Administrative Procedures for Living in Cape Verde

Published on April 29, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to Cape Verde is about more than just booking a ticket to the archipelago and finding a beachfront apartment. Beyond the beaches, the mild climate, and the famous morabeza (local hospitality), lies a highly structured administrative, tax, healthcare, and legal framework, largely inspired by the Portuguese model. Understanding it well from the start avoids unpleasant surprises, file blockages, and endless stays at the police or tax office counters.

Preparing Your Move: Visas, Pre‑registration, and First Steps

Before even thinking about the move, you must secure your right to enter and stay. Cape Verde has established a fairly formalized system, but it’s relatively straightforward if you grasp its logic.

The basic principle is simple: barring rare exceptions, a foreigner needs either a visa, a residence permit, or a legal exemption to remain in the territory.

Online Pre‑registration and Airport Security Tax

For most travelers, the first step is done online via an official pre‑registration platform. It must be completed up to five days before departure. This form is notably used to pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA), due from every passenger landing at a Cape Verdean airport.

The amount of this tax is fixed and depends on the flight type:

Several categories of travelers are exempt from the TSA, notably holders of a Cape Verdean passport, Cape Verdeans and their spouses or descendants presenting proper documentation, as well as certain passengers on official missions.

The pre‑registration remains valid for one year from its validation. If you arrive without completing this formality, it’s possible to pay the TSA at the airport, but the authorities are considering penalties for these late payments in the future.

In addition to this step, a health declaration must be completed within the 72 hours preceding the flight, notably for epidemiological surveillance reasons.

The Main Types of Visas for Living in Cape Verde

Cape Verde has a fairly detailed visa typology. For relocation, three regimes primarily interest foreigners: the residence visa, the temporary long-stay visa, and the visa for remote workers.

The tourist visa is mainly for scouting trips, for an initial exploratory visit or a short stay. For a true relocation, the residence visa is the entry point.

Obtaining a Residence Visa: The Foundation for Any Long-Term Stay

The residence visa is for foreigners who wish to make Cape Verde their habitual place of residence. It can be requested notably for:

– carrying out professional activity,

– investment or setting up a business,

– studies lasting more than one year,

– family reunification with a foreigner already a resident.

Several conditions are clearly required by law:

The residence visa, once granted, allows a stay of six months, the time needed for the residence permit application to be processed on site. It is therefore a pivotal step between the simple status of visitor and that of resident.

The Remote Working Cabo Verde Program for Digital Nomads

The authorities have also designed a specific scheme for remote workers: the Remote Working Cabo Verde program. It is a temporary six-month visa, renewable once, designed for freelancers, remote employees, and digital entrepreneurs.

Its particularities are important from an administrative and tax perspective:

– no creation of local tax residency: beneficiaries remain taxable in their country of origin for their professional income;

– exemption from Cape Verdean income tax on income generated abroad;

– exemption from certain import duties upon arrival (useful for IT equipment).

To be eligible, however, you must demonstrate a certain level of resources, measured through average bank balances over the last six months. The thresholds are clear:

In addition to this:

– a passport valid for at least six months,

– proof of remote work (contract, employer letter, proof of freelance income),

– international health insurance covering the entire stay, including repatriation,

– proof of accommodation (reservation, lease, rental contract),

– a criminal record certificate.

This visa does not replace a classic residence permit: it allows you to live legally in Cape Verde for a maximum of one year, without switching into the local tax system or engaging in a heavy residency procedure.

Residence Permits: Temporary and Permanent

Once on the ground with the correct visa, the next step for those wishing to settle is to apply for a “autorização de residência” (residence permit) with the police.

There are two main categories:

– temporary residence, which must be renewed annually;

– permanent residence, rarer, renewable every five years in Praia.

The applications are particularly document-heavy. You notably need to provide:

– a completed official form,

– proof of financial stability,

– a certificate from the town hall attesting to at least six months of residence in the territory,

– a criminal record certificate from the country of origin, translated and legalized,

– a criminal record certificate issued by the Cape Verdean police,

– a medical certificate (the “atestado médico”, which in practice costs around 1,000 CVE at a clinic),

– a full copy of the passport with a valid long-stay visa,

– a registered lease or property title,

– two passport photos.

The maximum legal processing time announced can be up to two years, illustrating the slowness of the local administration. In the meantime, you must ensure you renew your status, follow the police’s instructions, and carefully keep all receipts and tax stamps.

Living in Cape Verde: Taxation, Cost of Living, and Resident Status

Relocating long-term also means understanding how you will be taxed. Cape Verde has a comprehensive tax system, with income tax, VAT, property taxes, and a special regime for small businesses.

When Do You Become a Tax Resident in Cape Verde?

From a tax perspective, residency is not automatically the same as a residence permit. A foreigner can be an administrative resident without yet being a tax resident, and vice versa.

The administration applies two main criteria:

– physical presence of more than 183 days in the territory during the year (consecutive or not);

– or having a permanent home in Cape Verde (main dwelling, family) even if the duration of presence is shorter.

Once considered a tax resident, the individual is taxable on their worldwide income. Non‑residents, on the other hand, are only taxed on Cape Verdean-source income.

Personal Income Tax (IRPS)

The system is progressive, with several income brackets and a tax-free threshold. The known rates are presented below:

Income is categorized (salaries, pensions, business profits, rental income, investment income, capital gains), and some may be subject to a final withholding tax, notably for non‑residents.

VAT, Property Taxes, and Other Levies

VAT (IVA) applies at 15% on most goods and services, including imports. Certain sectors are exempt, such as healthcare, education, or some financial services. Small businesses under a simplified regime may be exempt from VAT if their turnover remains below a certain threshold and they do not engage in import-export.

Real estate property is subject to a single property tax (IUP), levied at 1.5% of the property’s cadastral value. This tax also applies in case of property transfer or certain corporate restructuring operations.

Cost of Living: A Financial Framework to Anticipate

To properly calibrate your procedures (income to justify, insurance, standard of living), it’s useful to know some general figures. Aggregate estimates show that Cape Verde is about 1.17 times less expensive than the global average, and 51.4% less expensive than the United States when including housing.

The main categories are as follows:

There are notable differences from one island to another. Sal and Boa Vista, very touristy and dependent on imports, have prices close to European levels, especially for housing. In contrast, more agricultural islands like Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão, or Fogo remain more affordable.

This financial context directly affects procedures: the declared rents, proof of resources for visas, or the investment thresholds to access certain resident or privileged taxpayer statuses.

Housing: Long-Term Rentals, Property Purchase, and Residence

Finding a home is both a practical step and an act with significant legal and tax consequences. Cape Verde facilitates property ownership for foreigners, and long-term rental is widely available.

Long-Term Rental: Platforms and Price Ranges

For an initial foothold, many expatriates go through international platforms, then switch to a standard local lease. Airbnb, Vrbo, Flatio, Expedia or Vacasa list many monthly rentals, often furnished and with services included (internet, cleaning, sometimes airport transfer).

Alongside these global players, local agencies like Sal4Rent manage villas, studios, beachfront residences, or city apartments. Options are varied: apartments in condominiums, villas in resorts (Tortuga Beach Resort, Paradise Beach, Vila Verde Resort…), coliving for digital nomads, studios in city centers, etc.

Rents span a wide range. Some benchmarks:

To obtain or renew a residence permit, a properly executed lease is generally required. It’s therefore crucial to sign a written contract, preferably registered, stating the parties’ identities, full address, rent amount, and duration.

Buying Property: A Lever for Residence and Investment

Cape Verdean law is particularly open to foreigners in real estate: there are no nationality restrictions for purchase, and transactions follow a model inspired by the Portuguese system. This makes it a central tool for those considering residency through investment.

are well-defined

Key steps

1. Obtaining a NIF (tax identification number): essential for any transaction. Obtain it from a “Casa do Cidadão” counter or a municipal finance office. 2. Opening a local bank account: recommended for managing payments, taxes, and fees. 3. Signing a reservation agreement and paying a deposit (often around €3,000 or 5% of the price), which takes the property off the market. 4. Legal verification (due diligence) by a lawyer: property title, absence of mortgages or debts, cadastral compliance. 5. Promissory purchase contract (CPCV) with a second payment (often 10 to 30% of the price). 6. Signing of the deed before a notary (escritura pública). 7. Registration at the Property Registry (Registo Predial) and the municipality.

Ancillary costs (excluding purchase price) average between 5 and 8% of the price, combining:

The annual property tax (IUP) remains moderate: for a property around €100,000, it’s between €300 and €675 per year. Condominium fees, however, vary enormously depending on whether it’s a simple residence or a resort with pools, gardens, and security (from €0 to over €3,500 per year; for a T2 in Santa Maria, it’s often mentioned as €500 to €1,000).

Real estate investment can open access to a form of “green card”-type residency: investment amounts are mentioned around €80,000 to €120,000 depending on the island, or even more (€200,000) to aim for faster naturalization pathways. Spouses and children can be included in these schemes.

Opening a Bank Account: A Pivot for Daily Life and Procedures

To pay rent, receive income, settle taxes, or simply use a local card, it’s almost essential to open an account with a Cape Verdean bank. It’s also a prerequisite for property purchase or starting a business.

The Cape Verdean Banking Landscape

The financial sector is overseen by the Bank of Cape Verde (BCV) and adheres to international standards regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. The local currency, the Cape Verdean escudo (CVE), is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate, reducing exchange risk for Europeans.

Several commercial banks coexist, notably:

– Banco Comercial do Atlântico (BCA),

– Caixa Económica de Cabo Verde (Caixa),

– Banco Interatlântico,

– Banco Caboverdiano de Negócios (BCN),

– Ecobank Cabo Verde,

– Banco Atlântico, and a few others.

Some, like BCA and Caixa, play a significant systemic role, while Ecobank leverages a vast African network.

Conditions for Opening a Personal Account

For an individual, the core set of required documents is fairly consistent:

– valid passport,

– tax identification number (NIF),

– proof of address (utility bill, rental contract, sometimes a statement signed by a resident),

– minimum opening deposit (often between 2,000 and 10,000 CVE, a few dozen euros),

– sometimes a salary or profession statement.

Account types are varied: current accounts, savings accounts, multi-currency accounts (CVE, EUR, USD, sometimes GBP), accounts for Cape Verdean emigrants, business accounts.

Account maintenance fees remain very reasonable, around 500 to 1,000 CVE per year (approximately €5 to €10). Debit cards (local Vinti4 network, Visa, Mastercard) are issued within one to two weeks, but you usually need to collect them in person.

For frequent international operations, it’s wise to check wire transfer fees and applied exchange rates, which can make small transfers more expensive (in some cases, it’s better to use specialized money transfer services).

Healthcare System, Insurance, and Medical Obligations

Health is an essential dimension of any expatriation project, especially in an archipelago where medical resources remain limited for complex cases.

Structure of the Healthcare System

Cape Verde has a mixed system:

– a public National Health Service (SNS), funded by taxes and international aid, guaranteeing a base level of care (emergencies, maternity, treatment for major endemic diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, malaria);

– a growing private sector, concentrated in urban centers (Praia, Mindelo, Sal), offering faster and better-equipped services.

The legal framework is based on a health law (Lei da Saúde), complemented by the Constitution which enshrines the right to health. The National Institute of Social Security (INPS) manages health insurance for formal sector employees (about 40% of the population).

Infrastructure is developed on the main islands: central hospitals in Praia (Agostinho Neto Hospital) and Mindelo (Baptista de Sousa Hospital), regional hospitals (Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antão, Sal, Tarrafal, Maio, Boa Vista, Ribeira Grande), health centers, and local posts. Over 80% of the population lives within 30 minutes of a healthcare facility.

Each year, 500 to 700 patients are evacuated abroad, mainly to Portugal, for tertiary care unavailable locally. These transfers cost the state about 300 million CVE annually, prompting the government to launch the construction of a National Hospital in Praia (HNCV project, €65 million, 134 beds including 12 intensive care) to reduce these evacuations.

Why International Health Insurance is Essential

Most expatriates choose to be treated in the private sector, while keeping the possibility of evacuation to Europe or another country in case of serious illness. Private consultations remain relatively affordable (€20 to €30 for a general practitioner in Praia), but hospitalization and especially repatriation can quickly become very expensive.

For holders of the remote work visa, health insurance covering evacuation is mandatory. Premiums for good international coverage are around €100 to €200 per month. Insurers specialized in expatriation (April International, MSH, Allianz, Cigna, NOW Health…) offer packages including emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Keep in mind that European health cards or foreign public systems are not recognized in Cape Verde: without private insurance, you pay everything out of pocket.

Vaccines, Health Risks, and Practical Advice

The overall health level is decent: life expectancy exceeds 74 years, adult literacy is over 85%, and infant mortality remains the lowest in the region. But specific risks persist:

– malaria, mainly on the island of Santiago between July and December;

– dengue (heightened alert on Santiago, Fogo, and Brava);

– foodborne illnesses (shigellosis, other bacteria);

– strong sun exposure and dehydration;

– risk of acute mountain sickness when ascending the Fogo volcano.

Basic vaccinations are recommended (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio), as well as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever. The yellow fever vaccine becomes mandatory if arriving from a country where the disease is endemic.

On the administrative side, it’s wise to quickly register with a doctor or clinic upon arrival, keep your prescriptions and medical records, and note the emergency numbers: 130 for ambulance, 131 for fire, 132 for police.

Schooling and Educational Options for Families

For families with children, the school question weighs heavily in the decision to relocate, as international options remain limited.

The Local Education System

Education is governed by the 2010 Basic Law (amended in 2018) and overseen by the Ministry of Education, Family, and Social Inclusion. It includes:

– preschool (3–5 years), non-compulsory but encouraged;

– basic education (approx. 6–13 years), in two cycles;

– secondary education (14–17 years), non-compulsory;

– higher education (18+), with public and private universities.

Nearly 99% of basic schools are public. Education is free up to 8th grade, then a system of fee exemption for low-income families is provided at the secondary level. The state also supports the schooling of children with disabilities, including in private institutions.

International: A Limited and Largely Francophone Offer

This is the sensitive point: there is practically no school following a foreign curriculum other than French. Only three institutions offer instruction in a foreign language, all in French.

In Praia, the École Internationale Les Alizés serves as a reference. It is the only school accredited by the French Ministry via the AEFE. It welcomes over 220 students of 20 different nationalities, mostly Cape Verdean. Primary education is provided on-site, secondary education in partnership with CNED. French is the language of instruction, with Portuguese and English taught as subjects.

The tuition fees of these institutions, although high by local standards, remain lower than those of many Western international schools. For comparison, some local private schools in Portuguese charge about $200 per month for children over 5 years old.

This scarcity pushes many expatriate families toward three solutions:

– enrolling children in a local private school, for immersion in Portuguese and Creole;

– opting for homeschooling (without a highly developed legal framework but tolerated);

– sending children to boarding school abroad or following online schools.

For those who don’t speak French, school planning therefore becomes a full-fledged administrative procedure, to be anticipated well before departure.

Starting a Business, Entrepreneurship, and Investor Status

Beyond simple salaried employment, many prospective movers consider starting a small business or investing locally. Here too, procedures are structured, with interesting tax incentives for certain sectors.

Registering a Company: “Empresa no Dia” and Formalities

Cape Verde has deployed a one-stop shop, “Empresa no Dia“, which allows, in theory, to set up a company in 24 hours via the “Casa do Cidadão” centers in major cities (Praia, Mindelo, Sal, Boa Vista…). This service coexists with a more classic procedure.

Typical steps are:

– choice of legal form (sole proprietorship, limited liability company – Lda, public limited company – SA, etc.);

– request for a name admissibility certificate (600 CVE);

– drafting of articles of association (with notary, fees 5,000 to 15,000 CVE);

– deposit of share capital into a bank account;

– registration at the Commercial Registry (approx. 2,500 CVE);

– tax registration and declaration of start of activity;

– registration with social security and obtaining any required sectoral licenses;

– publication in the Official Gazette (3,000 to 10,000 CVE).

The most common legal forms are the quota society (Lda, equivalent to an LLC) and the SA. Legislation allows a very low nominal capital (theoretically a few cents of a euro), but in practice amounts around 200,000 CVE (for an Lda) and 2.5 million CVE (for an SA) are often mentioned, with an obligation to release 50% (Lda) or 30% (SA) upon incorporation, the remainder within the following three to five years.

Foreigners do not need a local partner in most sectors and can hold 100% of the capital, subject to obtaining foreign investor status, which requires an application to the authorities.

Tax Regime and Incentives for Businesses

The standard corporate income tax rate is around 20–21%, sometimes with a slight surcharge resulting in an effective rate around 22.4%. Resident companies pay on their worldwide profits, non‑residents only on Cape Verdean-source profits.

Numerous incentives exist for investments in priority sectors (tourism, renewable energy, fisheries, digital) or in special economic zones (Sal, Boa Vista, São Vicente for tech, Maio). They take the form of partial corporate tax exemptions, tax credits, customs duty exemptions on equipment, tax holidays of up to ten years for fully exporting companies, etc.

For those wanting only a small side activity (bed & breakfast, guide services, micro‑service), it is nonetheless essential to check your tax regime, as some exemptions do not apply to businesses oriented almost exclusively toward the domestic market.

Finally, entrepreneurial investment can also become a lever for residency, and, in time, citizenship: references are found to thresholds around $30,000 invested in a local company opening the path to naturalization, with regional mobility (ECOWAS) and visa facilities to Portugal as a result.

Importing Belongings, Vehicles, and Pets

The last part of administrative preparation: the actual move and the import of goods. Cape Verde applies a detailed customs regime, with a protective logic regarding motor vehicles.

Customs Formalities for Personal Effects

To bring your furniture and belongings, you must prepare a file including at a minimum:

– passport and visa (or residence permit) with entry stamp,

– tax card (NIF),

– proof of employment or mission (for certain profiles),

– for diplomats, mission letter and exemption certificate.

Shipments must be accompanied by standard documents (bill of lading, commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list). Sanitary or phytosanitary certificates are required for certain products (food, plants, animals).

Drugs, weapons, explosives are strictly prohibited, while alcohol and tobacco are tolerated in reasonable quantities for personal use.

Importing a Car: Heavily Taxed, Except for Exceptions

Importing your own car is, in practice, rarely advantageous. The import duty schedule is designed to discourage this option, by heavily taxing powerful and/or older vehicles.

On top of these duties, a 15% VAT is applied to the import value. Some sources cite lower rates for particular categories, but the general trend remains restrictive.

Exceptions exist:

– a returning Cape Verdean can import one car at 0% duty (once in their lifetime), but still pays 15% VAT;

– a company can import a vehicle for strictly professional use with duty exemption, but with VAT and usage constraints (red license plates, limited use to staff, duties payable if sold or kept in the country after five years).

Pets

Bringing your dog or cat is possible, provided you:

– have a health certificate issued by a veterinarian,

– present an up-to-date vaccination record (notably rabies),

– comply with the requirements of the airline or specialized carrier.

Depending on the country of origin, additional veterinary certificates or checks upon arrival may be required. It’s best to inquire with the consulate and the airline well before departure.

In Practice: How to Organize Your Procedures?

Faced with this accumulation of procedures, it’s useful to prioritize and sequence the steps. Many expatriates follow a path similar to this:

Cape Verde is neither a rule-free paradise, nor an insurmountable bureaucratic quagmire. Procedures exist, sometimes lengthy, but generally rational. The key is not to underestimate processing times, especially for residence permits which can officially take up to two years, and to invest from the start in good local contacts: lawyer, accountant, agency, translator.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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