Cape Verde is an archipelago of ten islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Senegal. It is politically stable, Portuguese-speaking, and has been actively positioning itself as a destination for remote workers and digital nomads since 2021.

For African remote workers, Cape Verde offers something unusual - a low-cost, Atlantic-facing base with a Euro-pegged currency, reliable connectivity on the main islands, and a straightforward remote work visa.

What the Remote Work Visa is

Cape Verde's Remote Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho Remoto) is a residence authorisation for foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Cape Verde. It is issued by the Cape Verde Immigration Service (SEF-CV) for an initial period of 6 months, renewable for up to 2 years total.

It is not a work permit for local employment. Holders may not work for a Cape Verde-based employer.

Eligibility requirements

The SEF-CV requires:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of remote employment or freelance income sourced outside Cape Verde - employment contract, client contracts, or bank statements showing regular income
  • Proof of accommodation in Cape Verde - rental agreement or hotel booking
  • Health insurance covering Cape Verde
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Completed application form

The commonly cited minimum income threshold is approximately EUR 1,500/month. This is not a fixed published figure - the SEF-CV assesses financial means on a case-by-case basis.

Cost and timeline

The visa application fee is approximately EUR 60-90. Processing time varies but is typically 2-4 weeks. Applications can be submitted at the Cape Verde consulate in your country or, for some nationalities, on arrival.

The indicative setup cost including visa fee, initial accommodation deposit and travel is approximately USD 1,200-2,000.

Which islands to consider

Cape Verde has ten islands. The main ones for remote workers are:

Santiago - the largest island, home to the capital Praia. Best connectivity and infrastructure. Less tourist-focused than Sal or São Vicente.

Sal - the most developed tourist island. Good connectivity, international airport, English widely spoken. Higher cost of living than other islands.

São Vicente - home to Mindelo, Cape Verde's cultural capital. Strong arts scene, good connectivity, lower cost than Sal.

Santo Antão - mountainous, scenic, slower pace. Limited connectivity outside main towns.

Practical considerations

Currency. Cape Verde uses the Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), pegged to the Euro at a fixed rate. This means your EUR-denominated income has predictable purchasing power.

Connectivity. Sal, Santiago and São Vicente have reliable 4G and fibre broadband. Remote islands have limited connectivity.

Cost of living. Cape Verde is affordable by European standards. Accommodation, food and transport are significantly cheaper than Portugal or Spain.

Time zone. UTC-1 (UTC+0 in summer). Good overlap with European and West African business hours.

Flights. Direct flights from Lisbon, Amsterdam, London and several West African cities. Lagos to Praia is approximately 4-5 hours.

Evidence note

All process descriptions in this post are sourced from the Cape Verde Immigration Service at https://www.sefcv.gov.cv/, retrieved October 2026. The income threshold cited is the commonly referenced figure and is not a fixed published requirement. Verify current requirements with the SEF-CV or the Cape Verde consulate in your country before applying.