More than 700,000 Cape Verdeans live outside the archipelago — most of them in Portugal, Spain, France, the United States and the Netherlands. For decades, the most common way to support family in Cape Verde was by sending remittances. But in recent years there has been a clear shift: more and more diaspora members are going a step further, turning part of those savings into real estate investment in their own country.
This guide explains why it makes sense to consider this step now, and how to do it safely without having to be physically present in Cape Verde.
Why invest in Cape Verde now?
Entry prices are still accessible. It is possible to find land and properties at values far below what you would pay for an equivalent asset in Portugal, Spain or France. This means a lower entry barrier for those wanting to start building wealth in their home country.
The market has shown an appreciation trend. Several sector operators report average Cape Verdean real estate appreciation of around 4-7% per year in recent cycles, driven by tourism growth and infrastructure investment in islands like Santiago, Sal and Boa Vista. *Note: these percentages vary considerably by island, area and property type — always ask for specific data on the project you are interested in.*
The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro, which reduces currency risk for those who live and save in euros — a relevant advantage compared to other African or Latin American investment destinations.
It is more than a business. For many diaspora members, investing in Cape Verde has value beyond financial return: it is maintaining an active connection with the homeland, having a place to return to on holidays or in retirement, and contributing to the country's development.
How to buy a property in Cape Verde from abroad
1. Choose the property remotely.
Research and compare properties through verified platforms, virtual visits and video calls with the developer or agency. Always request the legal documentation before proceeding. Browse our complete property catalogue for real price benchmarks by area.
2. Open a bank account in Cape Verde.
Most Cape Verdean banks (BCA, BCN, Caixa Económica) allow non-residents to open an account, generally with a copy of the passport and proof of address abroad. Some processes can be started remotely.
3. Transfer the funds.
Since the escudo is pegged to the euro, transfers from the eurozone tend to be more predictable in currency terms. Compare fees between banks and international transfer services.
4. Sign through power of attorney if you cannot travel.
A power of attorney (authenticated at a notary or consulate) allows a trusted lawyer or representative to sign the deed on your behalf in Cape Verde. This is the most common route for remote buyers.
5. Register the property at the Conservatória dos Registos Prediais.
This is the step that makes the purchase legally binding. Confirm that the registration was actually completed — not just initiated — before considering the process closed.
Projects you can analyse remotely
Two of the most active current projects have all information available online and fast-response teams:
What you should also consider before investing
Tools to decide with data
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in Cape Verde to buy a property?
No. With a properly authenticated power of attorney, the entire process can be carried out remotely.
Can I open a bank account without being a resident?
Yes, most Cape Verdean banks have products for non-residents, though documentation requirements vary by bank.
Does investing in Cape Verde provide any visa or residency benefits?
It depends on the value and type of investment — confirm current conditions with a lawyer specialising in Cape Verdean immigration, as legislation may change.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore our property catalogue or try our AI analysis to compare projects. The service is 100% free for the buyer.
