Startup Visa Program in Portugal
Startup Visa Program Portugal
Support and promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation have been identified as strategic priorities in Portugal. As part of attracting foreign investment, the "Startup Visa" Program, promoted by IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), was established.
The "Startup Visa" Program welcomes foreign entrepreneurs who wish to develop projects capable of fostering the dynamism of creating "startup" companies with new ideas and business models, and it also contributes to attracting highly qualified professionals.
GENERAL DOCUMENTATION
Application form, duly completed and signed by the applicant (in the case of minors or incapacitated individuals, signed by the legal guardian)
Two identical passport-sized photographs, updated and in good condition for identification of the applicant
A passport or another travel document valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay; Photocopy of the biographical page
Proof of regular situation if the applicant is of a nationality other than the country where the visa is requested, with validity extending beyond the date the requested visa expires
Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, including emergency medical assistance and possible repatriation (*);
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country of residence for more than one year (minors under 16 are exempt from submitting the criminal record documents), with Hague Apostille (if applicable) or legalized
Proof of financial means of support as defined by the government regulation
Startup Visa in Portugal
The Startup Visa is a program to welcome highly qualified foreign entrepreneurs, promoted by the Government of Portugal through IAPMEI – Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation. It is aimed at citizens from third countries (outside the European Union and the European Economic Area) who wish to create or relocate innovative startups to Portugal, contributing to the development of the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Program Objectives
Attract international talent and investment
Promote the creation of innovative companies in Portugal
Encourage the creation of qualified employment
Enhance technological development and competitiveness in the Portuguese economy
Who Can Apply?
Entrepreneurs from outside the European Union who:
Wish to develop an innovative business project in Portugal
Are involved in early-stage startups with growth potential
Do not have residence in European territory
Have no criminal records
Possess sufficient financial means to support themselves in Portugal (at least the equivalent of the annual minimum wage per person involved in the project)
Project Eligibility Criteria
The project must have a technological innovation profile, internationalization potential, and economic growth prospects;
It must be focused on creating qualified jobs;
It must be accepted by an IAPMEI-certified incubator that will assist in the development of the business in Portugal.
Steps in the Process
Online Application: The entrepreneur submits the application on the IAPMEI portal, including a detailed description of the project, the promoters' CVs, and a business plan
Incubator Selection: The project must be accepted by an accredited national incubator, which evaluates the viability and potential of the idea
Support Declaration: The incubator issues an official declaration of support for the project
Visa Application: With the issued declaration, the entrepreneur applies for the residence visa at the Portuguese Consulate in their country of origin
Settling in Portugal: After the visa is issued, the entrepreneur can enter Portugal and apply for a residence permit at AIMA (Agency for Immigration and Mobility)
Benefits of the Startup Visa
Legal residence authorization in Portugal for the entrepreneur and the possibility of family reunification
Access to the European market and the Portuguese tech ecosystem
Support from specialized incubators and access to mentorship and investment networks
Possibility of renewing the residence permit and applying for permanent residency or Portuguese nationality after five years
Required Documentation (examples)
Valid passport
Criminal record certificate
Proof of financial means of support
Business plan and project description
Acceptance letter from a recognized incubator
IAPMEI and AIMA official forms
Need Help Applying For Your Startup Visa in Portugal
At Luxe Move Portugal, we specialize in helping international entrepreneurs navigate the Startup Visa process, making it easier for you to establish your innovative business in Portugal. We assist with all necessary steps, from guiding you through the application process to ensuring your project meets the criteria for approval. Our team also helps secure the required documentation, such as proof of financial means, business plans, and the endorsement from an IAPMEI-certified incubator. Additionally, we provide support with residency registration and settling into Portugal, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of the visa process.
