Portugal and Madeira's D2 Visa

The D2 is a short-term visa for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs, created by the Portuguese government to incentivise new business owners to move operations to the Portuguese economy. The D2 allows non-EU/EAA/Swiss citizens to obtain residency in Portugal and Madeira, once they have demonstrated their commitment to growing a business in Portuguese territory.

Lesser known than the D7 or Golden Visa, the D2 is a viable option for individuals looking to start a business or move their existing operations to Portugal and take advantage of the benefits that EU residents receive in the Schengen Economic Area.  

Increasingly popular with UK Nationals no longer able to access the EU Market, the D2 Visa is growing in popularity with Brits, serving as a passageway to obtaining Portuguese citizenship and allowing them to take back their rights lost after Brexit.   

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent service providers who can prove that they have set up a company operating in Portuguese territory or can show that they have the financial resources to start a company in Portugal and Madeira could be eligible for the D2 Visa. There is no official minimum amount of capital required for a D2 visa, but it is recommended that you have at least €5,000 or can demonstrate proof of a start-up loan from a Portuguese Bank.

The 'Entrepreneur' Visa

A viable Visa option for Entrepreneurs looking to move their operations to the European Economic Area and benefit from Visa-free travel 

Path to Portuguese Residency

Validity of 120 days, offering a pathway to Portuguese Residency which can be exchanged for a 2-year residency permit

Portuguese Citizenship

Portuguese Citizenship and Passport after five years for you and your family through naturalisation

Visa-free Schengen Travel

With Portuguese residency, benefit from access to the 26-nation European bloc, EEA, and visa-free travel to 183 nations around the world

What are the requirements to qualify for a D2 Visa?

To apply for the D2, you must demonstrate sufficient means to start a business in Portugal, including, but not limited to:

  • Viable business idea
  • Well-structured Business Plan
  • Sufficient capital
  • Strong reasoning for the creation of the business
  • Proof of the financial resources to support the setup and growth of the business
  • Proof of experience in the proposed business area

Alongside your business plan, you must also provide the following documentation:

  • Portuguese Company Certificate
  • Portuguese Business bank account with capital transfer
  • Personal Tax Number and Company Tax Number (NIF)
  • Social Security Number
  • Employment Contracts
  • 3 months of Social Security Contributions
  • Proof of accommodation/rental agreement valid for 12 months

How does the D2 Visa Application work?

Step 1 – Research and connect with the Portuguese business community.

Step 2 – Company Formation / Establish a branch office in Portugal.

Step 3 – Obtain necessary licences and permits.

Step 4 – Open a business account of the company in any financial institute of Portugal.

Step 5 – Hire an accountant/manager for the operation of the business in Portuguese territory.

Step 6 – Start paying tax and social contributions for the employee/shareholder partner of the company.

Step 7 – Transfer your business capital to a Portuguese company bank account at least 50% of the investment.

Step 8 – Fill out your application form for a D2 visa, which is available on the Portuguese consulate website of your residence country (duly completed and signed).

Requirements for Madeira’s D2 Visa

To apply for a D2 Visa, you must demonstrate sufficient means to start a business in Portugal, including, but not limited to:

Business Plan
  • Viable business idea
  • Well-structured Business Plan
  • Sufficient capital
  • Strong reasoning for the creation of the business
  • Proof of the financial resources to support the setup and growth of the business
  • Proof of experience in the proposed business area
Portuguese Company Formation
  • Portuguese Company Certificate
  • Portuguese Business bank account with capital transfer
  • Personal Tax Number and Company Tax Number (NIF)
  • Social Security Number
  • Employment Contracts
  • 3 months of Social Security Contributions
  • Proof of accommodation/rental agreement valid for 12 months

Why Madeira?

One of Europe’s most popular Island destinations

Just 900km from Lisbon, Madeira is an island paradise providing a high quality of life, low cost of living, sub-tropical climate and low crime rate. An ideal destination for your family, during your retirement, or to move your company operations.

Tax Incentives for new company formations in Madeira’s IBC

The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC), or Madeira Free Trade Zone as it is commonly referred to, offers a series of benefits for new companies formed in Madeira, predominantly tax benefits approved by the European Union and guaranteed until at least 2027. Learn more about Madeira’s IBC in our Blog.

 

Our Services

Company Formation

Madeira Company specialises in the incorporation and registration of new businesses and companies in Madeira and Portugal. We have an experienced team ready to assist you with all aspects of company formation. Whether you choose a Public (S.A) or Limited (LDA) company, our team offer thorough guidance and expert support with name registration and approval, certificate of incorporation, fiscal number, and opening a company bank account.

Tax Consulting

Our dedicated team offers advice on compliance with local taxation requirements, and assistance in tax refunds and tax litigation. Madeira Company works with you to mitigate your tax risks and improve the efficiency of your local and international operations in Madeira. Our in-house team of experienced tax professionals are ready to assist with Personal Income Tax, Non-Habitual Residency and Fiscal Representation.

Accounting

Madeira-based Bookkeeping and accounting services, including VAT, Profit Tax returns and the preparation of financial statements. Our expert team can discuss the level of support required for your business. We will assist you with VAT and tax returns to your local authority, periodic and annual reporting as well as your End of Year accounting. Contact us today to find out how our team of experienced accountants can help you and your business.

Contact Us

info@madeiracompany.com

+351 291 625 894

MC Contabilidade, Rua das Pretas 43, Andar 3, 9000-049 Funchal, Portugal

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