2026 guide · Requirements
Startup Visa requirements, without the guesswork
Two things get assessed: you, and your business idea. Here is exactly what each test asks for, what to prepare, and where applications usually fall short.
- minimum age for every founder
- 18+
- proof of funds per applicant (2026)
- €6,445.56
- turnover or assets potential, 5 years after incubation
- €325k
- founders on one application
- Up to 5
Test 1 · You
The personal requirements
These are pass-or-fail. If one of them is missing, IAPMEI cannot approve the application, however strong the business idea is.
Every founder named on the application has to meet them individually, and each one needs a real, essential role in the company.
- Over 18 years old
- Living outside the Schengen Area (with proof)
- Clean criminal record
- No debts to Portuguese Tax or Social Security
- €6,445.56 in your own bank account (2026 figure)
- No existing Schengen permanent residence
Test 2 · Your business
What IAPMEI evaluates
IAPMEI, the Portuguese agency for competitiveness and innovation, scores the economic and innovative potential of the project. Your business plan has to make each point easy to see.
Degree of innovation
A new product, service or process, ideally built on technology or knowledge. A copy of an existing local business does not qualify.
Scalability
A model that can grow beyond Portugal without costs growing at the same pace.
Market potential
Evidence of real demand: market sizing, early customers, pilots, letters of intent.
Team capacity
A team that can actually execute: relevant experience, complementary skills, time commitment.
Qualified jobs in Portugal
A credible hiring plan for skilled roles based in Portugal.
Your role in the team
Why you, specifically, are essential to the company. Passive shareholders do not qualify.
The bar: potential to reach €325,000 annual turnover or assets within 5 years after incubation.
Money
Proof of funds and official costs
You do not need outside investment. You do need to show you can support yourself, and to budget for a few fixed costs.
The IAS changes every January. Startup Portugal's programme page still shows €5,146.80, which is 12 × the 2018 IAS; plan for the current figure (€6,445.56 in 2026). Family members joining you need their own means of subsistence.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Proof of funds, per applicant12 × IAS (€537.13 in 2026). Shown in your own bank statement; not spent. | €6,445.56 |
| National (residence) visa feePer applicant, paid at the consulate or visa centre. | €110 |
| Certified incubator packageSet by each incubator. Ask several for a quotation; this is a required step. | Quote |
| Residence permit (AIMA)Paid in Portugal when your permit is issued. Check the current AIMA fee table. | Official fee |
| Translations, apostilles, certificatesOptionalDepends on your country and how many documents need legalising. | Varies |
| Travel or health insuranceNeeded for the visa application unless an exemption applies. | Varies |
Checklist
Documents you will need
Grouped by stage. Documents issued abroad usually need an apostille or legalisation, and a certified translation if they are not in Portuguese or English.
For the IAPMEI application
- Required:
Passport copy
- Required:
Proof of residence outside Schengen
Residence permit, utility bill or similar for the country you live in.
- Required:
Criminal record certificate
Police clearance from your country of nationality and of residence.
- Required:
Business plan
Innovation, market, team, financials and hiring plan for Portugal.
- Optional:
Pitch deckoptional
Not mandatory, but makes the evaluation much easier.
- Required:
CV of every founder
- Required:
Bank statement showing proof of funds
After IAPMEI approval
- Required:
Signed contract with a certified incubator
Uploaded to the Startup Visa platform.
- Required:
IAPMEI declaration
Confirms the incubation contract. You present it with your visa application.
- Required:
Portuguese tax number (NIF)
Usually obtained through a fiscal representative before you arrive.
For the visa application
- Required:
National visa application form and photos
- Required:
Valid passport
Valid well beyond your planned stay, with blank pages.
- Required:
Travel or health insurance
- Required:
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Rental contract, booking or a statement of hosting.
- Required:
No-debt declarations (Tax and Social Security)
Or a sworn statement if you have no Portuguese numbers yet.
- Required:
Criminal record check authorisation
Process
From idea to residence card
The official sequence, in order. Most delays come from documents prepared too late, so start those early.
- 01
Check the personal requirements
Make sure every founder passes each one before you spend money.
- 02
Shortlist certified incubators
Pick incubators from the national network that fit your sector and city, and request quotations.
- 03
Apply on the IAPMEI platform
Submit your profile, business plan and documents online.
- 04
IAPMEI evaluation
Your project is scored on innovation, scalability, market, team and jobs.
- 05
Sign the incubation contract
Upload it to the platform and receive the IAPMEI declaration.
- 06
Visa, then residence permit
Apply for the residence visa at the consulate, travel to Portugal, then get your residence permit from AIMA.
Avoid these
Why applications get rejected
In our experience, most refusals come down to a handful of avoidable problems.
Not innovative enough
A restaurant, an agency or a resale business rarely meets the innovation test. The D2 visa may fit those better.
Weak growth story
Projections without assumptions, or a market too small to reach the €325k potential.
No evidence of demand
Big claims without customers, pilots, waitlists or letters of intent.
A team that cannot deliver
Missing key skills, or founders with no clear role.
No link to Portugal
No reason why the company should be in Portugal, and no plan to hire there.
Document problems
Expired certificates, missing apostilles or translations, inconsistent names and dates.
After approval
Visa, residence permit and the long term
Residence visa. Issued by the consulate. It lets you enter Portugal, where you then apply for your residence permit.
Residence permit. Issued by AIMA. The first permit is normally valid for 2 years, and renewals for 3 years, as long as the company is active and you keep meeting the conditions.
Family. Your spouse or partner and children can usually join you through family reunification once you hold your residence permit.
Permanent residence and citizenship. Permanent residence can be requested after 5 years of legal residence, with basic Portuguese (A2). Citizenship is a separate application with longer residence requirements since the 2026 nationality law reform.
- Live and work in Portugal
- Travel in Schengen (up to 90 days in 180)
- Family reunification
- Path to permanent residence
Do you meet the requirements?
Answer 7 quick questions to see where you stand. Takes about a minute.
FAQ
Requirements: common questions
Still have questions? Talk to us
How much money do I need for the Portugal Startup Visa?
You must show means of subsistence of 12 × the IAS per applicant: €6,445.56 in 2026. This money stays in your account. You do not need outside investment, but budget separately for the incubator package, visa fees, documents and your first months of living costs.
Can I apply with co-founders?
Yes. One application can include up to 5 founders. Each must meet the personal requirements and have an essential role. New founders generally cannot be added after a favourable evaluation.
Do I need a company in Portugal before I apply?
No. You can apply with a project and set up the Portuguese company later, or relocate an existing company. What matters is that the business will operate from Portugal.
Does a minor criminal record disqualify me?
A clean criminal record is a mandatory requirement. If you have any record at all, get legal advice before applying.
What is the difference between the Startup Visa and the D2 visa?
The Startup Visa is for innovative, scalable, technology or knowledge-based companies and goes through IAPMEI and a certified incubator. The D2 is for entrepreneurs with a conventional business, such as a shop, a consultancy or a restaurant, and has no innovation test or incubator requirement.
Can I live in another EU country with this visa?
No. The visa and residence permit are for living in Portugal. You can travel in the Schengen Area for short stays, normally up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Next step
Not sure your idea qualifies?
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