Before packing your bags or planning your next big move, there’s one question to answer: what visa actually makes sense for you? If you’re thinking of relocating to Portugal and you’re an investor or entrepreneur, you’ll likely land between two choices:
The Portugal Golden Visa or the D2 Visa. One lets your money do the work for you. The other is designed for those who want to get involved directly with Portuguese business life. Let’s walk through the key differences so you can make the right call.
D2 vs Golden Visa: What Are They Exactly?
The Portugal Golden Visa is the country's most well-known Residency by investment programme.
The most popular route today via an investment of €500,000 into a qualified investment fund.
It’s ideal for those who want minimal fuss: your investment is managed for you, and you only need to spend a minimum amount of days per year in Portugal to maintain residency.
The Portugal D2 Visa, on the other hand, is often called the Business Visa.
It’s a great fit for people who plan to be more active, including launching a business, buying into an existing company, or relocating their operations to Portugal.
While there’s no legally required investment threshold, your business plan will be evaluated on its viability.
How They Work: A Closer Look
Golden Visa Highlights:
- €500,000 investment into regulated funds;
- Minimal stay: 7 days in year one, 14 days every two years after;
- Residency leads to citizenship in 5 years;
- Includes immediate family members and dependents;
- Hands-off investment with professionally managed funds.
D2 Visa Highlights:
- Investment level depends on your business model;
- Can be used to start or acquire a business in Portugal;
- Path to citizenship after 5 years;
- Includes spouse with further family options;
- Can potentially access NHR 2.0 tax benefits
- Requires more hands-on involvement. However, our tailored packages lighten the load considerably.
D2 vs Portugal Golden Visa: What Makes Them Different?
The key difference lies in how involved you want to be.
If you want a mostly passive route, and you’re happy to invest capital into a fund, the Golden Visa is the classic choice.
If you prefer to create, manage, or expand a business, the D2 is better aligned with your goals.
Also worth noting:
- Golden Visa applications are currently seeing delays due to high demand;
- D2 Visa processing is typically quicker, especially if your application is well-prepared;
- Stay requirements also differ. The D2 usually implies a more regular presence, though flexible, in Portugal, especially if you're running your business on-site.
- Portugal Homes has exclusive D2 Visa packages where your personal involvement is considerably lighter.
Cost Comparison: Golden Visa vs D2 Visa
Most of the cost, unsurprisingly, comes down to the investment itself.
For the Portugal Golden Visa, that means a minimum of €500,000 in a qualifying investment fund.
With the D2 Visa, the final cost will depend on the type of business you’re starting or acquiring and that often includes extra expenses like staff, licenses, and day-to-day operations that aren’t always obvious upfront.
Both routes also involve additional costs: private health insurance, accommodation in Portugal, and standard application processing fees.
And while the Golden Visa may seem more straightforward, the full price tag can easily rise once you factor in government charges and legal administration.
However, Portugal Homes has an alternative, with its exclusive D2 Visa qualifying investment through Mátria Co-Work.
| Visa Type | Investment Requirement | Processing Speed | Involvement Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | €500,000 (fund investment) | Slower due to backlog | Passive |
| D2 Visa – Mátria | From €280,000 (co-working model) | Faster | Semi-passive (Tailor-made package) |
Currently in development, Mátria is set to be the modern workspace in Lisbon for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, businessmen and investors.
Strategically located, just 1km away from the capital's iconic heart, Avenida da Liberdade, an investment in Mátria represents a unique opportunity to obtain the D2 Visa.
We have structured this option over the course of 5 years, with a system of tiered annual guaranteed returns.
From day one, investors benefit from full operational support, business registration, and immigration guidance, making it one of the most straightforward and secure ways to gain Portuguese residency while investing in a real, income-generating asset.
Read more:
Gain Residency through the D2 Visa by Opening a Business in Portugal
Lisbon: The Perfect City for Entrepreneurs
D2 vs Portugal Golden Visa: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose the D2 Visa if…
- Want a lower investment threshold;
- Are open to light or semi-passive involvement in a business;
- Prefer quicker processing times.
Choose the Golden Visa if…
- Have substantial capital amount to invest;
- Prefer minimal engagement;
- Want the simplest path to residency with fewer obligations.
Why Portugal Homes?
Because we understand that investing, whether to obtain a return or to relocate to Portugal, isn't simply about paperwork, and that it may very well be a life-changing decision.
At Portugal Homes, we know that every client has their own story and priorities, and our mission is to play a positive role in that journey.
Whether you're looking for a smooth, hands-free investment or a guided business setup, we offer advisory on both.
Our in-house specialists know everything there is to know, from NIF registration to business plans, fund subscriptions, residency cards, and citizenship submissions. We’re here from day one, and we stay with you long after.
With a 100% approval success rate with residency and citizenship applications, over €500 million in transactions managed, and a client-first approach, we help you build a real future in Portugal.
Contact Us and We’ll Help You Decide Which Visa Fits Your Plans Best
