Visa Guide

Which Portugal visa is right for you?

Side-by-side comparison of the four main visa paths for entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

D

D8 Digital Nomad

Remote workers & freelancers
Who

Remote workers, freelancers, and contractors earning income from outside Portugal.

Income requirement

€3,510/month (4x PT minimum wage)

Duration

1 year, renewable for 2 years

Processing time

2–4 months

Work in Portugal?

Yes, but primarily for foreign clients/employers

Path to PR

After 5 years of legal residence

Pros
✓Simplest application process
✓No business plan required
✓Family reunification available
✓NHR 2.0 (IFICI) eligible
Considerations
•Income threshold may increase
•Cannot primarily work for PT companies
•Must show steady income history
D

D2 Entrepreneur

Starting a business in PT
Who

Entrepreneurs starting or acquiring a business in Portugal, or self-employed professionals.

Income requirement

No fixed minimum, but must show sufficient funds + viable business

Duration

2 years, renewable for 3 years

Processing time

2–4 months

Work in Portugal?

Yes, own business or self-employed

Path to PR

After 5 years of legal residence

Pros
✓No minimum investment amount
✓Broad range of business activities
✓Family reunification available
✓Can hire employees from Day 1
Considerations
•Requires business plan / project declaration
•Must demonstrate economic relevance
•Longer documentation process
S

Startup Visa

Innovative tech startups
Who

Founders of innovative, scalable, technology-based startups.

Income requirement

No fixed income requirement. Must be incubated by a certified incubator.

Duration

1 year (initial), then switch to D2

Processing time

2–3 months (incubator approval) + 1–2 months (visa)

Work in Portugal?

Yes, on your startup

Path to PR

After 5 years of legal residence

Pros
✓No minimum capital requirement
✓Access to incubator network & mentoring
✓Fast-track processing possible
✓Strong signal for investors
Considerations
•Must be accepted by certified incubator
•Only for tech/innovation startups
•Must transition to D2 after Year 1
•Competitive selection process
T

Tech Visa

Hired by a certified PT company
Who

Skilled professionals hired by a IAPMEI-certified Portuguese company.

Income requirement

No personal income threshold (company must be certified)

Duration

1 year, renewable with employment

Processing time

1–2 months (fastest option)

Work in Portugal?

Yes, for the certified employer

Path to PR

After 5 years of legal residence

Pros
✓Fastest processing of all options
✓Company handles much of the paperwork
✓Growing list of certified companies
✓Straightforward requirements
Considerations
•Tied to the specific employer
•Company must be IAPMEI-certified
•Not for entrepreneurs or freelancers
•Job change requires new application

Not sure which visa fits?

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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and processing times may change. Always verify current requirements with SEF/AIMA or a licensed immigration lawyer. Last updated: March 2026.