Portugal is an excellent choice if you are a tech-savvy entrepreneur or an innovative startup founder looking to expand your business. The country has several visas to encourage the relocation of bright minds, and the Portugal Startup Visa might just be what you need.
In this article, we’ll examine the Portugal Startup Visa in-depth, how it complements similar programs, and what you need to start a thriving empire on the Iberian Peninsula.
You’ll also find out more about:
What is the Portugal Startup Visa?
The Portugal Startup Visa is a residency program aimed at attracting non-EU entrepreneurs to start an innovative business in Portugal.
It targets people with scalable, technology-driven, or internationally focused business ideas that can contribute to Portugal’s expanding startup ecosystem.
Unlike traditional Portugal visas, the Startup Visa specifically emphasizes innovation and technological development, making it ideal for startups in industries such as software, research, and product development.
To qualify, applicants must present a comprehensive business plan that demonstrates their idea’s viability and potential for global expansion. Once approved, applicants receive a residency permit to live and work in Portugal while developing their venture.
Over time, successful visa holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, making this program an appealing option for those looking to combine business growth with long-term residence in Europe.
Difference Between the Portugal Startup Visa and the D2 Visa
If you are familiar with all the business-related visas Portugal offers, you might think that the Startup Visa sounds a lot like the Portugal D2 Visa. While you would be somewhat correct, several key differences set the two immigration options apart.
The D2 Visa is also for people who want to invest in an existing business or start a new one, with few restrictions on what kind of business it must be.
However, applicants for the Startup Visa must secure approval from a certified Portuguese incubator through Portugal’s Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI), which will provide guidance, resources, and support to help ensure the business’s success.
Here’s a table comparing the Portugal Startup Visa and D2 Visa to highlight their differences:
Aspect | Portugal Startup Visa | D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa) |
Target Audience | Innovative entrepreneurs with scalable, tech-driven business ideas | Entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, and independent professionals |
Business Focus | Innovation, technology, scalable startups with international expansion | Broad business scope, including traditional businesses like restaurants, shops, or consultancies |
Requirement for Incubator | Partnership with a certified incubator is mandatory | No requirement for an incubator or external support |
Key Application Requirement | Approval of a viable, innovative business plan by a certified incubator | Submission of a business plan showing economic viability |
Minimum Investment | No minimum investment required, but sufficient financial resources are needed to sustain the business | No fixed minimum |
Sectors Covered | Tech, research, software, innovation-driven sectors | Open to all sectors, including service-based and local businesses |
Application Process | Approval by incubator then apply for visa through Portuguese consulate | Submit business plan and supporting documents directly to consulate |
Flexibility | Restricted to startup and innovation-focused ventures | Flexible for traditional, small, or medium-sized businesses |
Path to Permanent Residency | Eligible after 5 years of maintaining residency and business | Eligible after 5 years of maintaining residency and business |
Citizenship Opportunity | Can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency, meeting language and integration requirements | Same path, with language and residency conditions required |
Read our Portugal D2 Visa Ultimate Guide
Benefits of the Startup Visa
The Portugal Startup Visa offers several benefits for entrepreneurs looking to gain access to Portugal and the broader EU market:
Residence in a growing startup hub: Entrepreneurs gain residency in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems, with access to government-backed initiatives, tech hubs, and innovation-driven networks. Cities like Lisbon and Porto have become key destinations for startups and international investments.
No minimum investment requirement: Unlike other residency or business visa programs, the Startup Visa does not require a specific minimum financial investment. Instead, applicants must demonstrate the viability of their business idea and financial capacity to support its development.
Incubator support and networking: One of the standout features is the mandatory partnership with a certified business incubator. These incubators offer mentorship, strategic guidance, networking opportunities, and essential resources, increasing the likelihood of the startup’s success.
Pathway to long-term residency and citizenship: The program allows entrepreneurs to apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship after five years of maintaining their residency and business in Portugal, offering long-term stability and access to the EU.
Access to EU markets and funding: With residency in Portugal, entrepreneurs benefit from visa-free travel across the Schengen Area and can access EU-specific funding programs, grants, and incentives designed to foster business growth and innovation.
Portugal Startup Visa Criteria
Entrepreneurs from around the world seeking to establish an innovative technology-based company will have expedited access to a residence visa, enabling them to create or relocate their startup to Portugal. However, a few essential criteria must be met.
- Applicants must develop business activities to produce innovative goods and services
- They must open or relocate their companies and/or projects to Portugal, focused on technology and knowledge, with a perspective of developing innovative products
- The business or project must have the potential to create qualified employment
The most crucial criterion is that the business or project must have the potential to attain, five years after the incubation period, a turnover of more than €325,000 per year and/or assets valued at over €325,000 per year.
To be successful in the application, the business or project will be evaluated by IAPMEI and judged on the degree of innovation, business scalability, market potential, management team skills, and potential for creating qualified employment in Portugal.
Additional requirements
Additional requirementsIn addition to the strict application criteria, a few additional requirements must be met. For example, while there isn’t an age limit for applicants, the minimum age for the Startup Visa is 18 years.
- While it allows Portuguese citizens to be included in the project, the application leader must be a non-EU citizen.
- A foreign citizen must have started the business outside of Portugal if the goal is to relocate the project to Portugal under the Startup Visa.
- Each member included in the application must have at least 12 times the Social Support Index (IAS) in a Portuguese bank account, which totals €6,270.
- The project must be approved by an incubator
- The business or project can only have up to five members
- Only five residency visas can be issued per project
There are currently over 100 incubators that can approve projects or businesses and elect to work with application leaders.
Application Process for the Startup Visa
Since the projects must be approved by an IAPMEI incubator, the application steps are a bit more complex than most people will be familiar with. However, here are the general steps that every application will follow:
1. Applicants must first register their details online through the dedicated Startup Visa portal. This is where applicants explain what the business or project is about or demonstrate their interest in developing an entrepreneurial and innovative project in Portugal. During the registration, applicants must also provide financial statements and a criminal record certificate.
2. Once all the project details are uploaded, incubators can assess the viability according to their needs and then submit a declaration of interest. If at least one incubator is interested, an application will be submitted to IAPMEI.
3. After about 30 working days, IAPMEI will reach a decision based on its evaluation processes. If the decision is favorable, it moves to the next step.
4. The interested incubator will have 40 working days to formalize the incubation contract. This includes the obligations of the entrepreneurs and incubators, such as the contract value, the person of the certified incubator responsible for monitoring the project, and the obligations and services provided by the certified incubator.
5. After the entrepreneurs review it, the incubation contract is finalized through a declaration of acceptance issued by IAPMEI.
6. The declaration of acceptance is valid for 180 days, during which period it must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for approval to be granted the Startup Visa. It will be valid for four months and allow for two entries into Portugal.
7. After the visa has been granted, applicants will receive an appointment date with Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) to formalize the residency permit.
Entrepreneurs and incubators are required to submit quarterly reports to IAPMEI to assess the project’s progress.
Read our Portugal Citizenship by Investment Guide
Required Documents for the Portugal Startup Visa
The documentation required to apply for a residence visa under the Startup program is as follows:
- Official form for visa application fully completed and signed
- Declaration issued by IAPMEI certifying the signing of an incubation contract with a certified incubator
- Passport or additional travel documents
- Two passport photos
- Valid travel insurance
- Proof of being in a regular financial situation
- Consent to a criminal record check by AIMA
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law, made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.
Portugal Startup Visa Processing Time and Costs
After applicants upload their project details to the online platform, there is no set duration for when incubators must show interest and submit a declaration.
However, IAPMEI takes about 30 working days to approve the application, and the incubator will have 40 working days to formalize the incubation contract.
Applicants will have five days to accept the contract, after which the incubator has 20 days to register a personalize incubation plan.
Thereafter, applications for the residency visa can take between two and four months, while the residency permit usually takes four months.
In addition to having €6,270 per project member in a Portuguese bank account and paying the various fees for starting a business in Portugal, you can also expect to pay €90 for the Startup Visa and €155 for issuing the residency permit.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal's Startup Visa
What is the Portugal Startup Visa?
The Portugal Startup Visa is a residency program designed to attract non-EU entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas to establish their startups in Portugal. It provides a pathway to live and work in Portugal while developing the business and eventually qualifying for long-term residency or citizenship.
How can I apply for the Portugal Startup Visa?
To apply, you must submit a business proposal through Portugal’s official Startup Visa portal. The proposal will be evaluated by a certified business incubator, which must approve your business idea. Once approved, you receive a letter of acceptance, allowing you to apply for the visa through a Portuguese consulate in your country.
What are the requirements for the Portugal Startup Visa in 2025?
Key requirements include:
- A viable and innovative business plan approved by a certified incubator.
- Proof of financial resources to support yourself and the startup.
- An intention to establish a scalable business with international growth potential.
- No prior criminal record and proof of health insurance.
Who is eligible for the Portugal Startup Visa program?
The program is open to non-EU/EEA citizens who have a tech-driven or innovation-focused business idea that can demonstrate scalability and international expansion potential. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means to support the business.
Can I apply for the Portugal Startup Visa as a non-EU citizen?
Yes, the Portugal Startup Visa is specifically designed for non-EU/EEA citizens seeking to establish an innovative business in Portugal.
What is the minimum investment required for the Portugal Startup Visa?
There is no official minimum investment requirement. However, applicants must show they have sufficient financial resources to establish and sustain the business during its early stages.
What type of businesses qualify for the Portugal Startup Visa program?
The program is tailored for startups and businesses that focus on innovation, technology, and scalability. These can include tech startups, software development, R&D projects, and other innovation-driven ventures.
Is there a specific sector focus for the Portugal Startup Visa in 2024?
The visa primarily focuses on tech, digital innovation, R&D, and scalable projects, but it is open to a range of sectors as long as the business demonstrates high growth potential and innovation.
How long does it take to process the Portugal Startup Visa application?
The processing time can vary, but once the incubator approves the business plan, the visa application at the consulate typically takes a few months, depending on the complexity of the case.
What is the duration of the Portugal Startup Visa?
The initial residency permit is typically issued for up to 2 years, with options for renewal.
Can the Portugal Startup Visa be renewed?
Yes, the visa can be renewed for an additional three years. After five years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
What is the “Programa Startup Visa Portugal”?
The “Programa Startup Visa Portugal” is the official initiative under which the Portugal Startup Visa operates. The government’s strategy is to attract international talent, foster innovation, and boost the country’s startup ecosystem by supporting non-EU entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative business ideas.
