Buying property in Cape Verde
Foreign buyers can own property in Cape Verde outright, and the process will feel familiar if you've bought in Portugal or Spain. Here's how it works, step by step, with the tax changes that took effect in 2026.
- Freeholdopen to foreign buyers
- 1%property transfer tax (ITI), from Jan 2026
- 0.1%annual property tax (IPI)
- €1 = 110.265escudos, a fixed peg
Step by step
1. Choose your island and area
Each island has a very different character: resort living on Sal and Boa Vista, city life in Praia, culture in Mindelo. Visit before you buy if you can. Our island guide is a good place to start.
2. Get a Cape Verdean tax number (NIF)
You'll need a NIF to buy property and to open a local bank account. It's issued in person on presentation of your passport, and your lawyer can usually help arrange it.
3. Appoint an independent local lawyer
Use a lawyer who acts only for you, not for the seller or developer. If you can't be on the island for every stage, you can give your lawyer power of attorney to act on your behalf.
4. Check the title
Before you commit, your lawyer should obtain a land registry certificate (Certidão de Registo Predial) from the Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial). It confirms who owns the property and whether there are any charges on it. Ask the seller for proof that property taxes and utility bills are paid up.
5. Sign the promissory contract
The Contrato Promessa de Compra e Venda sets out the price, payment terms, completion date and penalties, and both parties are bound once it's signed. A deposit is normally paid at this stage, commonly 10–30% and negotiable.
6. Complete at the notary
The final deed (Escritura) is signed before a notary, and this is what gives you legal title. The transfer tax is paid at this point.
7. Register your ownership
Register the purchase at the Land Registry and with the local municipality, so that your title is protected against third parties.
Costs and taxes
Cape Verde reformed its property taxes from 1 January 2026, replacing the old single property tax (IUP) with two new taxes:
- Property transfer tax (ITI): 1% of the property's taxable value, paid by the buyer on purchase. It rises to 3% if the buyer or seller benefits from a privileged tax regime.
- Annual property tax (IPI): 0.1% of the taxable value (0.15% for land). Higher rates apply to unfinished, vacant or derelict urban property.
On top of tax, budget for notary, registration and stamp duty fees and your lawyer's fees. Ask your lawyer for a written estimate before you sign the promissory contract.
Residency: the Green Card
Buying a property doesn't automatically give you the right to live in Cape Verde. However, under Law 31/IX/2018 foreign second-home owners can apply for a Green Card, a permanent residence permit. It's available to buyers investing at least €80,000 or €120,000, depending on the municipality, in property that's built or under construction, and it extends to a spouse or partner and dependants. The permit must be renewed. Rules and thresholds can change, so confirm the current requirements with your lawyer and the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF).
Buying off-plan
- Check the developer's track record and visit completed projects.
- Confirm the land title and building licences before paying anything.
- Tie stage payments to construction milestones, and ask whether payments are protected by a bank guarantee.
Renting your property out
Many owners on Sal and Boa Vista let their homes to holidaymakers when they're not using them. A local management company can take care of guests, cleaning and maintenance. Ask about their fees and occupancy in writing.