Cape Verde has created a direct path between buying real estate and obtaining permanent residency in the country. It's called the Green Card — a Permanent Residency Card granted to foreigners who acquire real estate assets, and it is one of the most interesting (and least known) tools for those thinking of building a solid base in the archipelago.
In this article we explain, based on the official information from the Cape Verdean Government's e-Residência portal, how the programme works, how much you need to invest and what documents you will need.
What is the Cape Verde Green Card?
The Green Card is a residency permit granted to a foreigner who buys a property — already built or still under construction — for the purpose of residing in Cape Verde. Unlike a tourist visa or a temporary permit, this card grants permanent residency, and the minimum investment required depends on the location of the property.
The model is comparable to the "golden visas" used in Portugal and Spain in recent years, but adapted to the Cape Verdean context: the government's stated objective is to attract investment into the real estate and residential tourism sectors.
How much do you need to invest?
The minimum value varies according to the per capita GDP of the municipality where the property is located:
An important detail: the invested amount must be paid with funds transferred from abroad. It is not sufficient to buy the property with money already in Cape Verdean bank accounts — you must demonstrate that the capital came from outside the country.
Advantages of the Green Card
Beyond permanent residency itself, the card brings relevant tax benefits:
*Note: the exact tax conditions (exemption percentage and duration) may vary according to State Budget updates, so we always recommend confirming current conditions at the time of application.*
Required documents
According to the official portal, the application process requires, among other documents:
Since the process has several moving parts — bank, land registry, consulate — it is worth starting to gather documentation in advance, especially if you are managing everything remotely.
Green Card vs. other residency routes in Cape Verde
The Green Card is not the only residency route available for those with links to Cape Verde. It is worth distinguishing it from another instrument that is easy to confuse it with: the Emigrant Investor Status, directed specifically at Cape Verdean citizens residing abroad with investments in the country — not to foreigners in general — and with its own conditions, different from those of the Green Card. If you belong to the Cape Verdean diaspora, it is worth evaluating both routes before deciding which one to pursue.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Green Card for life?
It is a permanent residency authorisation, which means that once granted, it does not have the temporary nature of other visas — but it is always worth confirming the conditions for maintaining residency with the relevant authorities.
Can I rent out the property after obtaining the Green Card?
The specific rules on property use (own residence vs. rental) must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis, as there may be conditions associated with the type of qualifying investment.
Is the Green Card the same as the Portuguese Golden Visa?
They are conceptually similar — both link real estate investment to residency — but they are programmes from different countries, with their own values, requirements and legislation. They should not be confused.
Ready to move forward with a qualifying investment?
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*Official source: Cape Verdean Government's e-Residência portal (e-portaldef.gov.cv/green-card). This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace specialised legal advice — legal conditions may change, so we recommend always confirming current requirements before starting any process.*
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