I am self-employed or an entrepreneur
- Freelancers and service providers.
- Self-employed professionals.
- People planning to create or develop a business activity in Portugal.
D2 · route
Freelancers and entrepreneurs use a specific route.
Self-employment can be based on services, a professional activity or a company. For people still abroad, there is a specific residence-visa route.
Do not mix legal routes
The former Article 89(2) visa-waiver route linked to Expression of Interest was revoked for new applications from 4 June 2024.
Your route, step by step
What to check first
01
Before Portugal
gov.pt provides a residence-visa route for self-employed activity or immigrant entrepreneurs.
02
Residence-permit stage
AIMA requires the relevant valid visa and evidence such as tax/Social Security activity registration and proof of the business/professional activity.
03
Organise the activity
NIF, activity registration, contributions and commercial documents should be consistent with the residence application.
04
Separate professional fees from public fees
Accountants, lawyers and consultants may charge for their services; that is not the same as an official public fee.
Confirm before acting
Self-employment / entrepreneur visa — gov.pt ↗Self-employment residence permit — AIMA ↗
Rules, channels and fees can change. The official source prevails at the time of filing.