Cape Verde digital nomad visa & residency (2026)

A specific 6-month temporary visa for digital nomads and remote workers, renewable once for a further 6 months (12 months total). The application is fully electronic with approximately two-week processing time; the visa fee is €20 plus an ~€34 airport levy.

Open to freelancers or self-employed individuals working remotely for clients or employers outside Cape Verde. The programme targets applicants from Europe, North America, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and ECOWAS member states.

Applicants must show an average bank balance of at least €1,500 over the prior six months, hold valid international health insurance for the duration of stay, and provide a clean criminal background check from their country of residence.

Holders of the Remote Working visa are not classified as tax residents; foreign-sourced income (salaries, freelance earnings) is explicitly exempt from Cape Verdean personal income tax under Law No. 76/VIII/2021 and Decree-Law No. 11/2022.

Law No. 30/IX/2018 established a Green Card granting residence to foreigners purchasing real estate worth at least €80,000 in low-GDP municipalities or €120,000 elsewhere, funded by capital transferred from abroad. Provides a pathway to citizenship after five years of habitual residence.

The DEF issues temporary residence permits (renewed annually) and permanent residence permits (renewed every five years) under general immigration law, covering employment, family reunification, retirement, and other categories. The consular portal provides the full visa typology.