Cape Verde — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
522,331 people · Capital: Praia · Western Africa
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Cape Verde is located in Western Africa, with a population of 522,331. Its currency is the Cape Verdean escudo. Our database tracks 17 visa pathways for Cape Verde, each linked to a named source.
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (17)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Temporária — Actividade Profissional Subordinada (Employee) | — | — | 24 mo | — |
Digital Nomad (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto Nómadas Digitais (Digital Nomad Visa) | — | — | 6 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Temporária — Actividade de Investimento ou Actividade Económica Relevante | — | — | 24 mo | — |
| Green Card (Real-Estate Investor) — Higher-PIB Municipality (€120,000) | — | — | — | — |
| Green Card (Real-Estate Investor) — Lower-PIB Municipality (€80,000) | — | — | — | — |
Retirement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Visa | — | — | — | — |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Temporária — Estudante do Ensino Superior | — | — | 24 mo | — |
Research & Academia (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Temporária — Actividade Altamente Qualificada (Highly-Qualified / Researcher / Lecturer) | — | — | 24 mo | — |
Family Reunification (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Temporária — Reagrupamento Familiar (Family Reunification) | — | — | 24 mo | — |
| Titular de autorização de residência | — | €1 | 24 mo | 30d |
Spouse & Partner (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation — Spouse of Cape Verdean National | — | — | — | — |
Ancestry & Descent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation — Cape Verdean Ancestry (No Residency Period) | — | — | — | — |
Free Movement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Exempt Entry — ECOWAS Free Movement (90 days) | — | — | 3 mo | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto de Residência | — | — | 6 mo | — |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR Permanente — 5 Years Continuous AR Temporária | — | — | 60 mo | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naturalisation — General 5-Year Residence Track | — | — | — | — |
Tourism & Short Stay (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde Entry Visa (Consular, post-Despacho 244/2025) | — | — | 3 mo | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Cape Verde | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €380 | €1,200 | -68% |
| Rent (3BR) | €650 | €2,000 | -68% |
| Groceries | €180 | €350 | -49% |
| Transport | €35 | €80 | -56% |
| Utilities | €95 | €150 | -37% |
| Dining (meal) | €8 | €15 | -47% |
Salary & Employment
Shortage Occupations
- Software Engineer (IT)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Construction Manager (Construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidade Jean Piaget de Cabo Verde | — | 12 | €2,500 |
| Universidade de Cabo Verde | — | 8 | €2,000 |
| Instituto Superior de Educação | — | 6 | €1,800 |
| Escola Superior de Tecnologia de Cabo Verde | — | 14 | €2,200 |
| Instituto de Educação Física e Desporto | — | 4 | €1,600 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 15 of the 15 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 5 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- aai.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-21
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- portalconsular.mnec.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-10
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- aai.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-09
- e-portaldef.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- portalconsular.mnec.gov.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- igae.cv · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- ecowas.int · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-08
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
AR Temporária — Estudante do Ensino Superior · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “The 'Estudante do ensino superior' route detail page shows document requirements, a 'Legislation' card, and a 'Fee' card/icon, but no amount is populated under the Fee card. An earlier listing preview of the same route showed the value template as ': CVE' — currency code…” — e-portaldef.gov.cv, 2026-07-07
Savings / proof of funds: “Autorização de residência para estudo: para estudantes do ensino superior – é concedida a estrangeiro que tenha sido admitido num estabelecimento de ensino superior reconhecido e apresentem prova de matrícula e do pagamento das propinas exigidas pelo estabelecimento e disponha…” — aai.gov.cv, 2026-07-07
AR Temporária — Reagrupamento Familiar (Family Reunification) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “Reagrupamento Familiar — É uma autorização de residência concedida a estrangeiros que sejam membros da família de estrangeiro que resida em Cabo Verde titular de uma autorização de residência válida. [category list only; no income figure shown]” — e-portaldef.gov.cv
Visto Nómadas Digitais (Digital Nomad Visa) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “Documentos necessarios ... Comprovativo de rendimento; — sem montante numérico na fonte. not_applicable.” — e-portaldef.gov.cv
AR Temporária — Actividade de Investimento ou Actividade Económica Relevante · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “"É uma autorização de residência concedida a estrangeiros para efeitos de exercício de uma actividade de investimento ou actividade económica relevante." — no financial threshold stated on this page.” — e-portaldef.gov.cv, 2026-07-07
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Cape Verde have?
Our database tracks 17 visa pathways for Cape Verde across 14 categories, the largest being Investment / Golden Visa, Family Reunification, General Residence. Each entry links to a named source — 88% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the average salary in Cape Verde?
The average gross salary in Cape Verde is EUR 428 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 154 per month.
How much does rent cost in Cape Verde?
A one-bedroom apartment in Cape Verde averages EUR 380 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 650 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Cape Verde?
The top personal income tax rate in Cape Verde is 13%. The standard VAT rate is 15%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Cape Verde?
Among the pathways we track, the Naturalisation — General 5-Year Residence Track lists 5 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
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