Launch Your Audiovisual Startup in Portugal
The Portugal Startup Visa is a government-backed residence program designed to attract international entrepreneurs, innovators, and startup founders from outside the EU who want to develop innovative technology-based companies in Portugal.
Managed by IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation), this program offers a unique opportunity for creative entrepreneurs to establish and grow audiovisual ventures in one of Europe’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
Why Choose Portugal?
- No minimum investment requirement – Focus is on innovation and potential, not capital
- 2-year residence permit, renewable and leading to permanent residency
- Fast-track process – Decisions typically within 30 working days
- Family inclusion – Bring your spouse, children, and dependent family members
- EU access – Free movement throughout the Schengen Area (26 countries)
- Path to citizenship – After 5 years of legal residency
- Quality of life – Affordable European lifestyle with excellent healthcare and education
- Supportive ecosystem – Access to certified incubators, mentorship, and networking
Eligibility Criteria
Personal Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- No criminal record
- Non-EU/EEA citizen without permanent residence in the Schengen Area
- Proof of financial resources: €5,146.80 per person in a bank account
- Valid health insurance
Startup Requirements
Your project must:
- Develop innovative products or services focused on technology and knowledge
- Have scalability potential and international growth perspective
- Create qualified employment opportunities in Portugal
- Demonstrate potential to achieve €325,000+ in annual turnover or assets within 5 years of incubation
- Be accepted by a certified Portuguese incubator
How the Program Works
Step 1: Register Your Project
Submit your business idea through the official Startup Visa online platform managed by IAPMEI. Upload your business plan, financial statements, and required documentation.
Step 2: Incubator Selection
Certified incubators review submitted projects and submit declarations of interest for viable ventures. You can contact multiple incubators before applying to understand their requirements and interest in your project.
Step 3: IAPMEI Evaluation
Once an incubator shows interest, IAPMEI evaluates your project based on:
- Degree of innovation
- Business scalability
- Market potential
- Management team capacity
- Potential for creating qualified employment in Portugal
- Relevance of applicants in the team
Decision time: Approximately 30 working days
Step 4: Incubation Agreement
If approved, you have 40 working days to formalize an incubation contract with your chosen incubator. Upon signing, you receive a Declaration of Participation valid for 180 days.
Step 5: Visa Application
Apply for your residence visa at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence with:
- Declaration of Participation from IAPMEI
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Bank statement showing required funds
Processing time: 2-4 months
The visa is issued for 4 months with 2 entries allowed.
Step 6: Residence Permit in Portugal
After entering Portugal, schedule an appointment with AIMA (Portuguese Immigration Service) to apply for your residence permit. You’ll need to provide biometric data and secure housing in Portugal.
Initial residence permit: Valid for 2 years, renewable for 3 more years
Team Applications
Up to 5 team members can be included in a single Startup Visa application. Each member must individually meet the personal eligibility requirements and prove financial resources.
About Cineway: Portugal’s First Audiovisual Incubator
Cineway is a pioneering business incubator managed by Caminhos do Cinema Português, officially certified by Startup Portugal and integrated into the National Network of Incubators (RNI). We are Portugal’s first specialized incubator dedicated exclusively to cinema and audiovisual industries.
Why Incubate at Cineway?
Specialized Expertise
With 37 years of experience organizing the Caminhos do Cinema Português Festival, we bring deep knowledge of the Portuguese audiovisual sector, extensive industry networks, and proven expertise in film curation, programming, and promotion.
Comprehensive Support
We offer:
- Mentorship from industry professionals covering creative development, financing strategies, distribution, and marketing
- Coworking spaces designed for creative collaboration
- Specialized training in audiovisual production and business management
- Networking with producers, investors, distributors, and industry stakeholders
- Access to financing through our INCENTIVAR program in partnership with Centro Portugal Film Commission
Strategic Location
Based in Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage city with:
- Four World Heritage Sites
- Robust higher education network
- Strategic position in Central Portugal
- Lower operational costs than Lisbon or Porto
- Growing creative industries ecosystem
- Support from Coimbra City Council
Industry Focus
We support projects in:
- Specialized streaming platforms
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)
- Digital production tools
- Sustainable audiovisual solutions
- Applications for content creators
- Interactive and transmedia narratives
- Film and series production
- Documentary filmmaking
- Animation and motion graphics
Timeline Summary
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Incubator interest & IAPMEI approval | ~30 working days |
| Incubation contract formalization | 40 working days |
| Visa processing at consulate | 2-4 months |
| Residence permit processing | ~4 months |
| Total estimated time | 6-11 months |
Get Started
Ready to bring your audiovisual vision to Portugal?
Contact Cineway:
- Email: cineway@caminhos.info
- Website: cineway.pt
- Location: Casa do Cinema de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Official Resources:
- IAPMEI Startup Visa Portal
- Startup Portugal
- General inquiries: startup.visa@iapmei.pt | +351 213 836 237
Cineway is certified by Startup Portugal and integrated into the National Network of Incubators (RNI), with support from Coimbra City Council and in partnership with Centro Portugal Film Commission.
