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Starting and licensing a business in Cabo Verde

Starting a company in Cabo Verde is fast: with the Empresa no Dia regime, a company can be incorporated in under 24 hours at Casa do Cidadão. Here are the essential steps with their official sources.

Indicative information, with source and date. Not legal or tax advice: always confirm with the named authority before acting.

Last updated: 2026-07-23

How do I get the company NIF?

The NIF is free, requested in person at Finance offices or Casa do Cidadão, using form 110. For a company you need the company-name certificate and documents proving legal existence. Non-resident entities add proof of existence authenticated by a consul, translated into Portuguese if needed.

Sourced factConfirm with: DNRE and Casa do Cidadão.

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What is Empresa no Dia?

A regime allowing you to incorporate and start operating a company (Lda., single-member, SA) immediately, at Casa do Cidadão, based on Decree-Law 9/2008. Companies whose capital is contributed in kind (e.g. real estate) or activities requiring prior authorisation go through the Commercial Registry instead.

Sourced factConfirm with: Casa do Cidadão.

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Must I register for social security (INPS)?

Yes. The employer must register as a contributor with INPS within 15 days of starting activity, and register each worker within 30 days. Documents include the registration form, a copy of the licence, the Boletim Oficial publication of incorporation and the NIF.

Sourced factConfirm with: INPS.

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How do I license my trade?

Retail trade is licensed by the Municipal Council (simplified regime). Wholesale and import/export are licensed by the Chambers of Commerce, with official fees published on the Portal do Comércio (e.g. importer licence 20,000 CVE plus 10,000 CVE inspection fee; exporter fee 20,000 CVE). Specific activities (tourism, industry, food) need sector authorisations.

Sourced factConfirm with: The Municipal Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

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