16 February 2026 · 8 min read
Cape Verde Green Card: How to Get Residency Through Property Investment
Residency Investment Green Card
Last updated: February 2026
Cape Verde's Green Card program offers permanent residency to foreign nationals who invest in real estate on the islands. It's one of the more accessible residency-by-investment programs globally — with lower thresholds than most European alternatives, a path to citizenship, and the practical benefits of living in a politically stable, warm-climate country with a euro-pegged currency.
Here's how it works.
What the Green Card Is
The Green Card (Cartão Verde) is a permanent residence authorization created under Law No. 30/IX/2018. It grants its holder the right to reside in Cape Verde for an indefinite period. Unlike a visa or temporary permit, it doesn't need to be renewed periodically — though it comes with conditions around the property investment that underpins it.
The program was designed to attract foreign investment in real estate and tourism, strengthen the construction industry, and create employment. It positions Cape Verde as a second-home destination with genuine residency benefits.
Investment Thresholds
The minimum property investment required depends on the economic status of the area where you buy:
| Area Type | Minimum Investment | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Below-average GDP per capita | €80,000 | Many areas outside major tourist hubs |
| Above-average GDP per capita | €120,000 | Sal, parts of Boa Vista, central Praia |
These are the minimum property purchase values — the investment must be in real estate located in Cape Verde. The property can be residential, touristic, or commercial.
Tax Benefits
The Green Card comes with meaningful tax advantages for property owners:
- Transfer tax benefits: Potential exemption from property transfer tax at the time of purchase. Under the new 2026 tax framework, ITI replaced the old IUP transfer component. Current summaries generally describe ITI as 1% of taxable value, with 3% in privileged-tax-regime cases. Verify the specific application with your lawyer, as the transition to the new tax codes may affect how this benefit is implemented.
- Reduced annual property tax: A possible reduction in annual property tax for up to ten years, subject to approval by the Municipal Assembly where the property is located. Under the new IPI system (effective January 2026), IPI is generally described as 0.1% for urban property and 0.15% for land.
- Inheritance: Potential exemptions from property transfer tax on inheritance (mortis causa) succession.
Requirements and Application
To apply for the Green Card, you'll need:
- A valid passport
- Criminal record certificates (from your home country and any countries of recent residence)
- A health certificate
- An international vaccination certificate
- Property purchase documentation proving the investment meets the threshold
- Bank transfer confirmation showing the funds originated from abroad
- Property registration certificates
- Construction contract (if the investment is in a property under construction)
Applications are submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and Transport (MTT). Processing times vary but are generally shorter than comparable European programs.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of habitual residency in Cape Verde as a Green Card holder, you can apply for Cape Verdean citizenship. This is a genuine path to a second passport, which provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to a range of countries and territories.
"Habitual residency" means actually spending time in Cape Verde — it doesn't mean you need to be there 365 days a year, but you need to demonstrate genuine residence, not just property ownership.
Practical Considerations
- This isn't just a paperwork exercise. The Green Card is designed for people who will actually spend time in Cape Verde. If your sole interest is a paper residency with no intention of visiting, this may not be the right program — and authorities can assess whether the residency is genuine.
- The property must be a real investment. It must meet the minimum threshold, be properly registered, and the funds must demonstrably come from abroad. This isn't a program you can game with a token purchase.
- Tax implications in your home country. Becoming a tax resident of Cape Verde may have implications for your tax obligations at home. Some countries tax their citizens or residents on worldwide income regardless of where they live. There is no double taxation agreement between Cape Verde and many countries (including the UK). Consult a tax advisor in your home country before committing.
- Healthcare and services. Cape Verde's healthcare system is improving but remains limited compared to European standards, particularly on smaller islands. Many foreign residents maintain international health insurance or plan to travel to Europe or the mainland for significant medical needs.
- Cost of living. Cape Verde offers a lower cost of living than most of Western Europe, particularly for housing, dining, and services. However, imported goods can be expensive, and availability varies by island.
Green Card vs. Other Options
For context, here's how Cape Verde's program compares to better-known alternatives:
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency Type | Path to Citizenship | Climate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde Green Card | €80,000–120,000 | Permanent | 5 years | Year-round warm |
| Portugal Golden Visa (fund route) | €500,000 | Temporary (renewable) | 5 years | Mediterranean |
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa | No minimum (income req.) | Temporary (renewable) | 10 years | Mediterranean |
| Greece Golden Visa | €250,000–800,000 | 5-year renewable | 7 years | Mediterranean |
Cape Verde's lower entry point makes it accessible to a wider range of investors. The permanent residency (rather than renewable temporary permits) is also a distinguishing feature.
Finding Properties That Qualify
Not every listing on the market will meet the Green Card investment threshold — particularly at the €80,000 level, where options are more limited. Use KazaVerde to filter properties by price range and island to identify which listings fall within the qualifying investment bands.
Keep in mind that the threshold applies to the property purchase value, and that the area classification (above or below average GDP per capita) determines which threshold applies. Your lawyer can confirm the classification for any specific property or area.
Search properties at kazaverde.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need to invest for Cape Verde residency?
The minimum investment is €80,000 for properties in areas with below-average GDP per capita, or €120,000 in higher-GDP areas like Sal. The investment must be in real estate located in Cape Verde, and funds must demonstrably come from abroad.
Can I get Cape Verde citizenship through property investment?
Yes. After five years of habitual residency as a Green Card holder, you can apply for Cape Verdean citizenship. "Habitual residency" means actually spending time in Cape Verde, not just owning property.
What tax benefits does the Green Card provide?
Green Card holders may receive transfer-tax and annual property-tax benefits, but the exact treatment under ITI and IPI should be verified with a qualified local lawyer. See our 2026 tax reform guide for how the new tax codes interact with these benefits.
How does Cape Verde compare to Portugal's Golden Visa?
Cape Verde's entry point is significantly lower (€80,000–€120,000 vs €500,000 for Portugal's fund route). Cape Verde grants permanent residency directly (vs temporary for Portugal), and both offer citizenship after 5 years of residency.
Related Guides
- How to Buy Property in Cape Verde — Step-by-step process for qualifying purchases
- 2026 Property Tax Reform — Updated tax framework affecting Green Card benefits
- Which Island Should You Buy On? — Investment thresholds vary by island GDP classification
This article is for informational purposes only. Immigration laws, tax benefits, and program requirements may change. Always consult a qualified Cape Verdean lawyer and a tax advisor in your home country before making decisions about residency or property investment.