StartUP Visa (Portugal)
Build your startup from Lisbon or Porto with a residence visa and access to Portugal's sta…
Record checked Oct 21, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:01 UTC
Summary
IAPMEI-run residence and work visa route for non-EU entrepreneurs who create or move an innovative, tech/knowledge-based startup to Portugal, usually via a certified incubator.
Dream spread
Build your startup from Lisbon or Porto with a residence visa and access to Portugal's startup programs.
Relocation reality check
No cash grant; the project must show potential to exceed EUR 325,000 annual turnover or assets five years after incubation and create qualified jobs, and you must fund your own stay.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansReality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Non-EU founders (18+, clean record) with an innovative, scalable tech/knowledge project assessed by IAPMEI and linked to a certified incubator.
The long game
If Portugal becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Portugal · residency → PR → citizenship
Verify rules- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y5Permanent residency~5 years
- Y5Citizenship eligible~5 years
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Property purchase
- Not required
- Tax
- May combine with Portugal's IFICI (NHR 2.0) regime if conditions are met; see that row.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation$400
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇵🇹 Portugal. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/PortugalExpats
Visas, housing, banking and day-to-day questions from movers.
- r/portugal
Source trail
We could not fully confirm the key figures against the official source. Check it yourself before relying on them.
“potential to reach ... "a turnover and/or asset value above 325,000€ per year"”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 21, 2026- Secondary referenceLast checked Oct 21, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.