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Portuguese residence permit through the StartUP Visa program
- Cost: from EUR 11,000
- Processing time: from 4 months
- Residence permit validity: 2 years, renewable
- Access to accounts with reputable European banks
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
About the program
Portugal’s StartUP Visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to obtain a two-year residence permit, renewable for a further three years. The program is established under Articles 60 and 81 of Portugal’s Immigration Act.
Foreign startup founders may apply after their business plan has been approved by IAPMEI, the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to meet the program requirements.
Advantages of residency in Portugal
Long-term residence permit
You will hold legal resident status in Portugal for five years, giving you time to settle into the country, learn Portuguese, and prepare for the next stage of your immigration journey.
Flexible employment opportunities
Your residence permit allows you to work both for your own startup and for another Portuguese company, develop your career, and improve your professional qualifications.
Greater freedom of travel
Portuguese resident status allows you to travel visa-free across the 29 Schengen countries and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, making both business and leisure travel easier to plan.
Tax planning opportunities
After spending at least 183 days per year in Portugal and becoming a tax resident, you may be eligible for preferential tax treatment under the applicable tax incentive regime.
Relocation with your family
Your spouse and children may also apply for Portuguese residence permits, allowing them to live, study, and work in the country and fully integrate into life in the EU.
Pathway to EU citizenship
After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
Access to the European market
A Portuguese residence permit through the StartUP Visa program allows you to scale your business internationally, expand your network of partners, and increase its revenue potential.
Citizenship opportunities for children
Children born in Portugal may qualify for Portuguese citizenship if the statutory requirements concerning a parent’s period of residence in the country are met.
What challenges does a Portuguese residence permit through a startup solve?
Get your guide to Portuguese residency via startup
- Step-by-step process for applicants
- Detailed requirements and costs
- Ready-to-use strategy for obtaining a residence permit
- Updated 2026 program
Get your guide to Portuguese residency via startup
Become a Portuguese resident by launching an innovative project
- Relocate to the EU with your family
- Benefit from a 15% corporate tax rate
- Travel visa-free across the Schengen Area
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Requirements for applicants
Main applicant (entrepreneur or startup founder)
- 18 years old or over
- No criminal record in any country of residence during the past five years
- A citizen of a non-EU country
- Proof of financial resources of at least EUR 11,040
- Portuguese health insurance coverage
Spouse
- Legally married to the main applicant
- No criminal record
Children
- Under 18 years old
- Unmarried
- Financially dependent on the main applicant
Parents
- Financially dependent on the main applicant
Who is eligible for the program
- Families seeking a European future
- Innovative businesses
- IT entrepreneurs and digital innovators
- International executives and professionals
Families seeking a European future
For those seeking to combine residency with a comfortable lifestyle, quality education for their children, and access to European infrastructure.
Innovative businesses
For founders of technology-driven or scalable projects targeting international markets.
IT entrepreneurs and digital innovators
For professionals and online business owners who want to live in Portugal and develop their projects within the European business environment.
International executives and professionals
For experienced specialists planning career development, relocation, and long-term residence in Europe.
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Step-by-step plan for obtaining residency
Document preparation
You provide a detailed description of your project, prepare your CV and motivation letter, collect your educational documents, and obtain a criminal record certificate and bank statement confirming sufficient financial resources.
Learn moreStartup development plan submission
With the support of Mirsatori specialists, you prepare a startup business plan in line with the official requirements. The completed plan is then submitted to the Portuguese Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI) for assessment and approval.
Learn moreSelection of a suitable business incubator
To qualify for the StartUP Visa, you submit applications to several certified Portuguese business incubators. Once an incubator expresses interest in your project and agrees to cooperate, you complete the relevant application through the IAPMEI platform with the support of Mirsatori lawyers.
Learn moreResidence permit application
Mirsatori specialists arrange your appointment with the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), where you submit your application and supporting documents for Portuguese resident status.
Learn moreReceiving the residence permit card
Once the application is approved, the competent authority issues your residence permit card and sends it to your registered address in Portugal. The permit is valid for two years and may then be renewed for a further three years. After five years of legal residence, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
Learn moreComparative analysis of residency through startup programs
Category
Portuguese RP
Spanish RP
Duration of status
2 years, renewable
3 years
For the whole family
yes
yes
Processing time
from 4 months
from 3 months
Tax on worldwide income
from 15%
from 19%
Capital gains tax
28%
from 19%
Inheritance tax
0%
from 7.65%
Waiting period for citizenship
10 years
10 years
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining Portuguese residency
A Mirsatori specialist will create a personalized residency application plan for you, providing a detailed step-by-step analysis that considers your family composition, verified foreign income, and all related expenses.
Get your strategy
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining Portuguese residency
Your path to Portuguese citizenship
Your path to Portuguese citizenship
Premium concierge support in Portugal
Upon obtaining a residence permit in Portugal, you will receive personalized support from Mirsatori and access to premium services for a smooth adaptation in one of Europe’s most desirable countries:
- Individual assistance with opening accounts in Portuguese and European banks, as well as leading fintech platforms.
- Consultations on personal finance management, investments, and maintaining non-resident tax status.
- Support in renting or purchasing exclusive properties along the coast or in major cities.
- Legal assistance in obtaining a Portuguese and European driver’s license.
- Organization of admissions for children into private schools and international educational institutions in Portugal.
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Alternative startup residency pathway
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
Spain
Cost
from EUR 11,000
Processing time
from 3 months
Benefits
Learn more
- 3-year residence permit
- Entry to Spain without a national D visa
- Permanent residence after 5 years
France
Cost
from EUR 25,000
Processing time
from 6 months
Benefits
Learn more
- 4-year residence permit
- Travel across EU countries without visas
- Citizenship after 5 years
FAQ
How long is the residence permit valid, and how can I maintain it?
Unlike many other European countries, Portugal does not require an immediate investment but places significant value on your active involvement in the project. The immigration framework is based on trust. The initial residence permit is valid for two years, giving you time to establish your business operations and integrate into the country. Once you demonstrate that the project is progressing and that the program requirements are being met, the permit may be renewed for a further three years.
How much capital do I need?
Applying for Portugal’s StartUP Visa requires proof of financial stability. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while living in the country. The required amount is linked to Portugal’s Social Support Index (IAS). The minimum starts from approximately EUR 11,000 for the main applicant and increases when family members are included.
Can my family relocate with me?
Portugal offers favourable family reunification conditions. You may include your spouse, children, and other financially dependent relatives, such as elderly parents. They may receive residence permits with the right to work independently of your startup and access healthcare and education at public or private institutions.
How long does it take to obtain a residence permit?
The Portuguese residence permit process consists of two main stages. The first involves the assessment of your innovative business concept by IAPMEI and an accredited incubator, which usually takes around one to two months. Once the project has been approved, the immigration process begins. Issuing the residence permit card generally takes between three and six months, although the final timeframe may depend on the workload of the relevant consulate or immigration office.
Do I need to invest in the startup while my entry documents are being processed?
No investment in the innovative project is required at the application and visa stages. You only need to submit a well-developed business strategy, obtain approval from an accredited incubator, and demonstrate that you have the required financial resources. Investment in the project can begin later, after you obtain Portuguese resident status.
Get expert guidance on your case
Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals. Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online
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