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The delegation was led by Mr Muhammad Sohail Head of trade for PML-N Portugal and executive Director/ President for international joint venture of Meer Group.

A high-level delegation of investors from the UAE recently visited the municipalities of Ponte de Sor and Abrantes in Portugal. The purpose of the visit was to explore exciting opportunities for collaboration, with a particular focus on developing industrial zones and improving healthcare infrastructure. This visit marked a major step towards strengthening the bond between the two countries and creating long-lasting economic ties.

The delegation was led by Mr. Muhammad Sohail Jarral, a respected business leader and the Head of Trade for PML-N Portugal. In addition to his political role, Mr. Jarral is also the Executive Director and President of International Joint Ventures at Meer Group. His wealth of experience and vision for international partnerships drove the delegation’s mission to seek investment opportunities that could benefit both Portugal and the UAE.

Joining Mr. Sohail Jarral was Mr. Manuel Sousa, the CEO of the delegation, whose deep understanding of business and local markets helped guide the discussions. Together, they set out to identify investment opportunities that would drive sustainable growth, particularly in the industrial and healthcare sectors.

Upon arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the Vice Presidents and Vice Mayors of both municipalities. Local officials expressed a strong commitment to supporting international investment, recognizing the potential benefits for their communities. These municipalities, with their blend of rich historical heritage and ongoing modernization, are eager to embrace partnerships that could bring new opportunities, particularly in industrial development and healthcare.

The focus of the discussions was clear: how can UAE investors contribute to the growth of Portugal’s economy? The delegation saw potential in developing cutting-edge industrial zones in both municipalities. These zones could spark job creation, foster economic growth, and help Portugal modernize its manufacturing sector to attract global investors. Creating a business-friendly environment where industry thrives is key to the region’s future prosperity.

Another important topic on the table was healthcare infrastructure. The delegation, bringing expertise in advanced medical technologies and healthcare services from the UAE, explored opportunities to enhance medical facilities in Portugal, particularly in underserved areas. They discussed building new hospitals, medical research centers, and specialized treatment facilities, which would improve healthcare access and quality for local communities while deepening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

One of the key takeaways from the visit was the importance of streamlining administrative processes to make future collaboration smoother. Both the delegation and local officials agreed on the need to simplify regulations and cut through red tape, ensuring that projects move forward without unnecessary delays. With full support from the local authorities, it was clear that the aim was not just to secure immediate investments but also to lay the groundwork for long-term success.

This visit was not just about business. It was about building a shared vision for prosperity, innovation, and growth. The collaboration between the UAE investors and the Portuguese municipalities is expected to open doors to new opportunities in both the industrial and medical sectors. The partnerships formed during the visit hold great promise for the future, with the potential to drive economic growth and bring about breakthroughs in healthcare.

In conclusion, Mr. Sohail Jarral’s leadership and the delegation’s efforts have set the stage for a new chapter in UAE-Portugal relations. By focusing on industrial development, healthcare improvement, and administrative efficiency, this visit laid a solid foundation for a thriving partnership. This collaboration promises to not only create jobs and drive economic development but also to enhance the quality of life for people in both countries. The commitment shown by both the UAE delegation and the Portuguese municipalities ensures a bright, prosperous future ahead.

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Your Gateway to Success: Everything You Need to Know About Portugal’s D2 Entrepreneur Visa.

Portugal, renowned for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and dynamic economic environment, offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to start or invest in a business through the D2 Entrepreneur Visa. This visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Portugal, fostering self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Here’s an in-depth look at the key benefits and the step-by-step process for securing the D2 Visa.

Who Can Apply for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa is designed for non-Europeans who wish to establish a business in Portugal or engage in entrepreneurial activities. Whether you plan to invest in an existing business or start a new venture, this visa provides a viable pathway to residency for individuals with a passion for business. The visa is open to:

Main Applicants: Individuals who want to start or invest in a business in Portugal.
Spouses: They can join the primary visa holder with a similar level of benefits.
Dependents (children): Children under 18 or dependents can also benefit from the visa.

The application cost varies based on the applicant’s category, with the main applicant required to invest approximately 9,120 Euros, while the spouse’s fee is 4,560 Euros and 2,280 Euros per child.

What Are the Benefits of the D2 Visa?

The D2 Visa allows entrepreneurs and their families to enjoy numerous advantages, such as:

Free Movement Within the European Union: As a resident of Portugal, you can travel freely across the EU, a significant benefit for entrepreneurs who need to build networks and collaborate with international partners.
Access to Healthcare and Education: Portugal’s healthcare and education systems are among the best in Europe. As a resident, you and your family will have access to these essential services.
Business and Employment Freedom: The D2 Visa grants the ability to operate a business or find employment. Entrepreneurs can grow their companies, while family members can also pursue employment opportunities.
Path to Citizenship: After holding the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) for five years, entrepreneurs and their families may apply for permanent residency or even Portuguese citizenship.

Why Choose Portugal for Your Entrepreneurial Journey?

Portugal has long been a haven for investors due to its business-friendly environment, strategic location, and thriving economy. Here are a few reasons why entrepreneurs are flocking to Portugal:

Cultural Diversity: Portugal’s welcoming society makes it an ideal place for international business people.
Tax Benefits: The country offers several incentives for foreign businesses, including tax exemptions and competitive corporate tax rates.
Quality of Life: Portugal boasts a high standard of living, stunning landscapes, and a warm Mediterranean climate.

How to Apply for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa?

The process to obtain the D2 Visa is straightforward, although it requires careful preparation and timely submission. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

Prepare the Necessary Documents: Start by organizing your business plan, proof of sufficient investment capital, and other supporting documents. One of our experienced lawyers will assist you in preparing the application to ensure a smooth process.
Submit the Application: Your visa application must be submitted to the Portuguese Consulate in your current country of residence. The application will be reviewed by the authorities within 60 days.
Get the Residence Card: Once approved, the visa will allow you to stay in Portugal for up to 120 days. During this period, you’ll need to submit additional documents for biometric collection, after which you’ll receive your residence card.

Conclusion

The D2 Entrepreneur Visa offers entrepreneurs an excellent opportunity to relocate to Portugal, engage in entrepreneurial activities, and enjoy numerous benefits that come with residency in the European Union. Whether you’re seeking a fresh start, business expansion, or a chance to explore new markets, Portugal provides the perfect setting for both personal and professional growth.

For more information on the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, contact our experts at SJ Investments & Consultancy.

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Build a Life in Portugal While Creating Jobs: The Golden Visa Opportunity You Shouldn’t Miss.

Have you ever thought about starting fresh in Europe—without giving up your life back home? If you’re an entrepreneur or investor with a long-term vision, the Portugal Golden Visa through Job Creation could be your perfect entry point.

It’s more than a visa. It’s an opportunity to grow a business, create jobs, and secure European residency for you and your family—without needing to live there full time.

Let’s walk through what makes this route so attractive.

What Is the Golden Visa (Job Creation Route)?

This pathway allows you to start or invest in a business in Portugal that hires at least ten full-time employees (or eight if the business is based in a low-density region). In return, you’re granted a residency permit with the potential for Portuguese citizenship after five years.

If you’re serious about building something meaningful and getting rewarded for it, this is one of the most entrepreneur-friendly programs out there.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify, you need to:

Be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss national
Be 18 years or older
Have a clean criminal record
Create at least ten full-time jobs (or eight in low-density regions)
Prove the legal source of your investment funds
Spend just seven days per year in Portugal

It’s surprisingly flexible. You don’t need to move your whole life—just make a real impact.

What Kind of Business Can You Start?

Portugal is open to businesses in a wide range of sectors. You can either launch a brand-new company or invest in expanding an existing one. The key is that it must be sustainable and able to support local employment.

Popular business ideas include:

Boutique hotels or guesthouses
Tech startups or app-based services
Vehicle rental or logistics companies (TVDE model)
Farms, wineries, or eco-agriculture
Health and wellness centers
Education or vocational training centers

You can run the business yourself or partner with others. What matters most is that the jobs are real, full-time positions, registered with Portugal’s social security system.

What Documents Do You Need?

Here’s a straightforward checklist to get started:

Valid passport
Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
Proof of company registration in Portugal
Employment contracts and social security evidence
Criminal record certificate from your home country
Health insurance
Bank statement showing sufficient, legally sourced funds
A clear, well-researched business plan

A good legal and accounting team can make this process smooth and worry-free.

What’s the Timeline Like?

From start to finish, the process is very manageable:

Step	Estimated Time
Company setup and NIF registration	1–2 months
Hiring and documentation	2–3 months
Visa application submission	Immediately after job proof
Approval and biometrics	4–6 months
Residency granted	Valid for 2 years
Renewals	Required after 2 and 4 years
Citizenship eligibility	After 5 years with a language test

With the right support, most investors move through the steps without delays.

What Does It Cost?

Here’s a general idea of what you’ll need to budget:

Expense	Estimated Cost
Company setup	€2,000 to €5,000
Legal and accounting fees	€3,000 to €10,000
AIMA application fee	€6,045 per applicant
Visa renewal fee	€3,023 per renewal
Taxes and social security	Depends on business and salaries

Some investment models—like vehicle fleets or delivery startups—may need between €30,000 and €150,000 upfront. Depending on the business type, expected returns can range from 3 to 9 percent annually.

What Are the Real Benefits?

Live, work, and study in Portugal with legal residency
Travel freely across the 26 countries of the Schengen Zone
Bring your spouse, children, and even parents
Only seven days per year of physical presence required
Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years

You get the security of European residency without having to uproot your life.

What Should You Watch Out For?

All jobs created must be maintained throughout the visa period
A strong business plan is essential to approval
Working with reliable professionals on the ground is highly recommended
You may qualify with just eight jobs if your business is in a low-density region

How We Can Help You

Our team supports every part of the journey. From company registration and staff recruitment to managing the paperwork and submitting your application, we handle it all.

Here’s what we’ll take care of:

Business setup and leasing contracts
Hiring and social security registration
Visa documentation and submission
Legal and financial advisory for long-term compliance

You focus on your goals—we handle the process.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a solid investment that offers long-term value, security, and access to Europe, the Golden Visa via Job Creation is a smart move.

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