The D2 Visa allows for a 4-month stay in Portugal for entrepreneurial activities or business purposes.
The D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa) in Portugal is designed to allow foreign entrepreneurs to live and operate their businesses in Portugal. The visa provides a pathway for both temporary and long-term residency, with the possibility of eventually obtaining permanent residency and citizenship. Here's a breakdown of the duration of stay allowed under the D2 Visa:
1. Initial Duration of the D2 Visa
- Initial Visa Period: The D2 Visa is typically issued for an initial period of two years. During this time, you are expected to establish and manage your business in Portugal while meeting the residency requirements.
- Residency Requirement: To maintain the D2 Visa, you must reside in Portugal for the majority of each year, generally spending at least 183 days per year in the country. This demonstrates that Portugal is your primary place of residence.
2. Visa Renewal
- Renewal for Three Years: After the initial two-year period, you can apply to renew your D2 Visa for an additional three years. The renewal process requires you to show that your business is active, financially viable, and continues to contribute to the Portuguese economy. You must also continue to meet the residency requirements during this period.
- Continuous Residency: During the three-year renewal period, you must maintain your business operations and continue to reside in Portugal as required by the visa conditions.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Permanent Residency Eligibility: After five years of continuous residency in Portugal on the D2 Visa, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency allows you to live in Portugal indefinitely without the need for further visa renewals.
- Residency Continuity: To qualify for permanent residency, you must demonstrate that you have maintained continuous legal residency in Portugal for the five-year period, with no extended absences from the country.
4. Long-Term Stay and Citizenship
- Citizenship Eligibility: After holding permanent residency for one year, you may be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship, which typically means you can apply for citizenship after six years of living in Portugal on the D2 Visa.
- Long-Term Benefits: Once you obtain permanent residency or citizenship, you can stay in Portugal indefinitely, enjoying all the rights and privileges of permanent residents or citizens, including the ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area and the European Union.
Summary
The D2 Visa allows you to stay in Portugal initially for two years, with the possibility of renewing it for an additional three years. After five years of continuous residency, you can apply for permanent residency, which grants you the right to live in Portugal indefinitely. Additionally, after one year of holding permanent residency, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship, further securing your long-term stay in the country.