Portugal Golden Visa for Entrepreneurs: Building a Business in Europe
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Discover how entrepreneurs can use Portugal’s Golden Visa to launch and scale a business in Europe. Learn about start-up opportunities, tax benefits, and residency options.
Intro
For entrepreneurs with global ambitions, Portugal has become one of Europe’s most inviting destinations. The Golden Visa program offers a legal and efficient route to residency for investors who want to base their business or innovation project within the European Union.
With a growing start-up ecosystem, a stable political environment, and a favourable tax structure, Portugal provides everything needed to establish or expand a business in Europe while also opening the door to citizenship after five years.
At Golden Visa Funds Portugal (GVFP), we help entrepreneurs and investors navigate fund-based and innovation-driven routes that align with Portugal’s residency regulations.
Learn more about the full process in our Golden Visa Complete Guide.
Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
Program Status | Active in 2025 |
Minimum Investment | €500,000 in a regulated investment fund or innovation-driven venture |
Residency Requirement | 7 days in first year, 14 days every two years |
Corporate Tax Rate | 21% national, with regional reductions available |
Start-Up Visa Alternative | Available for founders establishing innovative businesses |
Citizenship Eligibility | After 5 years of legal residency |
Portugal’s pro-business environment, combined with access to the wider European market, has turned Lisbon and Porto into emerging innovation hubs.
According to Startup Portugal data, more than 2,800 new tech start-ups were registered in 2024, and venture funding in Portugal has tripled since 2020.
Foreign founders benefit from:
An English-speaking talent pool
Access to EU grants and investors
A simple corporate registration process
Modern infrastructure and reliable banking
For entrepreneurs entering via the Golden Visa program, these advantages come alongside the added security of European residency.
While the Golden Visa is primarily known for fund investments, several routes are particularly suited to entrepreneurs:
1. Venture or Private Equity Fund Participation
Invest in a regulated investment fund that supports Portuguese start-ups or small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These funds pool capital from investors to back innovative businesses in sectors such as green energy, digital transformation, and tourism.
This option allows entrepreneurs to gain residency while indirectly contributing to Portugal’s innovation economy.
2. Direct Business Creation (Start-Up or SME)
Entrepreneurs can also create or invest directly in a company based in Portugal. The business must:
Employ local workers
Demonstrate economic or technological impact
Comply with national tax and social security obligations
While more complex than the fund route, direct ownership can be ideal for those planning an operational base in Europe.
3. The Start-Up Visa Program
Separate from the Golden Visa but complementary for entrepreneurs, the Start-Up Visa targets innovative founders supported by certified incubators. Successful applicants receive residence permits and access to Portugal’s start-up ecosystem.
Competitive Tax Framework
Portugal offers one of the most accessible corporate tax systems in the EU:
21% standard corporate tax rate
14.7% regional rate for companies established in low-density areas
Exemptions on dividends from qualifying EU subsidiaries
Entrepreneurs who relocate personally can also apply for the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime, which provides reduced taxes on global income for ten years.
Double-Taxation Treaties
Portugal maintains treaties with more than 75 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, preventing double taxation on income and dividends.
Intellectual Property Incentives
The Patent Box regime allows companies to tax eligible IP-related income at just 10%, further encouraging innovation-based businesses.
Setting up a company is straightforward, with full digital registration available.
Steps:
Obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
Choose a company structure (LDA for small firms or SA for larger ventures).
Register with the Commercial Registry Office.
Open a Portuguese business bank account.
Enroll for social security and VAT if required.
The entire process typically takes five to seven working days.
Portugal’s start-up ecosystem continues to attract international attention.
Key initiatives include:
Portugal Ventures – a state-backed venture capital fund supporting innovation.
StartUP Portugal+ – a national program providing incubation and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
Web Summit Lisbon – one of Europe’s largest tech gatherings, connecting founders with global investors.
Lisbon’s combination of skilled professionals, affordable cost of living, and EU-wide access makes it a practical base for expanding internationally.
Q1: Can I apply for the Golden Visa by starting my own company?
Yes. If your company is incorporated in Portugal, demonstrates economic value, and maintains local employment, it may qualify under the investment route.
Q2: Is the fund route easier for entrepreneurs?
Yes, investing in a regulated venture or SME fund is simpler to manage and still supports the business ecosystem indirectly.
Q3: Can a Start-Up Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. After five years of continuous legal residency, Start-Up Visa holders may apply for permanent residency or citizenship, similar to Golden Visa investors.
Q4: Do I need to live full-time in Portugal?
No. The Golden Visa requires only minimal annual presence, making it ideal for global entrepreneurs.
Q5: Are there government incentives for innovation-based companies?
Yes. Programs such as Portugal 2030 and Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) provide grants for sustainability, digitalization, and R&D.
Portugal’s combination of investor residency and entrepreneurial opportunity has created one of Europe’s most attractive gateways for global founders. Whether through a regulated fund or direct business creation, the Golden Visa gives entrepreneurs access to EU markets and long-term security for their families.
GVFP works with licensed advisors and fund managers to help entrepreneurs evaluate opportunities, confirm eligibility, and complete their application efficiently.
Contact us to:
Learn which investment routes support business creation
Get introductions to Portuguese venture and innovation funds
Begin your residency process with expert guidance
Tariq El-Asad
Founder at goldenvisafundsportugal.com
Tariq has more than a decade of experience with Portugal's Golden Visa and founded GVFP in 2021 to help investors.
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