Guide: Startup residence permit under the article 89.4 🇵🇹

🔥The guidelines are correct, but details regarding changes to SEF in AIMA will be provided later when more clarification becomes available.⏱Addresses within Portugal are also becoming outdated; we will update them accordingly
  • 🚀 Application basis: a good idea is enough, you don't have to present a working business
  • 📄 Apply from: you can apply from withtin Portugal under the article 89.4
  • 🤑 Revenue: potential turnover and/or asset value €325,000+ euros per year after 5 years
  • Education: at least a bachelor's degree is required for all startup founders
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About visa

A startup visa program for Portugal (Article 89.4) is an easy way to move here with your team, even if you have just an idea for a startup.

Moreover, it is better to have an idea rather than a working business - then the process of obtaining a residence permit with a startup visa will be faster. In the first year after obtaining a residence permit, you have to open a company. If something went wrong, you can extend this period twice.

💡 Applications submitted without a resident visa must provide proof of legal entry and stay in Portugal.
Main requirements

✅ You have an idea for a startup in any business area
✅ You can show 5800€ in your account (Social Support Index x12)
✅ You have at least a bachelor's degree
✅ You are older than 18 years
✅ You should be supported by one of the local business incubators
✅ You have to show growth capacity for 5 years
✅ You can apply in the country of citizenship, residence or inside Portugal

Top tips and lifehacks
  • Describe your project's scalability and willingness to grow in the European and global market
  • Demonstrate that you will create jobs for Portuguese people
  • Highlight your innovation. You are unlikely to get an OK from IAPMEI with a café or beauty salon project.
  • Add your wife/husband as cofounder so you don't have to bother with reunification
⚠️ Important

Check-list for StartUp application in your country consulate or visa centre

  • Make an appointment
  • International passport
  • Proof of regular incomes
  • Portuguese account statement
  • Confirmation of a place to live in Portugal for a year
  • Criminal record from your country
  • Minimum 120 days insurance for 30K+ euros
  • Airplane ticket booking
  • Motivation letter
Do you still have questions? Feel free to ask us.

What does a typical process looks like

1

Fill out the Startup Portugal form

Fill out the form and wait for approval from the incubator.

2

Get IAPMEI approval

You need to prepare the documents according to the list and upload them online on IAPMEI website.

3

Make an appointment to apply for a residence permit

AIMA reviews applications and invites you for an interview. You can also apply at the consulate in your country.

4

Wait your residence card

Wait, on average, 2-3 weeks until the ID card arrives at your address. But sometimes it can take up to 3 months.

Step-by-step guide

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Relocation made affordable, transparent and easy

Migrun is the greatest service for relocation – I have received my residence permit in Spain as a digital nomad in less than 1.5 months – from initiation to approval. The best thing about Migrun – they have many affordable solutions combined with lots of free guides, so you get the best value for your money. Plus you never feel pressured to pay more than you really need. Which is truly the mission of the company – to make relocation affordable, transparent and easy. Special thanks to Irina Degtyareva for helping with my case and questions! Looking forward to work with the Migrun team further. Many thanks!

Date of experience: August 02, 2023

Alex Ovechkin

🇪🇸 ES

Immigration service with emphatic and fair approach

My immigration to Portugal wouldn't happen if not for Migrun. First, they have a LOT of free guides of how to collect documents for different visas and residency types + a great chat with a lot of immigrants sharing their experience. A year ago it was a very simple website and a chat of a couple thousands - now an extensive platform and a family of useful chats on Portugal the largest being 10K people. I have collected all documents for D7 visa with their help for free.Later I changed my mind and decided to apply for residency as highly-qualified professional from inside of Portugal and did so with a great help of Migrun. Today I have received my residency card.Business with emphatic approach - unlike many other immigration services who just try to rip you off using your lack of knowledge.All people in Migrun have always been friendly, honest and trying to do their best.

Date of experience: July 31, 2023

Daria Gakova

🇵🇹 PT

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