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Startup Visa
PortugalPortugal•Europe
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Startup Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6–11 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €110

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Launch an innovative startup in Portugal with incubator support and access a 2-year renewable residence permit with pathway to permanent residency.

Portugal's Startup Visa enables non-EU entrepreneurs to launch innovative ventures through certified incubators under IAPMEI oversight. Requirements: detailed business plan from an accredited incubator, EUR 11,040 minimum savings, clean criminal record, and health insurance. The program prioritizes high-growth sectors like fintech, AI, green energy, and health-tech.

Initial 2-year residency renewable for 3-year periods; processing takes 6–11 months. EUR 110 national visa application fee applies. Spouses work unrestricted and dependents qualify for family reunification. Holders may pursue permanent residency and convert to D2 or D3 highly skilled visas if circumstances change.

This visa is ideal for international entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas, incubator backing, and commitment to establishing long-term commercial presence in Portugal with a pathway to permanent residency.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

D2 Visa — D2 Entrepreneur Visa
Portugal flagPortugal

D2 Visa — D2 Entrepreneur Visa

Validity2 years
Processing2–3 months
View Visa Details
D3 — Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3)
Portugal flagPortugal

D3 — Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3)

Validity2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)
Processing60 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum savings: 5147

Health insurance required

Age: 18-65

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

11,040 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Business plan

Incubator letter

Bank statement

Criminal record certificate

Health insurance

Accommodation proof

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Renewable 2-year permit with direct pathway to permanent residency
  • Spouse can work unrestricted in Portugal without separate authorization
  • Low application fee of EUR 110—among the lowest for startup visas in Europe
  • Dependents allowed under family reunification scheme
  • Dual intent permitted—can pursue citizenship while building your business
  • Work authorization granted immediately upon visa approval
  • Incubator support and mentorship included as part of visa structure
  • Access to Portuguese social security, healthcare, and Schengen area mobility

Worth Knowing

  • Requires EUR 11,040 minimum savings per founder to demonstrate financial viability
  • Incubator acceptance is mandatory—cannot apply without accredited partner
  • Processing takes approximately 10 months; business cannot launch until visa approved
  • Visa validity depends on meeting agreed milestones with incubator partner
  • Remote work not permitted—business operations must be based in Portugal
  • Business failure or failure to meet incubator milestones can result in visa revocation
  • Limited to applicants aged 18–65; outside this range non-qualifying
  • Startup must demonstrate clear innovation and scalability to secure incubator acceptance

Application Process

1

Develop business plan

Create detailed innovative business plan

2

Secure incubator support

Get acceptance from accredited business incubator

3

Verify financial requirements

Ensure EUR 5,146.80 per founder minimum

4

Prepare documentation

Gather business plan, incubator letter, financial documents

5

Submit to consulate

Apply at Portuguese consulate

6

Pay fee

EUR 110

7

Await decision

Processing typically 60-120 days

8

Receive visa

Collect residence visa

9

Register company

Complete business registration in Portugal

Application Forms

National Visa Application Form—

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