In the quiet boardrooms of Mumbai, the bustling tech hubs of Bengaluru, and the elite circles of Delhi's high-net-worth families, a silent wave has been rising—a wave of ambition aimed not just at financial growth, but at freedom, mobility, and global identity.

Over the past five years, an increasing number of Indians have been eyeing Europe—not just as tourists, but as future residents and global citizens. Their vehicle of choice? Investment migration.

The Allure of the Golden Visa

For decades, passports and visas were symbols of restriction. But a new era emerged, a “golden visas.” These are residence or citizenship-by-investment programs that allow individuals to invest in a foreign country and, in return, gain residency rights or even a second passport. For affluent Indians, it has become the golden key to a more mobile and secure future.

Portugal, Greece, Spain, and Malta stood out as the early pioneers. Their promises were irresistible: invest in real estate or businesses, and unlock the right to live, work, and travel across theSchengen zone. For families dreaming of European education, retirees seeking peaceful destinations, or business owners wanting unrestricted travel, this was more than a financial decision

The D2 Advantage: More Than Just a Visa

At its core, the D2 visa offers residence in Portugalto those who want to start a business or invest in an existing one. But fortoday’s savvy Indian investors, it’s much more than that. It’s access to theEU market, a lifestyle upgrade, and a pathway to long-termresidency and citizenship. All this can be achieved without the need to buyexpensive real estate or park large sums in passive investments.

Unlike golden visa programs that demand€250,000 to €500,000 upfront in property or funds, the D2 is lean, flexible and practical. It supports genuine business ideas, whether it’s launching a boutique hotel in Lisbon, opening a tech consultancy in Porto, or investing in a local café or manufacturing unit.

And importantly, it’s a founder-friendly visa: you retain control, you create jobs, and you become a part of the local economy.

Why Indians Are Choosing the D2 Route

The last five years have seen a marked shift.The traditional golden visa route, once popular among Indian HNWIs, has sloweddown. Programs have become stricter, timelines longer, and costs steeper.Countries like Spain have shut the door entirely. Meanwhile, Portugal’s GoldenVisa has shifted focus away from real estate.

But as one door closes, another opens. The D2visa has stepped in, not as a backup but as the preferred route forthose who want value, impact, and mobility.

The profile of today’s D2 applicant from India is changing too:

• Startup founders from India’s tech corridors, looking to scale in the EU.
• Second-generation entrepreneurs, setting up family offices in Europe.
• Doctors and specialists, exploring private clinics and wellness ventures.
• Exporters and importers, wanting closer access to the European market.
• Even digital nomads and consultants, who want the freedom of travel and the credibility of European residency.

And with Portugal offering residency not just to the applicant but to their immediate family, the D2 becomes a legacy decision—a gift of global freedom to the next generation.

Business Meets Lifestyle

For Indian investors, the D2 visa is a marriage of opportunity and quality of life. Portugal is ranked among the safest, most livable countries in the world. Add to that its tax incentives for new residents, world-class healthcare, and visa-free travel across theSchengen area, and the offer becomes hard to resist.

But what truly seals the deal is the welcoming business environment. English is widely spoken in Lisbon and Porto.Government support for foreign investors is strong. Incubators, angel networks and digital ecosystems are thriving. It’s not just an escape; it’s an expansion.

The Rise of Indian Interest

What began as a curiosity among a few elite families quickly transformed into a trend. In just two years, interest surged.Wealth advisors and migration consultants across India saw their phones ringingoff the hook. Inquiries from Indians about European investment migration shot up by more than 60% year-on-year at one point, eventually positioning India as one of the top three nations globally in demand for such programs.

This was not limited to billionaires. A growing number of successful professionals, tech founders, doctors, exporters and even second-generation entrepreneurs began exploring these routes. Their motivations varied. Some were looking for better educational opportunities for their children. Others sought long-term stability amid India’s shifting regulatory and tax landscape. And many simply wanted the ability to live and move freely across borders without being tied down.

Europe’s Evolving Welcome

Portugal was once the darling of Indian investors. With relatively affordable real estate and a friendly,English-speaking culture, it offered the right blend of accessibility and prestige. Over time, though, a flood of applications caused bottlenecks. What started as a 6-month process began stretching into years. Frustration crept in as processing times grew longer and policies changed.

The Numbers Behind the Move

In financial terms, the trend was visible inIndia's outward remittance reports. Overseas property purchases saw record highs. Tens of billions of rupees channeled toward real estate in Europe. Demographically, the typical investor profile also evolved. Initially, it was the ultra-rich those with family offices and global businesses. But   now, it includes a broader segment: mid-level tech entrepreneurs, doctors planning retirement abroad, professionals with global aspirations, and parents securing educational backdoors for their children.

The Mindset Shift

What truly changed, however, wasn’t policy but the mindset!

No longer was migration seen as an escape. It became an expansion strategy. Indians weren’t “leaving” India; they were enlarging their global footprint. Citizenship and residency planning became part of wealth management conversations, just like stocks and mutual funds.

How Meer Group help you in accomplishing your dreams?

At Meer Group, we understand that cross-border investment is not just a financial decision, it’s an emotional and strategicleap. That’s why we go beyond consultancy. From identifying viable business models in Portugal to structuring compliant applications, legal support, local partnerships, and post-landing assistance, we offer a seamless, end-to-end pathway. Our goal is to make your European transition not only successful but meaningful! With our deep ecosystem and investor-first approach, your D2 visa journey becomes less tiring and far more empowering.

As part of our commitment, we’re launching an exclusive business incubation project in Lisbon, designed specifically for D2 visa applicants. This platform will help Indian investors plug into the local economy with ready business models, shared infrastructure, and professional networks. With Meer Group by your side, your D2 journey becomes not only less tiring but truly transformative.