Complete Guide: How to start a business in Cape Verde 2026

Setting up a business in Cape Verde has never been easier. With the “Company on the Day”, With the help of the Casa do Cidadão, you can set up your company in less than 24 hours, in a completely unbureaucratic process. However, the success of your business depends on choosing the right legal structure and complying with all legal requirements from day one

In this comprehensive guide S&D Consulting aims to explain how to set up a business in Cape Verde in 2026, detailing the documents required, the costs involved, the types of companies available and the essential steps to legalise your business, whether you're a local entrepreneur, a diaspora investor or a foreign businessman.

Why set up a company in Cape Verde?

Cape Verde has established itself as one of the most stable investment destinations in West Africa. The archipelago offers

• Freedom for foreign investors - it is possible to hold 100% of capital in almost all sectors (except fisheries and inter-island maritime transport)

• Political and legal stability with a legal system inspired by the European model

• Fast formation process via Company on the Day (registration in 1 hour)

• Minimum symbolic social capital (from 1 escudo, approximately €0.01)

• Tax incentives for strategic sectors such as tourism, renewable energies and technology

Types of Companies in Cape Verde: Which to Choose?

Before starting the process, you should define the legal form best suited to your project. In Cape Verde, the most common options are:

1. Limited company (Lda.)

The most popular structure for small and medium-sized businesses.

Features:

• Minimum of 1 partner (permitted Lda. Unipessoal)
• Minimum capital: 1 escudo (€0.01)
• Liability limited to share capital
• Simplified management (no audit required if turnover < 10 million CVE or < 10 employees)
• Flexibility in transferring quotas

2. Public Limited Company (SA)

Suitable for larger projects or attracting investors.

Features:

• Minimum of 2 shareholders (or 1 if a legal person)
• Minimum capital: 1 escudo (fully subscribed)
• More complex governance structure (Board of Directors, General Meeting)
• Suitable for public share offers

3. Individual Entrepreneur (EI)

For self-employed entrepreneurs.

Features:

• No minimum capital
• Unlimited liability (personal assets at risk)
• Simplified registration process
• Ideal for freelancers and small businesses

4. Branch of a Foreign Company

For international companies that want to operate in Cape Verde without creating an independent entity.

Features:

• It has no independent legal personality
• Parent company liable for all obligations
• Requires the appointment of a legal representative with notarial powers

How to Set Up a Business in Cape Verde: Step by Step

There are two ways to set up your company: the “Company on the Day” (faster) or the traditional process at the Commercial Registry Office.

Route 1: Company on the Day (Recommended)

Created by Decree-Law no. 9/2008, the regime Company on the Day (END) allows you to create a company in around an hour, integrating commercial, tax and social security registration in a single window.

Where to do it: Casa do Cidadão (present in all municipalities and islands), counters in town halls or the mobile Casa do Cidadão.

Steps:

1. Name reservation
   • Check the availability of the name on the Casa do Cidadão portal or directly at the counter
   • Cost: 600$00 to 5,000$00 CVE (depending on urgency)
2. Drafting the Articles of Association
   • Define the corporate purpose, capital, head office and partners
   • Type models available at the counters
3. Travelling to the Casa do Cidadão with:
   • Valid identity card or passport
   • TIN of all members
   • Power of attorney (if the applicant is not a partner)
4. Payment and Document Issue
   • Fee: 5.000$00 CVE (approximately €45)
   • Receive immediately: Commercial Registration Certificate, NIF and Social Security Number (INPS)

Route 2: Registration at the Registry Office (Traditional Process)

For cases that do not fall under NDT (incorporation with real estate in the capital, special authorisations or when the NDT service is unavailable):

1. Name reservation at the Commercial Registry Office
2. Drawing up the memorandum of association (public deed if there is real estate)
3. Commercial register (10.000$00 to 20.000$00 CVE)
4. Registration with the National Directorate of State Revenue (NIF)
5. INPS (Social Security) enrolment
6. Publication in the Official Gazette (when required)

Deadline: 3 to 15 working days

Essential legal instruments for doing business in Cape Verde

Before starting or expanding your business in Cape Verde, it is essential to know the main legal instruments that regulate business activity in the country. These provide a framework for the operation of companies, the types of company allowed and the tax benefits available to entrepreneurs.

O Commercial Companies Code is the legal basis for all forms of economic activity in Cape Verde, from a private law perspective. This instrument regulates the various legal forms that a company can take, ensuring a clear and transparent framework for those wishing to undertake or invest in the country.

See the Commercial Companies Code:

Documents needed to open a company in Cape Verde

To avoid mishaps, prepare in advance:

Basic Documents (All Members):

• NIF (Tax Identification Number)
• Identity card, valid National Identity Card or Passport
• Name Reservation Certificate (CAF - Certificado de Admissibilidade de Firmas)

Special Cases:

• Legal person as partner: Minutes of resolution + Certificate of Commercial Registration
• Representation by third parties: Recognised power of attorney
• Underage member: Parental declaration with recognised signature + ID card of the minor

Costs to Incorporate a Company in Cape Verde (2026)

Values subject to updating. Source: How to set up a private limited company

Tax Incentives for Investment

Cape Verde's tax system includes various tax benefits designed to promote private investment, job creation and sustainable economic development. These incentives are provided for in the respective Tax Benefits Codeand complementary legislation.

The main benefits include:

• Reductions and exemptions from Single Income Tax (IUR)
• Incentives Value Added Tax (VAT)
• Benefits in Special Consumption Tax (ICE) e Stamp Duty
• Tax advantages in Single Property Tax (IUP)
• Special schemes for construction, rehabilitation and acquisition of social housing (Legislative Decree no. 11/2010, of 1 November)

These incentives apply to both domestic and foreign investment projects, provided they fulfil the criteria defined by Cape Verde's tax and economic authorities.

See Tax Benefits Code to find out more about the advantages applicable to your sector of activity.

Special Regime for Micro and Small Enterprises (REMPE)

If your company has:

• Up to 10 workers
• Annual turnover up to 10 million CVE (approx. €90,000)

You can opt for Special Regime for Micro and Small Enterprises (REMPE), which offers:

• Simplified taxation via Single Tax (TEU)
• Reduced accounting obligations
• Ease of tax compliance

Tips for Foreign Investors

Whether you're an emigrant or an international investor:

1. Diaspora: There are specific tax benefits for Cape Verdean investors abroad
2. Provisional NIF: You can request a non-resident NIF to start the process
3. Bank account: 50% of the share capital must be deposited in a local bank account at the time of incorporation (for Lda.) or 30% (for SA)
4. Local counselling: It is recommended that a consultancy be consulted for complex sector licences

Change or close a company in Cape Verde

Corporate changes

Via Company on the Day (Decree-Law no. 11/2014), it is possible to change:

• Company name
• Corporate purpose
• Head Office
• Share capital
• Transfer of shares
• Governing bodies

Deadline: 48 hours | Cost: 10.000$00 CVE

Closing

The Special Closure Regime (Decree-Law no. 22/2022) allows the company to be dissolved in 48 hours, provided there are no outstanding assets or liabilities. Cost: 10.000$00 CVE

This procedure aims to reduce bureaucracy in the process of winding up companies and make it easier to formalise the cessation of activity quickly and legally.

See the Company Registration Code :

Obtaining licences and permits in Cape Verde: what you need to know

In order to operate legally in Cape Verde, companies must ensure that they have all the necessary licences and authorisations required by lawDepending on the sector of activity. From commerce to industry, construction to technology, each area requires specific procedures to guarantee legal compliance and the sustainability of operations.

Commercial and Industrial Licences

In the Cape Verdean context, the commercial licences are compulsory for any company wishing to engage in economic activity. However, companies linked to manufacturing and industrial production need specific industrial licencesissued by Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy.

This process may involve:

• Environmental impact analysis
• Infrastructure assessment
• Presentation of security plans
• Environmental mitigation measures

Approval is subject to verification of compliance with technical and environmental standards, ensuring that operations do not harm the environment.

Building and Urban Planning Licences

Companies wishing to build their own facilities or operate in the construction sector must obtain the appropriate town planning licencesissued by town halls. This type of licence requires:

• Submission of architectural plans
• Compliance with zoning regulations
• Environmental impact reports (where applicable)

In denser urban areas, the requirements tend to be more stringent, making proper technical planning essential.

Health and Safety Licences

Companies in the food, pharmaceutical, hospital and other sectors with a direct impact on public health must obtain licences issued by the Ministry of Health. These requirements guarantee the safety of the products and services provided, including:

• Hygiene and storage conditions
• Safe handling of products
• Occupational health and safety training for employees
• Possibility of regular inspections to check compliance

Export and Import Licences

To do business in international trade, it is compulsory to obtain a export and import licencesmanaged by General Directorate of Customs. The process includes:

• Documentation on the origin of products
• Quality certificates
• Compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards
• Specific customs declarations

These procedures are designed to guarantee the legality and security of trade with foreign countries.

Technology and Telecommunications Licences

With the growth of the technology sector in Cape Verde, companies operating in this segment must obtain specific authorisations, particularly from the communications regulatory authorities. These licences may cover:

• Compliance with international safety and operating standards

• Use of radio frequencies

• Installation of telecommunications infrastructure

• Provision of digital or internet services

Obtaining licences and authorisations in Cape Verde is a fundamental and often complex process. It requires in-depth knowledge of the applicable legislation and adequate technical preparation to fulfil all the legal requirements. In S&D Consultancywe provide complete and personalised support throughout the business licensing process, ensuring that your business is legalised, secure and ready to operate with confidence.

We conclude that:

Setting up a company in Cape Verde is an accessible and quick process, especially through the company regime. Company on the Day. However, the success of your business depends on a the right choice of legal structure and strict compliance with tax and labour obligations.

If you want to set up a Private limited companies, a SA or exploit the market as Sole proprietor, The key is preparation: have your documents in order, clearly define your business purpose and check whether your activity requires specific licences.

Ready to start? Cape Verde's business ecosystem is ready to receive your project. With the right structure and the right specialist support, your business will be legalised and ready to operate in less than 24 hours.

In this context, it is highly recommended to rely on the support of qualified professionals. A S&D Consultancy offers a complete business consultancy e managementensuring that each stage of the process runs smoothly, efficiently and safely. With a good financial planningknowledge of current legal framework and specialised support, the first step has been taken towards a solid, competitive business that is ready to grow in the Cape Verdean market.

Do you have any questions about setting up your company in Cape Verde? Contact our consultancy team for personalised support throughout the process - from the choice of legal structure to final licensing.

Article updated in March 2026. For more information on investing and setting up companies, please visit the Citizen's Centre and General Directorate of Registries and Notaries.

Important links:

Tourist Utility Status

International Business Centre
Cape Verde

Special Legal Regime for Micro-Small Companies

Frequently Asked Questions Setting Up a Business in Cape Verde