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Buy land and build a holiday home on São Vicente

Platform summary

Illustrative, non-legal overview. Steps and requirements must be confirmed with the competent authorities.

Câmara Municipal de São Vicente · estimated duration ~120 days

How it usually goes

Most foreign buyers start by orienting online and then visit the plot in person. Before any payment, you confirm who the owner is and whether the land can actually be built on. Only then do you move on to the deed, the registration and, finally, the building permit. The whole journey usually takes a few months and involves several authorities - it pays to gather documents early and to work with an independent lawyer.

What to watch out for in Cabo Verde

  • Many plots are undivided inheritance: make sure all heirs sign, otherwise the sale can be challenged later.
  • Coastal plots may fall under the maritime public domain and not be sellable - check the boundaries with the municipality.
  • You need a Cape Verdean tax number (NIF) to buy and pay taxes; get it early at the Casa do Cidadão or the tax office.
  • Since 2026 the old IUP was replaced by cITI (on purchase) and cIPI (annual) - ask the tax office for current amounts.
  • Always use an independent lawyer and never pay cash without a receipt or before the title is verified.

The steps, one by one

  1. 1

    Verify title and encumbrances

    Request the Land Registry Certificate from the Conservatória do Registo Predial. Hire an independent lawyer.

    Request the Land Registry Certificate from the Conservatória to learn who the registered owner is and whether there are mortgages, seizures or pending disputes. Compare the seller’s name with the title and confirm that the area and boundaries on paper match the actual plot. An independent lawyer - never the seller’s - should review everything before you sign anything.

    Authority:
    Land Registry (Conservatória do Registo Predial)
    Documents:
    Land registry certificate, Seller identification
    Duration:
    ~14 days

    Good practice: Never pay a deposit before seeing a certificate issued within the last 30 days.

  2. 2

    Confirm zoning and feasibility

    Confirm zoning and permitted use with the municipality.

    With the municipality, use the Municipal Master Plan (Plano Diretor Municipal) to confirm whether the plot is urban or developable and whether housing is allowed. Also check access to water and electricity, required setbacks and any restrictions (protection zones, coastline, airport). Ask for this in writing - a site plan or prior-information note - so you don’t rely on verbal promises.

    Authority:
    Municipality
    Documents:
    Cadastral reference, Site plan
    Duration:
    ~21 days

    Good practice: A cheap plot with no building feasibility can turn out very expensive - confirm feasibility before you agree on price.

  3. 3

    Sign the public deed and register

    Sign the public deed before a notary and register the transfer.

    The purchase is formalised in a public deed (escritura pública) before a notary. There you pay the transfer tax (cITI, which since 2026 replaced the old IUP) and the notary and registration fees. After the deed, register the transfer at the Conservatória: it is registration - not the deed alone - that makes you the owner against third parties.

    Authority:
    Notary + Land Registry
    Documents:
    Draft deed, Proof of funds
    Duration:
    ~30 days

    Good practice: Keep the registration proof: without it you won’t be able to sell or mortgage the plot later.

  4. 4

    Apply for a building permit

    Submit the architectural project for the building permit.

    A licensed architect or engineer prepares the architectural project and technical drawings and signs the responsibility statement. The project is submitted to the municipality for the building permit; work should only start once the permit is approved. At the end, request the use (habitation) licence before living in or renting out the home.

    Authority:
    Municipality
    Documents:
    Architectural project, Engineer sign-off
    Duration:
    ~45 days

    Good practice: Building without a permit can lead to fines or a demolition order - and blocks the official water and electricity connection.

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