Portugal offers multiple residency options for foreign nationals, with the Golden Visa for investors and the D2 Entrepreneur Visa being two of the most sought-after routes. Under the Golden Visa programme, non-EU nationals can obtain Portuguese residency by investing a minimum of €250,000 into cultural heritage projects, approved funds, scientific research, or businesses.
The D2 Visa, conversely, requires no set investment amount but is specifically intended for entrepreneurs looking to either purchase an existing Portuguese business or launch a new commercial venture in the country.
Let's take a look at the major differences between the Golden Visa and the D2 Visa in Portugal.
Investment Requirements
The Golden Visa is especially designed for investors. Qualifying investments start at €250,000 for options like the arts and culture route or €500,000 for funds, scientific research, or business investments creating jobs.
As for D2 Visa, there’s no strict investment minimum. But the entrepreneur must show proof of sufficient funds to purchase or establish a viable business enterprise in Portugal. At the same time, they must show that they have a minimum of €9,840 required to live off of for a year in Portugal.
Eligibility Criteria
Both the Golden Visa and D2 Visa require the main applicant to be at least 18 years old and possess a clean criminal record. They must demonstrate a legal source of income and investment funds and have adequate means to support themselves. For the D2 Visa, a comprehensive business plan detailing the proposed entrepreneurial activities in Portugal must also be submitted.
Family Provisions
Close family members like the spouse, dependent children under 18 and parents can be included on either the Golden Visa or D2 Visa application to obtain residency simultaneously.
Residency Acquisition Process
For the Golden Visa, the applicant must first make the required investment to gain approval for a 2-year temporary residency. They can maintain this status by spending just 7 nights annually in Portugal.
For the entrepreneur programme, the process begins by obtaining the D2 Visa, then upon arrival in Portugal within 4 months, applying for a 2-year residence permit by providing proof the business has been purchased or launched.
Pathway to Portuguese Citizenship
After 5 consecutive years maintaining their qualifying investment and temporary residency, Golden Visa holders become eligible to apply for naturalisation as Portuguese citizens.
Likewise, D2 Visa entrepreneurs can also naturalise as citizens after 5 continuous years holding either temporary or permanent residency status in Portugal.
Tax Implications
A key benefit of the Golden Visa is holders can potentially qualify for Portugal's attractive Non-Habitual Resident tax regime offering low flat rates, with no minimum stay required.
In contrast, D2 Visa holders will automatically be considered Portuguese tax residents once physically present in the country for over 183 days per year.
While the Golden Visa facilitates residency through a qualified investment, the D2 Visa requires an active entrepreneurial business venture to be undertaken within Portugal's borders. Both programmes ultimately lead to potential citizenship after 5 years of legal residency. Still, it is important to talk to an expert advisor. That’s where International Wealth Ventures come in.