Foreigners can buy property freehold with few restrictions, and purchases are registered in the buyer's name. Since 2018 a 'Green Card' scheme for real-estate investors has offered tax incentives such as reduced property transfer duty. Using a local lawyer to confirm clear title is advisable.
Before you buy in Cape Verde, always:
General guidance only — rules change; confirm the current position with a qualified local lawyer.
Our free ownership checker and the Overseas Property Playbook walk through how foreign ownership works step by step — the questions to ask and the traps to sidestep.
Foreigners buy freely once they hold a tax number (NIF); budget around 3% transfer tax (IUP) on resale homes, or 15% VAT on brand-new developer units, plus modest notary and registration fees. Purchases typically complete within weeks to a few months.
Sal (Santa Maria) is the main expat and tourist hub, Boa Vista offers quieter beaches, Sao Vicente's Mindelo is the cultural capital, and Santiago's Praia is the busy main city.
Healthcare is limited: state facilities are basic and the better private clinics cluster on Sal and in Praia, with serious cases flown to Portugal or the Canaries. Private international insurance is strongly advised and reasonably priced. Friendly and broadly safe, with the usual care against petty theft in tourist spots; Portuguese and Creole dominate and English is limited outside resorts, and they drive on the right.
Thinking seriously about Cape Verde?
Two honest Brits, a private call, and straight answers — see if a freehold home abroad is a fit for you.
See if you qualify →