How to buy a house or land in Cape Verde

Note: this is an informational summary by the Djarvista platform; it is not legal advice. Always confirm with the competent authorities. FACT: In Cape Verde, nationals and foreigners generally enjoy the same legal protection when acquiring property, under the Civil Code and the Property Registration Code (Código do Registo Predial). Steps: • ASSUMPTION/indicative: Choose the property and negotiate the price; a promissory sale contract (contrato-promessa) with a deposit (often 10–20%) is common. Confirm terms with a lawyer or notary. • FACT: Check title at the Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial / RNI) via a certificate (Certidão de Teor), to confirm the seller is the lawful owner and that there are no charges, mortgages or debts. • FACT: You need a NIF (tax number) to buy and for banking - see the dedicated article. • FACT: The sale is formalised by public deed (escritura pública) before a notary (Cartório Notarial). • FACT: The transfer is subject to the cITI (real-estate transfer tax), which since 1 January 2026 replaces the former IUP (Law No. 54/X/2025). ASSUMPTION/indicative: the indicated standard rate is around 1%; confirm the current rate and any exemptions with Finanças/DNRE. • FACT: After the deed, register the transfer at the Land Registry. • ASSUMPTION/indicative: For land, before building you need a construction permit, normally issued by the Municipality (Câmara Municipal); confirm requirements and the applicable urban plan. Sources / Fontes / Bronnen: Boletim Oficial (boe.incv.cv); Casa do Cidadão (portondinosilhas.gov.cv); Finanças/DNRE (mf.gov.cv/web/dnre); Conservatória do Registo Predial / RNI. Verificação necessária / Verification required / Verificatie vereist.

This information is indicative and may be outdated. Always confirm with the competent authorities. Djarvista does not provide legal advice.