Residence visa for remote work in Cape Verde

(Digital Nomads)

Have you ever imagined starting your workday on a sunny day overlooking the sea, in a café, or even in a coworking space, producing as much as you would in a conventional office environment, thus achieving a balance between your personal and professional life?

Remote work was accelerated by the pandemic and remains a viable option for many individuals and companies, even post-pandemic.

The digital nomad movement is redefining the way we approach work. The search for freedom, flexibility, global connection, and cultural exploration has attracted citizens—workers from all over—to this unique lifestyle.

Remote work for digital nomads is a growing trend, with increasing interest from tour operators, and countries with good geographic locations, dynamic tourism offerings, and quality telecommunications infrastructures are seeking to capture this segment through innovative proposals.

Several countries, recognizing the economic potential of digital nomads, are creating specific visas for this category, facilitating long-term stays.

And Cape Verde is no exception.

A program called Digital Nomads already exists in Cape Verde, encouraging young people who work remotely to live in the country. Digital Nomads is primarily aimed at the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) due to the ease of language learning, and at Europe due to Cape Verde’s geographic location.

It is a residence visa for remote professional activities outside the country, aiming to contribute to the diversification and deconcentration of Cape Verde’s tourism offerings, fostering sustainable growth and maximizing the positive impact of tourism on the economy and society.

O programa prevê entre outras facilidades, um visto de trabalho de 6 meses, com possibilidade de renovação por mais seis meses.

In legal terms, Law No. 27/X/2023 of May 8, which made the third amendment to Law No. 66/VIII/2014 of July 17, which approved the legal regime for the entry, stay, exit, and expulsion of foreigners from Cape Verde, as well as their legal status, regulated the residence visa for the exercise of professional activities performed remotely outside the national territory.

In other words, the Digital Nomad visa falls under the category of residence visa. And in turn, Decree-Law No. 13/2025, of May 15, (makes the second amendment to Decree-Law No. 2/2015, of January 6, amended by Decree-Law No. 46/2018, of August 13) came to implement the regulation of the residence visa, in summary listing the requirements to apply for this type of visa.

It is important to note that among the required documentation, it is essential to present proof of affiliation with the company/entity for which the service is provided remotely.

Visa applications and requests for visa extensions in the territory can be submitted through the digital platform, available online, or directly at the counters of the Immigration and Borders Division (DEF) or at the regional commands of the National Police, through DEF delegation.

Applications can be submitted by the visa applicant themselves or through a legal representative, upon presentation of a power of attorney. The fee for this type of visa is 5,000$00 (five thousand escudos).

As a general rule, the decision process takes two weeks.