StartUP Visa

Portugal's StartUP Visa is a dedicated residence program for international entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative, technology-based companies in the country. The program enables non-Schengen area entrepreneurs to reside in Portugal while developing their startup within an IAPMEI-certified incubator. Up to 5 entrepreneurs may apply per project. The program is administered by IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), which evaluates applications and certifies incubators, while the visa is issued by Portuguese consular posts and residence authorizations are granted by AIMA. As of January 2026, 94 incubators hold IAPMEI certification.

• Non-Schengen area national, at least 18 years old
• Innovative business project focused on technology and knowledge-based sectors
• Business plan demonstrating innovation, scalability, and market potential
• Project must demonstrate potential to achieve turnover or asset value exceeding EUR 325,000 per year within 5 years after incubation
• Financial means equivalent to 12 months of the IAS per person (EUR 6,445.56 in 2026)
• Incubation contract with an IAPMEI-certified incubator
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Health insurance covering Portugal (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin and any country of residence (past 5 years) with Hague Apostille

For IAPMEI application:

• Business plan with market analysis
• Entrepreneur CV
• Bank statement demonstrating financial means (12x IAS per person)

For D2 visa (at consulate):

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Two passport-size photographs
• Travel insurance (minimum EUR 30,000 coverage)
• Criminal record certificate with Hague Apostille
• IAPMEI approval declaration
• Incubation contract with certified incubator
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Proof of financial means
• Portuguese NIF (tax identification number)

The D2 entry visa is valid for 4 months, during which the holder must enter Portugal and apply at AIMA for a residence authorization. The initial residence authorization is valid for 2 years from issuance, renewable for successive 3-year periods. Renewal requires demonstrating continued entrepreneurial activity and business progress. Residence authorization may be cancelled if the holder is absent from Portugal for 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months.

StartUP Visa holders may apply for family reunification after obtaining their residence authorization. Eligible family members include spouse or registered partner, children under 18, disabled adult children, unmarried adult children enrolled in full-time studies in Portugal, and financially dependent parents. The sponsor must demonstrate additional financial capacity: 50% of the annual minimum wage per adult dependant and 30% per minor dependant.

Holders who reside in Portugal for 183+ days per year become tax residents subject to Portuguese income tax (IRS) on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 48%. The IFICI tax incentive (formerly NHR) may apply for up to 10 years for qualifying activities, including employees of legally recognized startups, offering a flat 20% rate on eligible Portuguese-source income (requires not having been a Portuguese tax resident in the preceding 5 years). Corporate tax (IRC) is 21% on mainland Portugal. The 2023 Startup Law provides additional benefits including a favourable stock option regime taxed at 14% at the moment of liquidity.

The application follows a multi-step process: (1) research IAPMEI-certified incubators and request service quotations (incubator services typically cost up to EUR 90/month); (2) submit the application online via the IAPMEI platform with business plan, CV, and financial proof; (3) IAPMEI evaluates the project within 30 working days based on innovation, scalability, market potential, and team skills; (4) upon approval, sign an incubation contract with a certified incubator; (5) apply for a D2 residence visa at the Portuguese consulate (fee: EUR 110, processing up to 60 days); (6) enter Portugal and apply at AIMA for the residence authorization card (fee: approximately EUR 160–170, with 25% discount for online applications).

The business must be focused on technology and knowledge with innovative products or services. Traditional businesses without an innovation component do not qualify. IAPMEI assesses projects based on degree of innovation, business scalability, market potential, management team skills, and potential for creating qualified employment in Portugal. The entrepreneur must maintain business operations within the certified incubator during the incubation period.

AIMA revised its fee table effective March 2026 with increases of up to 33% on certain procedures. In April 2026, Parliament approved a revised Nationality Law increasing the citizenship residency requirement from 5 to 10 years (7 years for CPLP nationals), though this law awaits presidential promulgation and is not yet in force. Article 89(4) of the Foreigners Law, which provides the legal basis for the StartUP Visa, was briefly repealed in June 2024 but restored by Law 61/2025 in October 2025.