passport valid for more than 3 months after the intended return date.
- Two recent passport-style photos.
- Proof of means of subsistence in Portugal.
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract, property deed, or hotel reservation for a minimum period).
- Valid travel insurance or PB4 (for Brazilian INSS beneficiaries).
- Criminal Record Certificate from the country of origin and/or residence, with Hague Apostille.
- Authorization for AIMA to access the Portuguese criminal record.
- Declaration acknowledging that you must not travel to Portugal without the visa.
Submit the Application
The application must be submitted in person at the Portuguese Consulate or at the consular section of the Portuguese Embassy in your country of origin or legal residence. In some countries, this service is delegated to companies like VFS Global. The consular fee is approximately €90.
Await the Decision
The consulate typically takes 60 to 90 days to process and decide on the application. If approved, a residence visa valid for 4 months will be issued, allowing two entries into Portugal
PHASE 2: Residence Permit in Portugal
With the visa in hand, the final step takes place in Portugal to formalize your legal residence
With the visa in hand, the final step takes place in Portugal to formalize your legal residence
Travel to Portugal
You must enter Portugal within the 4-month validity period of your visa.
Attend the AIMA Appointment
You must attend an appointment at AIMA. In most cases, the date and location are indicated on the visa itself. During this appointment, your biometric data (photo and fingerprints) will be collected, and you must present updated documentation, such as NIF, proof of Social Security Number (NISS), proof of accommodation, and evidence of company registration or commencement of self-employed activity. The fee for issuing the residence permit is approximately €170.08.
Receive the Residence Permit
After the appointment, AIMA has up to 90 days to issue your residence card. The initial residence permit will be valid for 2 years.
NEXT STEPS: Maintenance and Future in Portugal
In just five years of your Portuguese residence, you can obtain permanent residence and apply for Portuguese citizenship
In just five years of your Portuguese residence, you can obtain permanent residence and apply for Portuguese citizenship
Renewal of the Residence Permit
After the first two years, the residence permit can be renewed for successive periods of 3 years. To maintain residency rights, you must not be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 cumulative months during the validity of the permit.
Path to Citizenship
After 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, D2 Visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese nationality.
D2 entrepreneurs and freelancers visa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, is a residence visa that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to enter Portugal to establish a business, invest, or work as an independent professional. It is designed for two main categories of applicants:
- Entrepreneurs: Individuals who intend to start a new business, invest in an existing company, or expand their current business operations into Portugal.
- Independent Service Providers (Freelancers): Self-employed professionals who intend to practice their profession in Portugal, providing services to clients or entities in the country.
The most crucial document is the Business Plan. Your application will be primarily evaluated based on the credibility and viability of your business project. A convincing business plan should be detailed and include:
- A market analysis that identifies a need and studies the competition.
- Realistic financial projections, including revenue forecasts, costs, and profitability.
- A demonstration of the project's positive impact on the Portuguese economy, such as job creation, innovation, or the development of new products or services.
- Your experience and qualifications that prove your ability to manage the business.
The law does not stipulate a fixed minimum investment amount or share capital. While it is legally possible to open a company in Portugal with a share capital as low as €1, it is essential to demonstrate that the business is viable and that you have the necessary financial resources for the project.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, it is common to present a share capital between €3,000 and €5,000. More important than the exact amount is demonstrating that the project can positively impact Portuguese society and that you have the financial capacity to support yourself and operate the business. Having a Portuguese bank account with the capital deposited is a highly favorable factor.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, it is common to present a share capital between €3,000 and €5,000. More important than the exact amount is demonstrating that the project can positively impact Portuguese society and that you have the financial capacity to support yourself and operate the business. Having a Portuguese bank account with the capital deposited is a highly favorable factor.
Understanding the purpose of each visa is critical to choosing the correct one:
- D2 Visa (Entrepreneur): This is for individuals with an active business plan who intend to live off the profits of their business activity or as an independent worker in Portugal.
- D7 Visa (Passive Income): This is for those who have sufficient passive income to support themselves, such as pensions, rent, or investments, and do not need to work actively in Portugal.
- Digital Nomad Visa: This is specifically for professionals who work remotely for companies or clients located outside of Portugal.
Yes. The holder of a D2 Visa is entitled to family reunification, allowing close family members to also obtain an accompanying visa to reside legally in Portugal. Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or partner in a de facto union.
- Minor or dependent children under the applicant's care.
- Adopted minors.
- Adult children who are single and studying at an educational institution in Portugal, provided they are dependent on the applicant.
- First-degree ascendants (parents) of the applicant or their spouse, provided they are dependents.
- Minor siblings under the applicant's legal guardianship.
The process is divided into two main phases:
- Phase 1 (Consulate): The application for the D2 residence visa is submitted at the Portuguese Consulate or a delegated entity (like VFS Global) in your country of origin or legal residence. If approved, a visa valid for 4 months, allowing two entries into Portugal, is issued. The consulate typically has 60 to 90 days to process the application.
- Phase 2 (AIMA in Portugal): After arriving in Portugal, the visa holder must attend an appointment at the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA) to apply for the Residence Permit. At this appointment, biometric data is collected and final documentation is submitted.
There is an important distinction:
- The residence visa (the sticker in your passport) has an initial validity of 4 months and allows for two entries into Portugal. Its purpose is to allow you to travel to Portugal to apply for the residence permit.
- The residence permit (the card) is initially valid for 2 years and is then renewable for successive periods of 3 years.
To maintain the right to renew your residence permit, you cannot be absent from Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 interpolated (non-consecutive) months during the validity period of your permit. Exceptions exist for longer absences due to compelling personal, family, or professional reasons.
It is not mandatory, but it can be a very favorable factor. You can apply for the visa by presenting a detailed business plan that demonstrates your intention and the project's viability. However, having already incorporated the company and opened a Portuguese bank account with the share capital deposited lends more credibility to your application and reinforces your intention to invest.
Holding a residence permit obtained through the D2 Visa offers multiple benefits, such as:
- The right to live and work legally in Portugal.
- Free circulation in the Schengen Area as a tourist for up to 90 days.
- Access to public services such as the National Health Service and Education.
- The right to family reunification.
- After 5 years of legal residence, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality.
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Contacts
Headquarters:
4651 Roswell Road, Suite 309 D
Atlanta, GA 30342 USA
Office in Portugal:
(by appointment only)
Avenida de França, 168, R/C,
Vila Nova de Famalicão, 4760-104
E-mail us: info@imigrata.com
4651 Roswell Road, Suite 309 D
Atlanta, GA 30342 USA
Office in Portugal:
(by appointment only)
Avenida de França, 168, R/C,
Vila Nova de Famalicão, 4760-104
E-mail us: info@imigrata.com