Remote Working Program

Cabo Verde's Remote Working Program, also known as "Nómadas Digitais," allows foreign nationals to live in Cabo Verde while working remotely for employers or clients outside the country. Launched in December 2020 by the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, the program is administered by Turismo de Cabo Verde, with visa declarations issued by the Directorate of Foreigners and Borders (DEF). It targets self-employed individuals and remote workers from Europe, North America, Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), and West African states (CEDEAO).

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Self-employed or able to work remotely using internet and electronic communication tools
• Bank statements for the preceding 6 months showing a minimum average balance of €1,500 (individual) or €2,700 (family)
• Travel and health insurance covering the entire stay, including evacuation and repatriation
• Proof of accommodation in Cabo Verde
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin
• Medical certificate
• Proof of link with the company or entity for which remote services are provided

• Passport (valid 6+ months)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin
• Proof of remote work engagement with a company or entity outside Cabo Verde
• Bank statements for the preceding 6 months
• Proof of accommodation in Cabo Verde
• Medical certificate
• Travel and health insurance policy

The visa is granted for 6 months and is renewable once for an additional 6 months, for a maximum total stay of 12 months. The renewal fee is €20 per person, and extensions are processed on the ground in Cabo Verde.

Families are welcome to apply together. The income requirement increases to a flat €2,700 for families, regardless of the number of members. No specific dependant categories are defined — the program simply refers to "families."

Holders receive temporary residency but not tax residency. Income earned from sources outside Cabo Verde is exempt from local income tax. Holders may only work remotely for entities outside Cabo Verde; employment with local companies is prohibited.

Applications can be submitted online through the DEF e-Portal. As of March 2026, the e-Portal's digital nomads page shows both the Apply and Track Application functions as under maintenance; a contact phone number is provided for inquiries. Processing takes approximately 2 weeks, and the program advises against travelling before receiving approval. Upon approval, applicants receive an approval letter from Turismo de Cabo Verde and a visa declaration from the DEF.

All travellers must complete mandatory pre-registration and pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA) of €34 per person via the EASE platform before departure. Upon arrival, present your passport, approval letter, visa declaration, proof of TSA payment, and pay the €20 per person visa fee.

As of 1 January 2026, visa-on-arrival has been suspended for nationals of 96 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and Oceania. Affected travellers must now obtain a visa before departure from a Cabo Verdean embassy or consulate. Visa-exempt nationalities may still enter for short stays with EASE pre-registration and TSA payment. Portaria 40/2025 established updated DEF fee schedules, though certain provisions have been temporarily suspended.