Residency for Freelancers, Entrepreneurs & Self-Employed Professionals
Portugal Freelancer Visa or D2 Visa
Portugal offers an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals seeking European residency while building their business or career. The Portugal D2 Visa provides a legal pathway to live, work, and operate a business in Portugal — a country renowned for its innovation, stability, and high quality of life.
This residency programme is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to establish their business or continue working remotely with international clients, all while enjoying Portugal’s vibrant culture, modern infrastructure, and favourable tax regime.
At Coates Global, our dedicated team ensures a seamless application process — from preparing your business plan to securing your residence permit — guiding you every step of the way towards achieving your relocation goals.
Portugal Residency is extended to spouses and dependent children, allowing remote workers to secure European residency while maintaining global income and professional flexibility.
Key Features of the D2 Visa
– Legal residency in Portugal with full rights to manage a business or work as a freelancer
– No minimum investment required for property or business setup
– Visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries during residency
– Pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years
– Family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, and parents
– Access to world-class infrastructure, public services, and healthcare
– Thrive in Portugal’s growing community of entrepreneurs and digital professionals
Eligibility & Financial Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal D2 Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
- Intend to work as a self-employed professional, freelancer, or entrepreneur in Portugal
- Provide a comprehensive and credible business plan demonstrating the viability of your activity
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family without local employment
- Provide proof of income from existing clients, contracts, or self-employment activities
- Show proof of long-term accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement or property ownership)
- Hold valid health insurance covering medical expenses during your stay
- Provide a clean criminal record certificate from your country of residence
During your application, our team provides clear guidance, timeline tracking, and support tailored to your family’s specific needs.
Expenses for the Portugal D2 Visa (2025)
Applying for the Portugal D2 Visa involves various costs. Below is a breakdown of the key expenses for 2025:
- Visa Application Fee: Approximately €90 per applicant, payable when submitting your application to the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy.
- Residence Permit Fee: Around €160 per applicant, required upon approval of your residence permit in Portugal.
- Health Insurance: Costs range from €20 to €50 per month, depending on the provider and level of coverage. Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory.
- Document Translation and Legalisation: Fees vary depending on the number of documents; budgeting a few hundred euros is advisable for translation and certification.
- Proof of Accommodation: Costs depend on your housing choice. Long-term rentals in cities like Lisbon typically start at €800 per month.
- Legal Fees: Legal fees range from €10,000 to €25,000, including business plan.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Various small fees apply during the D2 Visa process, including costs for obtaining a NIF (Tax Identification Number), setting up a bank account, and travel expenses. These costs amount to approximately €1200 in total.
Frequently Asked Questions
The D2 Visa, also known as the Freelancer or Entrepreneur Visa, is a residency visa designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to work as freelancers, self-employed professionals, or establish a business in Portugal.
Eligible applicants include freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals who can demonstrate viable business plans or ongoing professional activity. They must also have sufficient financial capacity to establish their business and support themselves until the business becomes profitable.
Yes, the D2 Visa allows for family reunification. Your spouse, dependent children, and even parents can be included in your application.
The D7 Visa process typically takes 60 to 120 days from the date of submission at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. After entering Portugal, the residence permit process usually takes an additional 6 to 24 weeks.
Yes, visa-free nationals (e.g., British or American citizens) and those with valid Schengen visas can apply directly in Portugal through AIMA while already in the country.
To maintain your D2 Visa, you must reside in Portugal for most of the year. You cannot be absent for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 cumulative months during the validity of your residence permit.
No, property ownership is not required. You can provide proof of accommodation through a long-term rental agreement or property deed if you choose to purchase.
Yes, applicants must have comprehensive health insurance valid in Portugal to cover medical emergencies and repatriation.
Yes, after five years of continuous legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship or permanent residency, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, including passing a basic Portuguese language test (A2 level).
The D2 Visa is initially valid for two years and can be renewed for successive three-year periods. After five years of continuous residence, you may apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship.
Yes, the D2 Visa allows visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Yes, freelancers and self-employed professionals can work with international clients as long as they fulfill their residency obligations and comply with local tax laws.
Yes, as a D2 Visa holder, you will become a Portuguese tax resident. All income generated within Portugal is subject to local taxation.
Coates Global provides end-to-end support, from preparing your application to liaising with Portuguese authorities, ensuring a smooth and successful process.
Contact Us today, and our experts will provide you with personalized guidance and full support throughout your application.
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