Portugal
Startup Visa
Program Details
- Visa Duration
- 2 Years
- Dependents Allowed
- Yes
- Spouse Can Work
- Yes
- Application Fee
- EUR 90
- Application Method
- Online application through the StartUP Visa platform followed by consular visa application
- Citizenship Pathway
- Eligible to apply for permanent residence or citizenship after 5 years of legal residence
Who Can Apply
- Eligible Stage
- Entrepreneurs; Startup founders
- Funding Requirement
- No fixed minimum investment requirement stated
- Endorsement Requirement
- Approval from a certified Portuguese startup incubator and participation declaration from IAPMEI
- Proof of Funds
- Proof of financial resources to support the applicant during the first year of residence
Notes
Program Description: The StartUP Visa is a residence visa for entrepreneurs designed to attract investment, talent and innovation capacity to Portugal and support the creation of innovative companies in the country. (Source: https://www.iapmei.pt/Paginas/StartUP-Visa-en.aspx)
Program Changes: The Startup Visa program operates under regulations issued by the Portuguese government and is managed by IAPMEI, which evaluates startup applications together with certified incubators. (Source: https://www.iapmei.pt/getattachment/Paginas/StartUP-Visa-en/StartUP-Visa-FAQs-EN_maio2022_V7_publicada.pdf.aspx?lang=pt-PT)
Team Size Rules: A startup project may include up to five entrepreneurs applying under the same project. (Source: https://www.iapmei.pt/getattachment/Paginas/StartUP-Visa-en/StartUP-Visa-FAQs-EN_maio2022_V7_publicada.pdf.aspx?lang=pt-PT)
Application Fee: Applicants submit the visa request through Portuguese consular services after approval in the StartUP Visa program platform. (Source: https://www.iapmei.pt/getattachment/Paginas/StartUP-Visa-en/StartUP-Visa-FAQs-EN_maio2022_V7_publicada.pdf.aspx?lang=pt-PT)
Proof of Funds Requirement: Entrepreneurs must demonstrate that they have financial resources to support themselves during the initial period of residence in Portugal. (Source: https://www.iapmei.pt/getattachment/Paginas/StartUP-Visa-en/StartUP-Visa-FAQs-EN_maio2022_V7_publicada.pdf.aspx?lang=pt-PT)
Last Verified: March 2026