How to Set Up a Limited Liability Company (Lda) in Cape Verde: Complete Guide for Individuals

Setting up a limited liability company (Lda) in Cape Verde is an affordable process, especially advantageous for those wishing to acquire a property with legal and fiscal security. This article details each step of the process, adapted to five individual partners (nationals and foreigners).

Legal steps for setting up a company

1. choosing and reserving a trade name

First of all, it is mandatory to reserve a unique trade name:

• Responsible organisation: National Register of Legal Persons (RNPC)
• Methods: face-to-face or online (via Casa do Cidadão Portal)
• Cost: between 600 and 5,000 ECV
• Document issued: Certificate of Admissibility
• Certificate validity period: usually 90 days
• Go to: https://portondinosilha.gov.cv/

2. Drawing up the Articles of Association

Fundamental document that establishes the company's legal basis:

• Identification of partnersname, NIF, nationality, identification documents
• Corporate purposecompany's main activity
• Share capital: freely definable (recommended minimum: 100,000 ECV)
• Distribution of sharespercentage of each shareholder's stake
• Appointment of managementmanagement structure and powers conferred
• Duration of the companyfixed or indefinite term

The support of a lawyer or legal adviser is strongly recommended.

3. Registration with the Commercial Registry Office

This step gives the company legal personality:

• Modalities: Traditional Regime or “Company On The Day” (END)
• Documents required:
  • Certificate of admissibility
  • Signed statutes
  • Partners' and managers' documents
  • Power of attorney (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment of fees
• Cost: between 10,000 and 20,000 ECV
• Process duration: up to 24 hours (in the END regime)
• Go to: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.ccs.org.cv/media/attachments/2020/11/23/requisitos-da-criao-de-empresa.pdf

4. Deposit of share capital

• Paid into a bank account opened in the name of the company
• Minimum value: defined by the shareholders (recommended ≥ 100,000 ECV)
• It is necessary to validate the commercial register

5. Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (TIN)

• Responsible organisation: National Directorate of State Revenue (DNRE)
• Necessary for partners and the company itself
• Free of charge
• Documents required:
  • Valid identification (ID, passport)
  • Proof of residence (for foreigners)
• Go to: https://www.dnre.gov.cv/

6. Social security enrolment (INPS)

• Mandatory for the company and employees
• Organisation: National Social Security Institute (INPS)
• Deadline: up to 30 days after the start of activity
• Required documents:
  • Commercial registration certificate
  • Identification of the manager or legal representative
  • List of workers
• Go to: https://www.inps.cv/

Licences and Authorisations

Depending on the activity:

• Real Estatepurchase and sale licence + environmental certificate (if applicable)
• Entities: Town Hall or Casa do Empreendedor

Associated Costs (Estimate)

Tax and Contributory Obligations

• IRPC: 25% on taxable profits
• VATapplicable depending on the activity
• Partners' liability limited to their shares

Advantages of setting up a company in Cape Verde

• Limited liability of partners
• Stable and transparent tax system
• Ease of incorporation (especially with the No Day Company scheme)
• Opening up to foreign investment
• Predictable legal environment adapted to SMEs

Conclusion

Setting up an Lda company in Cape Verde is an accessible process with the support of specialised consultants. Fulfilling legal obligations ensures compliance and protects the interests of the partners. For tax and operational support, see www.consultoria.cv