D2 Residence Visa Lawyer Portugal

If you are planning to start a business or work as an independent professional in Portugal, the D2 Residence Visa may be the appropriate legal pathway. As a D2 Residence Visa lawyer in Portugal, I advise non-EU entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners on how to structure their application correctly and secure long-term residence under Portuguese immigration law.

The D2 visa is not a shortcut. It is a residence framework for genuine economic activity, and applications are assessed carefully by both Portuguese consular authorities and the immigration authority in Portugal. Proper legal preparation is essential.

What Is the Portugal D2 Residence Visa?

The Portugal D2 Visa is regulated under Article 58(1) of Law no. 23/2007 of 4 July and Article 24(d) of Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007 of 5 November.

It was created to attract:

• Foreign entrepreneurs establishing companies in Portugal
• Independent professionals exercising a liberal or freelance activity

The D2 visa allows non-EU citizens to obtain:

• An entry visa issued by a Portuguese consulate, followed by
• A temporary residence permit issued in Portugal, leading to long-term residence

As a Portugal D2 visa lawyer, my role is to ensure that the business activity, professional engagement, and documentation meet the legal criteria applied by the authorities.

Who Is the D2 Visa Suitable For?

The D2 visa is suitable for individuals who:

• Are non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizens
• Intend to start or invest in a business in Portugal, or
• Intend to exercise an independent professional activity
• Can demonstrate financial means and economic viability
• Have accommodation in Portugal
• Have no serious criminal record

There is no minimum investment amount fixed by law, but the activity must be credible, viable, and relevant to the Portuguese economy.

Key Characteristics of the D2 Residence Visa

• Issued initially as a residence visa by the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate
• Followed by a long-term residence permit issued in Portugal
• Initial residence permit validity: 2 years
• Renewals: 3-year periods
• Minimum stay obligation:
  • At least 6 months per year, plus
  • No absence longer than 6 consecutive months, unless justified by professional, cultural, or personal reasons

A D2 Residence Visa lawyer in Portugal will help structure the application to meet these requirements and avoid future renewal issues.

Tax Considerations for New D2 Residents

As a new resident in Portugal, applicants may be eligible to benefit from special tax regimes, subject to meeting the legal conditions in force at the time of application.

Tax planning should always be assessed before relocation, particularly for entrepreneurs and independent professionals. Immigration status and tax residence are closely linked and must be coordinated carefully.

The D2 Visa Application Procedure

Step 1: Consular Application

The D2 visa application is submitted at the Portuguese Consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s country of residence.

The consulate will:

• Assess the application
• Request a binding legal opinion from AIMA (Portuguese Immigration Authority)
• Receive that opinion typically within 20 days

The overall decision usually takes up to 60 days from submission.

Before applying, the applicant must:

• Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF)
• Open a Portuguese bank account
• Prepare all required documentation

Step 2: Entry into Portugal and Residence Permit

Once the consulate approves the temporary D2 visa, the applicant may:

• Enter Portugal
• Attend an appointment with AIMA
• Apply for the residence permit

This procedural sequence is critical and often mishandled without legal assistance.

Documents Required for the D2 Residence Visa

Although requirements may vary slightly by consulate, applicants are generally required to submit:

1. Official D2 visa application form
2. Valid passport or travel document (valid at least 3 months beyond stay)
3. Two recent passport photographs
4. Travel insurance with medical coverage and repatriation (minimum €30,000)
5. Proof of legal residence in the country of application
6. Authorization for criminal record verification by Portuguese authorities
7. Criminal record certificate from:
   • Current country of residence
   • Any country of residence exceeding one year (children under 16 exempt)
8. Proof of means of subsistence (bank statements for last 6 months)
9. Proof of accommodation in Portugal
10. Flight reservation (tickets purchased after visa issuance)
11. Motivation letter explaining:
    • Purpose of the visa
    • Intended place of residence
    • Timeframe for living in Portugal

Additional Requirements for Entrepreneurs

Applicants intending to set up or invest in a business must provide:

• A declaration confirming that a business has been set up or will be set up in Portugal, indicating:
  • Nature of the activity
  • Value of the investment
  • Duration of the business activity

And either:

• Proof of business incorporation (company documents, accounts, Portuguese corporate bank statement), or
• Proof of sufficient financial means available in Portugal to start the business (bank confirmation letter)

A business plan and CV are mandatory under Article 31(2) and (3) of Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007.

Requirements for Independent Professionals

Applicants following the independent professional activity route must:

• Hold a service contract or written proposal
• Be qualified to exercise the activity, where applicable
• Demonstrate that the activity is lawful and economically viable in Portugal

This route requires careful legal framing to avoid misclassification.

D2 Residence Permit and Family Reunification

After obtaining the D2 residence permit:

• The holder may apply for family reunification
• Eligible family members include:
  • Spouse or partner
  • Minor children
  • Dependent adult children
  • Dependent parents

Each family application is assessed individually.

Rights of D2 Residence Permit Holders

Without prejudice to special legal provisions, D2 residence permit holders are entitled to:

1. Access to the Portuguese National Health Service
2. Access to the Portuguese education system
3. Exercise of professional activity as an independent professional
4. Access to vocational training and professional education
5. Full protection under Portuguese law and courts

From D2 Visa to Permanent Residence and Citizenship

The D2 residence permit may be converted after five years of legal residence into:

• Permanent residence, or
• Portuguese citizenship, subject to:
  • Legal compliance
  • Residence continuity
  • Basic Portuguese language proficiency

Long-term planning from the first application is essential.

Why Work With a D2 Residence Visa Lawyer in Portugal?

D2 applications are frequently refused due to:

• Weak or unrealistic business plans
• Insufficient financial evidence
• Poor documentation
• Misunderstanding of procedural steps

As a D2 Residence Visa lawyer in Portugal, I provide:

• Eligibility assessment
• Legal structuring of the business or professional activity
• Document preparation and review
• Consular and AIMA procedure support
• Renewal and long-term residence planning

How We Can Assist

If you instruct us, we can assist with:

• Preparing a compliant D2 visa application
• Obtaining a Portuguese NIF
• Opening a Portuguese bank account
• Drafting and reviewing business plans
• Booking and preparing for the AIMA appointment

All assistance is provided with discretion, accuracy, and professional accountability.

Speak With a D2 Residence Visa Lawyer Portugal

If you intend to apply for the Portugal D2 Residence Visa, professional legal guidance can significantly reduce delays and improve the outcome.

You may contact us to discuss your case and receive assistance from an experienced D2 Residence Visa lawyer in Portugal.