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Buying property in Cabo Verde (process and foreigners)

Buying property in Cabo Verde follows the Portuguese legal tradition: promissory contract, public deed before a notary, and land registration. Foreigners and the diaspora can buy, with important caveats (coast and taxes).

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

Last updated: 2026-07-23

What are the legal steps to buy?

Three acts: (1) the promissory purchase contract (CPCV), binding the parties, usually with a deposit; (2) the public deed, signed before a notary, which transfers ownership; (3) registration at the Land Registry, which makes ownership enforceable against third parties. Both parties need a NIF.

Sourced factConfirm with: A Cabo Verdean notary/lawyer and the Land Registry.

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What is the NIF and how do I get one?

The NIF (tax number) is required for the transactions and registration. It is free, requested in person at Finance offices or Casa do Cidadão, using form 110. Non-residents present a passport copy. The official page does not state that non-residents must appoint a fiscal representative (secondary sources say so, to confirm).

Sourced factConfirm with: DNRE (Tax Authority) and Casa do Cidadão.

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Can a foreigner buy? And near the sea?

We did not find a law imposing a general restriction on foreigners buying urban property (the "same rights as nationals" claim is common but not located in law; to confirm). The confirmed legal restriction is the coast: an 80 m strip from the shoreline is maritime public domain, inalienable and cannot be private property (Law 44/VI/2004). Near the sea, confirm with the Council and INGT whether the plot is within that strip and whether ownership or only a concession is being sold.

Sourced factConfirm with: A Cabo Verdean notary/lawyer and the Land Registry.

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Is there residence for investors (Green Card)?

Yes. Law 30/IX/2018 creates a second-residence "Green Card" status for foreigners who invest in property, granting permanent residence with no obligation to live there, including spouse and children. Government announcements cite investment thresholds of €80,000 and €120,000 depending on the island (confirm current amounts). Note: the tax benefits were written against IUP, repealed in 2026, so their application to ITI/IPI must be confirmed.

To confirmConfirm with: Casa do Cidadão and the Ministry of Finance.

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And for the Cabo Verdean diaspora?

There is the Emigrant Investor Status: a Cabo Verdean emigrant with permanent residence abroad can obtain a 5-year certificate once the investment is qualified by Cabo Verde TradeInvest, via the Emigrants’ Single Window. It includes tax and customs incentives (confirm current figures with the authority).

Sourced factConfirm with: Cabo Verde TradeInvest and the Ministry of Finance.

Sources