The Startup Visa is a program run by IAPMEI in Portugal, designed for entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA/Swiss region. It’s an initiative to draw investment, talent, and innovation into Portugal’s growing startup scene. As well as dependent family members, up to five partners can be included on the application.
With this residency visa, entrepreneurs not only get the chance to live in Portugal but also gain access to the wide array of supports and incentives offered by the StartUP Portugal Programme, helping them to kickstart and grow their businesses.
The residence permit is initially valid for two years and renewable for another three years. After five years, it’s possible to apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship.
The guidelines for this visa are outlined in Articles 60 and 81 of the REPSAE, which is the Portugal Immigration Act.
Applicant Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record (exceptions apply to minor misdemeanours).
- You need to provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself while in Portugal
Startup Eligibility
IAPMEI will evaluate your startup based on innovation, scalability, market potential, the management team’s capabilities, the ability to create skilled jobs in Portugal, and your role within the team.
- You must be planning to launch or move a tech-focused startup to Portugal.
- This startup should aim to develop innovative products or services.
- Your project or startup should have the potential to create skilled jobs beyond just the entrepreneur(s) applying.
- Within five years post-incubation, your startup should aim to achieve a turnover of €325,000 per year or reach an asset value of over €325,000.
- Applicants, who can be up to five per startup, must get approval from a certified business incubator in Portugal.
- If applicable, you should be on top of any tax obligations and have the ability to set up a company during the program.
Benefits
- Mobility: The Start-Up Visa for Portugal allows for visa-free entry and circulation throughout the Schengen Area.
- Live, Work, Study: As a resident, you’re allowed to work as an independent professional, plus you get access to Portugal’s National Education Service, including schools and vocational training.
- Healthcare: Residency gives you access to Portugal’s National Healthcare Service (SNS), covering both primary and secondary healthcare needs.
- Citizenship: After five years of legal residency, and potentially even before, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.
- Family Reunion: You can bring your family to Portugal, with the possibility of requesting family reunification at the same time as your visa application or after receiving your visa. Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or partner
- Children under 18 years old or incapacitated children
- Dependent, unmarried, studying children over 18
- Your or your spouse/partner’s dependent parents
- Minor siblings
- Tax Benefits: You might be eligible for Portugal’s new tax regime (dubbed NHR 2.0) potentially paying a flat tax rate of 20% instead of progressive rates. However, it’s a good idea to speak to an accountant or financial advisor to make sure this is the best regime for you.
Other Benefits:
- You don’t need an already successful startup to apply; an idea presented through a pitch deck and a minimum viable product (MVP) will suffice.
- A single application can include up to 5 team members, all of whom are eligible for visas and residence permits simultaneously.
- The startup visa permits you to work in Portugal, should you wish to work outside the startup.
- The application process is entirely online, making it convenient and efficient.
- You have the option to apply from your home country or from within Portugal if you’re there on a Schengen visa.
- There’s no requirement for an initial investment.
- Unlike most other residence visas, you don’t need to obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) or social security number (NISS), secure housing, open a bank account, or transfer funds before your move. These steps can be completed after your arrival in Portugal.
Other Visas
The startup visa isn’t the only tech or entrepreneurial visa Portugal offers. Other visas include:
- The D2: The D2 allows you to come to Portugal and start a business in any industry – including tech – and there’s no minimum investment requirement (the suggest amount varies depending on the industry you’re in) and there’s also no requirement to create jobs.
- The Digital Nomad Visa: This visa is aimed at freelancers and those that work remotely, earning an income from outside Portugal. If you worked for a startup outside of Portugal and met the income requirements, this could be another route to moving to Portugal.
- The Golden Visa: You can invest in the golden visa by creating jobs or investing in a company in Portugal. The main benefit of the golden visa is the flexibility it offers: permit holders are only required to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal.
Why Choose Portugal?
Many EU countries offer startup or entrepreneurial visas, but Portugal stands out as a desirable destination for living in Europe for several reasons:
- The cost of living is very affordable, although the cost of rent has increased significantly in places like Lisbon.
- Portugal has some of the best weather in Europe, particularly during the winter months. This is especially the case in Lisbon and the Algarve.
- Portugal has high-speed internet. 1 GBPS is available in most towns and cities and it’s possible to get 10 GBPS in an ever-increasing number of locations.
- Portugal is considered one of the safest countries globally.
- Portugal has a growing tech scene, emphasised by the annual WebSummit conference.
- Portugal has one of the fastest routes to citizenship. As of 2024, it’s possible to apply in less than five years.
- Portugal recognises dual citizenship, unlike Spain, which often requires renouncing your original nationality to become a citizen.
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