Cape Verde digital nomad visa: requirements (2026)
Digital nomad visa in Cape Verde: dedicated visa.
Cape Verde operates a dedicated Remote Working Program launched in December 2020, offering a 6-month temporary work/tourism visa renewable for a further 6 months, targeting freelancers and self-employed remote workers employed by foreign clients. Participants are not treated as tax residents and their foreign-sourced income is exempt from Cape Verdean personal income tax. A separate Green Card residence-by-investment route and standard DEF-issued residence permits (temporary and permanent) provide longer-term pathways.
Legal framework
Remote Working Cape Verde Program (launched December 2020, operational 2021), administered by the Agência de Desenvolvimento do Turismo de Cabo Verde (ADTCV) and the Direção de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (DEF); tax exemption regime under Law No. 76/VIII/2021 and Decree-Law No. 11/2022; Green Card residency-by-investment under Law No. 30/IX/2018
Key points: digital nomad & residency in Cape Verde
Dedicated Remote Working Visa
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.
Eligibility & Geographic Scope
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.
Financial & Documentation Requirements
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.
Income Tax Exemption
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.
Green Card (Residency by Investment)
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.
Standard Residence Permits
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.
Sources
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