How to invest in Cape Verde step by step: complete guide for 2026

Cape Verde is today one of the most interesting real estate markets in the Atlantic. With a growing economy, sustained tourism growth and a strategic location between Europe, Africa and America, the archipelago attracts more and more international investors and Cape Verdeans from the diaspora.

Why invest in Cape Verde in 2026?

Tourism remains the main driver of the Cape Verdean economy. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), the country received 981,354 tourists in 2024 — the highest figure in its recorded history — a growth of 11.8% compared to 2023. Preliminary data for 2025 confirms the continuation of this trend, with quarterly increases of 6% to 9% year on year.

This tourism dynamism is directly linked to overall economic growth: real GDP grew 7.2%-7.3% in 2024, according to the Bank of Cape Verde and the World Bank, with a forecast of 5.9% for 2025 and stabilisation near 5% in the medium term.

Other factors supporting investor interest:

Stable currency: the Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate (1 EUR = 110.265 CVE), eliminating currency risk for eurozone investors.

No restrictions on foreign ownership: foreign nationals can buy residential, commercial and land properties with the same rights as Cape Verdeans.

Favourable tax reform in 2026: the former Unique Patrimony Tax (IUP) of 1.5% has been replaced by the IPI (Property Tax), with a base rate of just 0.1% of the assessed value — a significant reduction in the annual property tax burden.

Prices and appreciation potential

Prices vary widely depending on the island and area:

From €350/m² on less sought-after islands such as Maio, up to €1,800/m² in the most consolidated tourist areas such as Sal and Boa Vista.

Sal and Boa Vista have more mature markets and higher prices; islands like Maio or areas of Santiago offer greater appreciation potential, but with higher risk.

Methodological note: there is, to date, no single official centralised index (INE or Bank of Cape Verde) measuring annual appreciation of the Cape Verdean real estate market, unlike more mature markets. The figures below result from StakeCV's own study, based on real data collected from partner agencies and analysis of market behaviour over recent years:

Average appreciation of 4-7% per year, with peaks of 8-12% in projects under development in areas of highest tourist demand.

Typical ROI of 5-8% net annually in consolidated tourist areas, for properties intended for rental.

These figures are estimates based on real market data and may vary depending on the island, property type and rental management. As an additional reference, some tourist developments offer contractually guaranteed yields of around 4.5% per year — a more conservative but contract-secured figure.

How to enter Cape Verde to invest or visit

This is a point that needs to be clarified precisely, as the rules have recently changed:

EU citizens can enter Cape Verde without a visa for up to 30 days, but since 2019 pre-registration on the EASE platform is mandatory (ideally up to 5 days before travel) along with payment of an airport security fee (TSA).

In January 2026, the Cape Verdean Government published a new decree requiring prior visas for citizens of 91 countries (mostly outside Europe) — this does not affect EU citizens, but shows that visa policy is under active review and may continue to change.

Those wishing to stay more than 30 days need to apply for a temporary visa, residence visa, or residence permit from the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF).

Step 1: Define your investment objective

Before buying any property in Cape Verde, it is essential to be clear about what you want to achieve:

Long-term appreciation: buying land or property in a developing area and waiting for its value to rise over time.

Rental income: buying to rent and earn income, bearing in mind that yields vary depending on location and management type (with examples of guaranteed yields of around 4.5% in certain developments).

Second home: buying for personal use and renting when not in use.

Path to residency: in some cases, a tourist real estate investment from €80,000 may give access to the Green Card (permanent residence permit) — it is worth confirming current conditions with a local lawyer, as requirements may change.

How much does it cost to buy a property in Cape Verde?

Beyond the property price, additional costs must be accounted for, which typically total between 3% and 5% of the purchase price:

Reservation fee: between €3,000 and €5,000, or around 5% of the property value.

Legal fees: normally between €1,250 and €2,000.

Transfer tax (ITI), notary and registration fees: between 0.5% and 1% of the value.

It is always advisable to hire an independent local lawyer (not recommended by the seller) to verify documentation, confirm the absence of encumbrances or mortgages and oversee the entire process, which can be done by power of attorney if you are not present in the country.

How StakeCV can help you

StakeCV is the reference real estate marketplace in Cape Verde. We connect investors like you directly with the best verified agencies and developers in the archipelago, at no cost to the buyer.

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*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Values, rates and visa policies may change; it is recommended to confirm up-to-date information with official sources (INE, Bank of Cape Verde, DEF) and a local lawyer before any investment decision.*

Sources consulted: National Statistics Institute (INE) of Cape Verde, Bank of Cape Verde, World Bank, Expresso das Ilhas, Observador, EASE (Directorate of Foreigners and Borders), consultoria.cv, imoveis.cv, and StakeCV's own market study (appreciation and ROI data).