Moving Your Business to Portugal: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 2 verified routes for founders and investors moving a business to Portugal. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Golden Visa / ARI (Fund Route)

Portugal's Golden Visa survives, but its most popular historical route — direct real-estate purchase — was removed in 2023 under the "Mais Habitação" law. What remains: investment in a qualifying fund (€500,000), research contribution (€500,000), cultural contribution (€250,000), or creating 10 jobs. Separately, Portugal's citizenship residency requirement was extended from a shorter period to 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU nationals) under a nationality-law reform that took effect May 19, 2026.

Who it suits: Investors willing to route capital through a qualifying fund, research contribution, cultural donation, or job-creation commitment — not real-estate buyers. Minimum investment: €500,000 (qualifying fund or research route); €250,000 (cultural contribution); or 10 jobs created. Active involvement: No — this is a passive investment route. What you receive: Temporary residence permit, renewable. Family: Yes — family reunification. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — PR after 5 years; citizenship now requires 10 years of residence (7 for CPLP/EU) as of the May 2026 reform.

Worth knowing: Buying property has not counted towards the Golden Visa since the 2023 Mais Habitação law. The citizenship timeline was extended to 10 years from 19 May 2026.

D2 Immigrant Entrepreneur Visa

Unlike the passive-investment ARI/Golden Visa, the D2 visa is for entrepreneurs who intend to actively establish and run a business in Portugal. There's no fixed investment minimum — applicants instead need to demonstrate sufficient funds to establish and sustain the business (roughly €11,040 in living funds is commonly cited as a baseline).

Who it suits: Founders actively establishing and personally operating a business in Portugal. Minimum investment: No fixed minimum; must show funds to establish the business (~€11,040 living funds baseline). Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Temporary residence permit, renewable. Family: Yes. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — PR after 5 years; citizenship requires 10 years as of the May 2026 reform (7 for CPLP/EU).

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.