Is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or the Tech Visa faster to get?

The Tech Visa (Tech Visa) is typically faster, around 1–2 months, versus 3–6 months for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.

Which costs more, the D2 or the Tech Visa?

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa (D2) costs more, about $200 in official fees, versus $160 for the Tech Visa (Tech Visa). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or the Tech Visa?

The D2 leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years, while the Tech Visa leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Does the D2 or the Tech Visa need a job offer?

The Tech Visa (Tech Visa) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the D2 Entrepreneur Visa (D2) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the D2 more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.

D2 Entrepreneur Visa vs Tech Visa

Portugal · D2vs Portugal · Tech Visa

Quick answerUpdated 2026-05-03

The Tech Visa is the faster route (1–2 months), the Tech Visa is cheaper on official fees ($160), both lead to permanent residency. Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two, the question usually comes down to whether you have a job lined up or want to start your own business. The D2 is for entrepreneurs building something from scratch, while the Tech Visa is for skilled workers already hired by certified tech companies. Both lead to permanent residency in about 5 years.

Section 01

At a glance

Tech Visa

Processing time

3–6 months

1–2 months

Application fee

$200

$160

Initial validity

2 yrs

Path to PR

Yes, ~5 yrs

Points-based

Employer sponsor

Not required

Required

Minimum salary

—

$28,000/yr

Language test

Not required

Verified

2026-05-03

2026-05-02

Section 02

Which one fits you?

01
Employment status
Pick D2
Choose D2 if you want to start your own business without needing a job offer.
Pick Tech Visa
Choose Tech Visa if you already have a job offer from a certified tech employer.
02
Processing speed
Pick D2
D2 takes 3-6 months, giving you time to finalize business plans.
Pick Tech Visa
Tech Visa processes in just 1-2 months, ideal if you need approval quickly.
03
Visa cost
Pick D2
D2 costs $200 USD, slightly more than Tech Visa.
Pick Tech Visa
Tech Visa is cheaper at $160 USD, saving you $40 on fees.
04
Employer requirements
Pick D2
D2 requires no employer sponsor and no job offer.
Pick Tech Visa
Tech Visa requires employer sponsorship and a confirmed job offer.

Section 03

Common questions

Is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or the Tech Visa faster to get?: The Tech Visa (Tech Visa) is typically faster, around 1–2 months, versus 3–6 months for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa. Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
Which costs more, the D2 or the Tech Visa?: The D2 Entrepreneur Visa (D2) costs more, about $200 in official fees, versus $160 for the Tech Visa (Tech Visa). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
Can I get permanent residency with the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or the Tech Visa?: The D2 leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years, while the Tech Visa leads to permanent residency in roughly 5 years. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.
Does the D2 or the Tech Visa need a job offer?: The Tech Visa (Tech Visa) requires a job offer or employer sponsor, while the D2 Entrepreneur Visa (D2) does not, you can apply on your own profile. That makes the D2 more accessible if you don't yet have an employer lined up.

Section 04

Read the full pathway