Green Card (Residence by Investment)

The Cabo Verde Green Card (Cartao Green Card) is a residence-by-investment program that grants permanent residence to foreign nationals who purchase real estate in the country. Established by Lei n.o 30/IX/2018 and implemented through Decreto-Regulamentar n.o 1/2020, the program is administered by the Direcao de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (DEF) in coordination with the Casa do Cidadao, which serves as the single window for applications. The program aims to attract foreign investment and stimulate the civil construction and real estate tourism sectors.

Applicants must purchase built or under-construction residential real estate in Cabo Verde funded by capital transferred from abroad. Two investment tiers apply based on the municipality's per capita GDP:

• EUR 80,000 in municipalities with per capita GDP below the national average
• EUR 120,000 in municipalities with per capita GDP at or above the national average

Only real estate investments qualify — government bonds, business investments, or fund investments are not eligible. Funds must be transferred from abroad, and a bank certification from a Cabo Verdean financial institution confirming the international transfer is required.

Green Card holders enjoy several tax advantages:

• Exemption from the Single Property Tax (IUP) upon property transfer
• Exemption from IUP on inheritance transfers
• 50% reduction in IUP for ten years following acquisition, subject to Municipal Assembly approval
• Retirees with foreign-source pension income receive personal income tax exemption

Applications must be submitted in person at Casa do Cidadao offices, which function as the Green Card Single Desk. The DEF e-Portal has a Green Card section, but online application functionality is not yet operational. Required documents include a valid passport, criminal record certificates from the country of nationality and habitual residence (translated into Portuguese and legalized or apostilled), medical and vaccination certificates, bank certification confirming capital transfer, real property registry certification, and tax registration certificate. Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

The Green Card grants permanent residence with indefinite duration. After five years of habitual residence, holders may apply for Cabo Verdean citizenship through naturalization. Additionally, Lei n.o 33/X/2023 introduced a citizenship-by-investment pathway that may allow significant investors to obtain nationality without the five-year residency requirement, though implementing regulations are still being developed.

No specific minimum physical presence requirements have been established for maintaining Green Card status, offering flexibility for holders who do not plan to reside in Cabo Verde full-time. All travellers must complete pre-registration and pay the Airport Security Tax via the EASE platform before departure.

The Green Card extends to the holder's spouse and minor children under 14 who are dependants, at no additional investment cost. Family reunion fees are established separately.