Investment and citizenship: residency through investment in Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde has attracted foreign investors, especially in tourism and services. The legal path to living in the country through investment is not a stand-alone programme: it forms part of the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit and expulsion of foreign nationals, Law No. 66/VIII/2014 of 17 July, regulated by Decree-Law No. 2/2015 of 6 January, both with later amendments (including the second amendment of the regulation by Decree-Law No. 13/2025).

Where investment fits in the framework

The framework distinguishes entry (visa) from long-term stay (residence authorisation):

• Residence visa: the Consular Portal lists the “carrying out of an investment activity” among the purposes of the residence visa (the visa for those who intend to take up habitual residence in Cabo Verde). It allows a stay of 6 months, extendable until the final decision on the residence authorisation application.
• Temporary residence authorisation: on the official e-Residencia portal of the Directorate for Foreigners and Borders (DEF), one of the categories is “investment activity or relevant economic activity”: “granted to foreign nationals for the purpose of carrying out an investment activity or a relevant economic activity”.

What this means, and what is not published

There is therefore a dedicated residence category for investment activity, but inside the general framework for foreign nationals. On the official channels consulted, no stand-alone “golden visa”-style programme and no minimum investment amounts are published: the concrete requirements (proof of the activity, fees and deadlines) follow from the law and its regulation and are assessed by the DEF case by case. Always confirm on the e-Residencia portal and the Consular Portal before committing funds.

General requirements of the residence framework

In addition to the document proving the purpose of residence, applications generally require:

1. a valid travel document and lawful entry;
2. adequate and sufficient means of subsistence;
3. adequate accommodation;
4. a criminal record certificate from the country of nationality or habitual residence, translated and endorsed by Cabo Verdean consular services;
5. a medical certificate and the international vaccination certificate;
6. the municipal residence attestation, Social Security registration and the police registrations required by the portal.

The residence authorisation application is submitted to the DEF up to fifteen days before the visa expires. Fees are listed on the portal (currently 6400 CVE for the temporary residence authorisation; 1400 CVE for CPLP nationals) and may change; confirm the amounts in force at the time of the application.

Investment residence is not automatic citizenship

Lawful residence is the foundation of any future nationality application, but it creates no shortcut. Naturalisation is governed by the Nationality Law (Law No. 33/X/2023 of 22 August, regulated by Decree-Law No. 29/2024) and requires, among other conditions, legal adulthood, habitual residence for the statutory period, civic suitability and means of subsistence. Investment gives access to residence; nationality depends on meeting the general conditions of the law, on the same terms as any other foreign national.

Official channels for confirmation

• DEF e-Residencia: e-portaldef.gov.cv;
• Consular Portal: portalconsular.mnec.gov.cv;
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: om-mne.gov.cv.

When to speak with a lawyer

Legal help is worthwhile when structuring the investment, choosing the correct residence category, assembling the documentation, or facing a refusal. The directory lists lawyers in this field.

This page is general information, not legal advice.