Starting a business in Cape Verde: foreigner's guide (2026)

No general restriction on foreign equity: 100% foreign-owned companies are permitted. Sector-specific rules apply in banking, insurance, fishing, maritime cabotage, aviation, and telecommunications, where additional licensing or minimum local-participation requirements may arise.

The Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) is the most-used form for foreign SMEs; it requires a minimum of one shareholder (sole-shareholder structure allowed) and a director who need not be resident. The Sociedade Anónima (S.A.) is used for larger operations and has higher governance requirements.

The legally prescribed minimum share capital for a Sociedade por Quotas is nominal (EUR 0.01 per the Commercial Companies Code); in practice lenders and partners expect a commercially credible capital level. No paid-in capital deposit at a local bank is required by statute for an Lda.

Entrepreneurs must: (1) reserve a company name via the Commercial Registry/JUN; (2) execute articles of association (notarised or via the online portal); (3) register with the Commercial Registry; (4) obtain a tax identification number (NIF) from the DGCI — assigned automatically; (5) register for social security; and (6) obtain any sector-specific licences. The Commercial Registry step itself can take 1–5 business days; the full multi-agency process typically spans 2–4 weeks.

Foreign investments must be registered electronically with the Banco de Cabo Verde (through Cabo Verde TradeInvest) to secure the right to repatriate profits and capital. The registration certificate is issued within 45 days of a complete submission; repatriation of dividends is freely permitted once taxes are settled.

Under the Tax Incentives Code, new companies in eligible sectors (particularly tourism and export-oriented activities) may receive corporate income tax exemption for the first five years of operation, followed by a reduced rate of 10% from year six onward.