Portugal's StartUP Visa for Tech Founders

StartUP Visa

The StartUP Visa is a hosting program for foreign entrepreneurs who want to build an innovative, technology-based company in Portugal, governed by Legislative Order 4/2018 and run on a rolling basis. Founders first register a project on IAPMEI's platform and send declarations of interest to certified incubators; at least one incubator must respond positively before IAPMEI evaluates the full application. IAPMEI weighs the degree of innovation, scalability, market potential, the management team and the potential for qualified jobs in Portugal. After approval and a physical incubation contract, the founder applies for a residence visa and then a residence permit. One project can include up to five entrepreneurs.

IAPMEI decision

Within 30 working days of submission

Own funds

12 x IAS per founder (EUR 6,445.56 in 2026)

Team size

1–5 entrepreneurs per project

Growth test

Potential turnover or assets above EUR 325,000 a year

Residence visa

2 entries, 4 months; consulate decides within 60 days

Visa fee

EUR 110 per national visa application

Leads to

AIMA residence permit for incubated entrepreneurs

Requirements

• Be a non-EU entrepreneur aged 18 or over without permanent residence in the Schengen area.
• Plan innovative goods or services with an international focus, in a technology- and knowledge-based project or company.
• Show potential to create qualified jobs and to exceed EUR 325,000 in annual turnover or assets five years after incubation.
• Hold own funds equal to 12 times the IAS per entrepreneur, proven by bank statement.
• Have a clean criminal record and no unpaid tax or social security debts in Portugal.
• Secure interest from at least one IAPMEI-certified incubator, followed by a physical incubation contract.

How to apply

1. Register the project and team on IAPMEI's StartUP Visa platform and send declarations of interest to certified incubators.
2. After positive feedback from at least one incubator, complete and submit the application for IAPMEI's evaluation.
3. Once IAPMEI approves, sign the incubation contract within 40 working days and download the acceptance declaration.
4. Apply for the residence visa at the Portuguese consulate with the IAPMEI declaration, insurance, criminal record and proof of means.
5. Enter Portugal and attend the AIMA appointment shown on the visa to request the residence permit.

Residence visa for independent work or entrepreneurs (D2)

Founders who do not go through an incubator can apply for the residence visa that Portuguese consulates issue for independent work or for immigrant entrepreneurs, commonly called the D2. Entrepreneurs must show investment operations already carried out, or financial means available in Portugal, including through a Portuguese bank, together with proof of their intention to invest in the country. No minimum investment figure is published for this visa. Applicants also prove means of subsistence on the Portuguese scale, which in 2026 uses a monthly reference of EUR 920 for the main applicant, and supply a valid passport, travel insurance and a criminal record certificate.

Visa validity

4 months, 2 entries, to apply for a residence permit

Decision time

60 days, unless the law sets otherwise

Visa fee

EUR 110

Minimum investment

No published minimum; investment intent required

Means (2026)

EUR 920 a month for the applicant; 50% per extra adult

Leads to

AIMA residence permit for independent activity

Requirements

• Evidence of investment operations already made in Portugal, or funds available in Portugal plus proof of intention to invest.
• Means of subsistence on the EUR 920 monthly reference for the applicant, plus 50 percent per added adult and 30 percent per child.
• Passport valid three months beyond the planned stay, and travel insurance covering medical care and repatriation.
• Criminal record certificate from the country of nationality or of residence for over a year, apostilled or legalized.

How to apply

1. Prepare evidence of the business investment or available funds and of the plan to invest in Portugal.
2. Apply at the Portuguese consulate or visa center for your place of residence and pay the EUR 110 fee.
3. Within the four months of visa validity, attend AIMA to apply for the residence permit.

Tech Visa

Status: Certifies companies, not individual founders

The Tech Visa is not a visa for founders themselves but a certification for companies. IAPMEI certifies market-oriented firms with a registered office or stable establishment in Portugal, and certified companies issue statements of responsibility that speed up residence visas for the highly qualified non-EU staff they hire. AIMA and the consular services process the resulting visas and permits. A startup that has grown past incubation can use the program to recruit international talent, although no more than half of its workforce may be hired under the program at the same time, or 80 percent for companies operating mainly in interior regions.

Who applies

Companies, not individual founders

Certification

Renewed certification valid 5 years, renewable

Hiring cap

Max 50% of staff under the program (80% in interior)

Rules

Portaria 328/2018 and Portaria 59-A/2022

Requirements

• Company with a registered office or stable establishment in Portugal and a market orientation.
• A favorable IAPMEI decision against the criteria in Portaria 59-A/2022.
• Hired workers who meet the program's eligibility rules for highly qualified staff.
• No more than half of the workforce hired under the program at once, or 80 percent in interior regions.

How to apply

1. Apply online to IAPMEI for Tech Visa certification.
2. After certification, issue a statement of responsibility through IAPMEI's electronic form for each candidate.
3. The candidate applies for the residence visa or permit with the consulate or AIMA.