A residence-permit route for non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs building an innovative or technology-focused company in Portugal. Applications are submitted via IAPMEI platform, after vetting from a qualified incubator — and Build Up Labs is one of them.
The Startup Visa is designed for entrepreneurs outside the EU who intend to build — not merely relocate — a technology-or-innovation company in Portugal. It is not a passive investment route (see the Golden Visa for that) and it is not suitable for traditional small businesses.
A single main applicant can apply solo or with up to four co-founders. Each co-founder must hold at least 10% of the company. All applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss, 18 or older, and provide proof of a clean criminal record from their country of origin.
The main applicant must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, at least 18, with no criminal record. Up to five co-founders can apply jointly, each holding at least 10% of the company. The project must be innovation- or technology-focused and have an international-markets orientation.
The financial proof is 12 × IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais) per applicant, held in a bank account. IAS 2026 is €537.13, so the current threshold is approximately €6,445.56 per applicant. IAS is updated annually by the Portuguese Government — always verify the current year's value before applying. You do not need to prove separate investment capital for the business itself.
IAPMEI (Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação) is the Portuguese agency that reviews and approves Startup Visa applications. They evaluate innovation level, business model scalability, market potential, team skills, and the prospect of creating highly qualified jobs in Portugal.
Applications can only be submitted after initial vetting from an IAPMEI-accredited business incubator. The incubator commits to supporting the startup, which is the main quality gate of the program. Build Up Labs is an accredited Startup Visa incubator.
Projects focused on innovation and technology with international-market ambition. IAPMEI looks for potential to reach €325,000+ in annual turnover or asset value after five years, a scalable business model, and the ability to create highly qualified jobs.
IAPMEI targets a review window of 60 to 90 business days after submission. After approval, you have 40 days to sign the contract with an incubator and then apply for the residence visa at the Portuguese consulate.
Yes. The Startup Visa is specifically designed for applicants who are not yet in Portugal. Once approved, you receive a residence visa, enter Portugal, and convert to a residence permit.
You receive a residence permit tied to the startup project. Founders must meaningfully develop the company in Portugal; the incubator monitors progress in a physical non-virtual engagement for at least 12 months until company is incorporated. The visa can be renewed as long as the business continues to operate.
No. The Golden Visa is a residence-by-investment route and has been scaled back for real-estate investment. The Startup Visa is a distinct program for entrepreneurs building a business in Portugal and is based on the business project, not capital deployed.
Program rules, fees, and financial thresholds are periodically updated by Portuguese authorities. Verify the latest figures with official sources or a licensed advisor before submitting.
Build Up Labs is an IAPMEI-accredited Startup Visa incubator. If you're a non-EU founder building something we'd back, let's talk.
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