KEY STARTUP CO-INVESTOR VISA DETAILS…
Program Mechanism: Co-invest in a vetted Portuguese startup and gain flexible residency as a cofounder.
Program Cost: €150,000 excluding legal fees.
Application Timeline: 4-6 months (approvals granted within 3 months from application submission).
Legal Basis: Autorização de Residência para Imigrantes Empreendedores – “StartUP Visa” – Art. 89.º, n.º 4.
Official Government Program Page: Click Here.
Official Program Guidance: SEF.pt (Archived).
OUR CLIENTS LOVE OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL…
NEW: Portugal Startup Co-Investor Program = Residency Cards In 4-6 Months – Or Less…
Not comfortable investing €500,000 in a Golden Visa Fund for 5+ years – and waiting 3+ years just to get processed – to get a Portuguese Golden Visa? Fortunately, there are faster, far more affordable alternatives.
And in 2024, one option in particular – the Portugal Startup Investor Visa Program – is starting to garner a lot of international attention.
Priced at only €150,000 excluding legal fees, the Startup Co-Investor Program is currently the cheapest done-for-you, investment-based residency option in Portugal. And with a typical processing time of around 3-4 months, it is also the fastest program of its kind.
While Portugal has had a Startup Visa offering since 2018, it has been notoriously difficult for foreign startup founders to navigate the program. (And to comply with the quarterly reporting requirements, which have to be done by a startup incubator.)
In contrast, the Startup Co-Investor Visa Program is a proprietary white-glove program offering, with everything from startup matchmaking and application submissions to operational management and statutory reporting taken care of.
Given that the Portuguese authorities are eager to stimulate investment in Portuguese startups (and startups based in the Portuguese interior, in particular), this priority visa category is getting processed super fast – typically in as little as 3 months.
And whereas programs like the Highly Qualified Research Residency Program typically feature a sunk-cost/fully non-recoupable fee structure, the Startup Co-Investor Visa Program involves a qualifying capital participation in an existing, pre-vetted Portuguese startup.
Under the Startup Co-Investor Visa Program, this early-stage investment could lead to very meaningful potential returns in the event that the startup gains traction and becomes successful.
(However, this is of course by no means guaranteed, given that startup investments tend to carry a high degree of capital risk.)
Let’s get into the program details below…
Why choose the Portugal
Startup Co-Investor Visa Program?
MOST AFFORDABLE PROGRAM
Priced at only €150,000, the Portugal Startup Co-Investor Visa is the most affordable program of its kind in the country (it’s even cheaper than the HQA Visa Program).
FASTEST RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Given that stimulating foreign funding of Portuguese startups is of strategic importance for the country, Startup Investor Visa applications are typically processed in around 3 months.
MEANINGFUL POTENTIAL ROI …
Rather than being a fully-sunk-cost option, the Startup Co-Investor Visa Program could deliver meaningful potential returns (in the event of the target startup being successful).
WORLD CLASS HEALTHCARE
You and your family can gain access to Portugal’s world-class healthcare system as Portuguese legal residents.
ATTRACTIVE TAX BENEFITS
Startup Co-Investors can benefit from the new Portuguese Non-Habitual Residency Program, offering a 20% flat tax on eligible “highly qualified activities”.
QUALITY TECH TALENT POOL
Portugal based startups benefit from the country’s growing tech talent pool – and lower-than-average labor costs.
EU TRAVEL FREEDOM
Enjoy freedom of movement and visa-free access to 26 Schengen countries with your family as a Portuguese resident.
CLEAR PATH TO CITIZENSHIP
The Startup Co-Investor Visa program offers a clear path to eventual permanent residency (PR) and/or Portuguese Citizenship.
THE ULTIMATE PLAN B
We live in highly uncertain times. Secure your Plan B in a safe, non-polarized, livable and affordable EU country today.
Comparing the Startup Investor Visa Program To The Other Portuguese Residency Programs
| Column 1 | Startup Investor Visa | HQA Residency | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Of Investment | Co-investment in an existing, pre-vetted Portuguese startup | Funding of new research or technology startup projects | Fund Investments (€500K); Cultural Heritage Preservation / Artistic Production (€250K) |
| Minimum Capital Outlay | €150K | €150K – €175K | €500K;€250K |
| Residency Visa Type | Startup | D3 | D9 |
| Application Timeline | 4-5 months | 4-6 months | 18-24 months+ |
| Family Eligibility | Spouse, Minor Children, Dependent Elderly Parents | Spouse, Minor Children, Dependent Elderly Parents | Spouse, Minor Children, Dependent Elderly Parents |
| Minimum In-Country Stay Requirement (During Temporary Residency Stage) | Yes (However Stay Exceptions Rule Applies) | Yes (However Stay Exceptions Rule Applies) | 7 Days Per Year (On Average) |
| Residency Permit Validity | 2 Years, Then 3 Years | 2 Years, Then 3 Years | 2 Years, Then 3 Years |
| Clear Path To Portuguese PR/Citizenship | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Income Or Net Worth Requirement | No | No | No |
| Does Program Build “Genuine Links” With Portugal | Yes | Yes | No |
| Open To Russians? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Startup Co-Investor Visa Application Process
| Process Step | Time Required | Responsible entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Collection of applicant’s information for due diligence vetting | 1 Week | Startup Investor Visa Consultant |
| 2. Contract signature and payment of onboarding fee (deductible) | 1 Week | Applicant / Startup Golden Visa Consultant |
| 3. Appointment of legal representative | 1 Day | Startup Investor Visa Consultant / Lawyer |
| 4. Obtain Portuguese Fiscal Number (NIF) | 1 Week | Startup Investor Visa Consultant / Lawyer |
| 5. Submission of application for pre-approval and adjudication | 15 Days | Startup Investor Visa Consultant / IAPMEI |
| 6. Qualifying transfer of capital | 1 Month | Applicant / Lawyer |
| 7. Gathering of all relevant documentation | 1 Week | Applicant / Lawyer |
| 8. Application to Immigration Services (SEF) | 1 Month | Lawyer |
| 9. Biometrics appointment | Typically 3-6 months later | Applicant / AIMA |
| 10. Residency card issuance | Typically 4-6 weeks after biometrics appointment | AIMA |
The Startup Co-Investor Visa Program Is Presented In Association With:
Lock in your Plan B with a Startup Co-Investor Visa from only €150,000. Program slots are very limited, so contact us now to find out more.
Simply complete the below form and one of our expert consultants will get back to you.We look forward to being of service and helping you make your Portuguese Plan B dreams a reality.
Portugal Startup Co-Investor Visa Overview for 2024 compiled by…
