Cape Verde•AfricaGreen Card - Real Estate Investment Residence (Cartão Verde)
At a Glance
Varies
Not confirmed
Check the official source5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Residence authorization for foreigners purchasing residential property in Cabo Verde, requiring €80,000 minimum in lower-GDP municipalities or €120,000 in higher-GDP areas, with funds transferred from abroad.
The Green Card, or Real Estate Investment Residence, was introduced in 2018 to specifically attract foreign property investors to the archipelago. By offering a streamlined path to permanent residency, the program fills the gap for investors who want a secure, long-term foothold in Cabo Verde without the complexities of traditional work or business-based residency. It serves as a key tool for the government to boost the real estate market and encourage development in both established and emerging tourism zones, rewarding substantial property owners with significant residency benefits.
This program is for foreign nationals aged 18 and older who are willing to purchase residential property in Cabo Verde. The investment threshold is set at a minimum of €80,000, with higher requirements for more developed regions. It is ideal for retirees, second-home seekers, and investors looking for a stable base in a politically secure nation. The program is highly distinctive because it grants permanent residency status upon investment, often without a requirement for continuous physical presence. It offers a unique combination of property ownership, long-term residency, and potential tax benefits, making it an attractive option for global citizens.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Purchase of residential real estate in Cabo Verde.
Minimum investment of €80,000 in municipalities with below-average GDP per capita.
Minimum investment of €120,000 in municipalities with above-average GDP per capita.
Funds must be transferred from abroad.
Property must be for the investor's residence (not a hotel rental scheme).
Clean criminal record certificate from country of nationality/habitual residence.
Valid passport.
KEY CRITERIA
Investment
80,000 EUR
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport
Criminal record certificate
Proof of property purchase
Proof of investment payment
Financial documentation
Passport photographs
Tax registration (NIF)
Medical insurance
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permanent residency status.
- Exemption from property transfer tax (IUP) at purchase.
- 50% discount on annual municipal property tax (IUP) for 10 years.
- 0% tax on retirement income/pensions/foreign income for residents.
- No airport entry tax (TSA) for the owner and immediate family.
- No minimum stay requirement.
- Path to citizenship after 5 years of habitual residence.
Worth Knowing
- Property must be for personal residence; hotel rental schemes do not qualify.
- Requires significant upfront capital investment.
- Legal advice is strongly recommended due to evolving tax frameworks.
- Documentation must be translated into Portuguese and legalized.
Application Process
Identify investment property
Select real estate in Cape Verde meeting investment criteria
Complete property purchase
Finalize real estate transaction (minimum €80,000 or €120,000)
Prepare Green Card application
Gather investment documentation and personal details
Submit at Casa do Cidadão
Apply in person at Casa do Cidadão (Citizen House) offices
Provide criminal records
Submit certificate of criminal record from home country and countries of residence
Background verification
Undergo background checks and verification
Receive Green Card approval
Obtain Green Card (Cartão Verde) authorizing permanent residence
Register at immigration
Register with immigration authorities (DIRE)
Application Forms
| Green Card Application Form | — |
Related visas
More visas in Cape Verde
Investment visas in other countries
- Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates
- Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP - Golden Visa)
Malta
- Investment Visa (Visto de Investimento)
Mozambique
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