Portugal Launchpad, in collaboration with Second Wings specialize in helping entrepreneurs and business owners relocate with confidence. Our comprehensive support covers every step — from planning your move and establishing your company to navigating visa requirements and creating a clear pathway to Portuguese residency and eventual citizenship. With our guidance, you don’t just start a business — you build a future.

About us

Who can apply?

Entrepreneurs from all over the world who want to set up an innovative tech-based company will have quick access to a residence visa that allows them to create or move their startup enterprise to Portugal.

Foreign entrepreneurs (non-EU citizens or residents) can apply if they:

• Are over 18 years old

• Have no criminal record

• Have sufficient funds to live in Portugal (min. €5,146.80 per person, proven by bank statement)

• Rent or own accommodation in Portugal

• No strict requirements for education or work experience, though relevant background improves approval chances

• Up to 5 team members can be included in one application

- ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

From Application to Citizenship

Your pathway in Portugal

1. Book a Consultation
Submit to connect with the Portugal Launchpad team.
Start now

2. Initial Review & Meeting
Your case is sent to Second Wings, Portugal. Meet our partners.
Immediate

3. Application & Document Support
We assist you with the online application and required documents.
2 weeks

6. Project adaptation & Incubator Approval
We secure backing from a certified Business Incubator and Tailor your idea to fit the Portuguese market.
4 weeks

4. Secure Approvals & Visa
We get you approved by a certified business incubator and IAPMEI.

4 months

5. Get Visa & Relocate
Receive your Startup Visa, move to Portugal, and launch your business.
2.5 months (1.5 months for visa + 1 month for relocation)

After relocating you can then apply for Portuguese citizenship after 5 years.

- HOW IT WORKS

Claim Your Launchpad to Portugal

Why Choose Us?

Proven Track Record
We’ve successfully guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through Portugal’s Startup Visa process—from application to relocation.

Legal Assurance
All applications are reviewed by a reputable Portuguese law firm to ensure full compliance with immigration and business regulations.

Strong Local Partnerships
We collaborate directly with certified business incubators in Portugal—an essential requirement for Startup Visa approval.

Comprehensive Support
Beyond visa assistance, we offer end-to-end support including family reunification services and company hiring through Portugal’s Tech Visa program.

Frequently asked questions

1. Am I buying a visa through this process?

No. You are not buying a visa. What you’re purchasing is a consultancy service that helps you prepare and submit a strong application to the Startup Visa program in Portugal. Thanks to our experience, network, and deep knowledge of the process, the likelihood of approval with our support is extremely high.

2. What if my project is not approved?

Second Wings team at Portugal has already helped hundreds of entrepreneurs get their projects approved. In the unlikely event of rejection, our team is committed to revising and resubmitting your application as many times as needed — although, in practice, this is rarely necessary.

3. What if the visa is denied for reasons unrelated to the application?

If the visa is denied due to personal issues (e.g. a criminal record or incorrect documents), that decision would apply to any type of visa, not just the Startup Visa. In these cases, Second Wings cannot be held responsible, as it's the entrepreneur's duty to review the official requirements and ensure they are met.

4. Can I bring my family with me?

Absolutely. Through the family reunification process, you can bring:

• Your spouse or registered partner

• Minor children, including those of your spouse/partner

• Adult children who are unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled in education in Portugal

• Dependent parents (either yours or your spouse’s), if you can prove financial responsibility

You can start this process at the embassy right away (your move will take longer, but you’ll arrive together) or after arriving in Portugal (faster for you, but family may come later as tourists initially).

5. Can I later bring more people to work for my company?

Yes. If your business grows and needs to hire international talent, you can bring qualified workers from your home country under the Tech Visa program, also managed by IAPMEI.

- FAQs

6. Are the indicated timelines guaranteed?

No. While the timelines we provide are based on years of experience, they are estimates — we depend on multiple institutions (incubators, IAPMEI, embassies). That said, Startup Visa is still one of the fastest visas available in Portugal. If there are delays, they would likely be longer with other visa types.

7. Why don’t more people apply for this visa?

There are several reasons:

1. Immigration agencies often don’t know the program, as it’s managed by IAPMEI (under the Ministry of Economy), not the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Those that do know it usually lack the know-how to build a successful application.

3. Since the war in Ukraine, the number of applications has increased, causing longer response times from incubators.

We minimize this delay by involving incubators early in the process and matching each entrepreneur with the most suitable certified incubator before the application is submitted.

8. Does the visa and residence permit only apply to Portugal?

The visa allows you to enter Portugal. Once you obtain your residence permit, you can:

• Live and work in Portugal

• Travel freely within the Schengen Area (most of Europe) for up to 90 days per 180-day period

• Sell your products/services across the EU — thanks to the free movement of goods and services under European law