Is the D2 visa or the golden visa better for a business owner moving to Portugal?

A D2 visa is usually better for an owner who will genuinely establish or manage a Portuguese business. There is no fixed statutory minimum investment, but the applicant must show a credible investment or service activity, available funds, a viable business plan and means of subsistence. IAPMEI approval is not a standard D2 requirement; it is more closely associated with the StartUP Visa, although specific projects may involve IAPMEI evidence. The D2 follows normal residence rules, so long absences can endanger renewal and living in Portugal may create tax residence. The Golden Visa generally requires a €500,000 qualifying investment but only seven days in year one and fourteen days per later two-year period; tax residence is a separate test. Both can lead to permanent residence after five years, while most non-EU/non-CPLP nationals currently need ten years for naturalisation and must meet the other legal conditions.

David Simões Fitas, Ordem dos Advogados 67185P