Setting Up a Company in Cape Verde: Necessary Documents and the Real Costs

Create a company in Cape Verde in less than 24 hours is now a reality thanks to the “Company on the Day”. However, the difference between a smooth process and time-consuming bureaucracy lies in the correct preparation of the documentation and an accurate knowledge of the costs involved.

Whether for a Private Limited Company (Lda.), a Public Limited Company (SA) or a EIndividual Entrepreneur (ENI), This guide details the necessary documents, the actual costs in CVE and EUR (at the fixed rate of 1 EUR = 110.265 CVE, verified in March 2026) and the pitfalls that can slow down your business.

Company Day vs. Conservatorship: Which Way is Right?

Cape Verde offers two legally accepted ways of setting up companies:Table

Rule of thumb: If your project involves resident partners, cash capital and standard corporate objects, opt for the Company on the Day. For complex structures or contributions of real estate, the traditional route is mandatory .

Required Documents by Type of Company

The documentation varies depending on the legal form chosen. Below is the complete checklist for each structure:

1. Limited company (Lda.)

Basic documents (all partners):

• Valid identity card (CNI) or passport
• Individual NIF (Tax Identification Number) - if it doesn't exist, it's assigned on the spot
• Certificate of Incorporation (CAF) - valid name reservation

Company-specific documents:

• Memorandum of association (you can use a standard model or personalised articles of association)
• Acceptance of managers' mandates (signed)
• Proof of address of registered office (tenancy agreement or landlord's declaration)
• Proof of bank deposit of 50% of the share capital (common practice, although the legal minimum is only 1 escudo)

For foreign partners:

• Updated commercial certificate (if a foreign legal person)
• Power of attorney with recognised signature (if represented by a third party)
• Sworn translation into Portuguese + Hague Apostille (or consular legalisation) of all foreign documents

2. Public Limited Company (SA)

Additional mandatory documents:

• Detailed articles of association (more complex than those of Lda.)
• List of subscribers and amounts subscribed
• Acceptance of office by members of the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Board (or auditor)
• Proof of bank deposit of 30% of the subscribed share capital
• Publication in the Official Gazette (when required by law)

3. Individual Entrepreneur (ENI)

Simplified documentation:

• CNI or valid passport
• Individual TIN (mandatory)
• Declaration of commencement of activity at the DNRE (National Directorate of State Revenue)
• Reservation of trade name (if different from civil name)

Real Costs to Incorporate a Company in 2026

Mandatory State Fees

Source: DGRNI/Conservatória, Casa do Cidadão, INCV - updated figures March 2026

Municipal and Sector Licensing Costs

After incorporation, the biggest cost variable is operating licences:

Note: Values vary by municipality (Praia, São Vicente, Sal) and size of establishment. The figures presented are indicative and must be validated with the relevant institutions in order to be analysed.

Costs for foreigners

If you're a foreign or diaspora investor, add it:

• Sworn translations: 2.500$00 - 7.000$00 per page (≈ €23 - €64)
• Apostille/Legalisation: 3.000$00 - 7.500$00 per document (≈ €27 - €68)
• Power of attorney (notarised): 2.000$00 - 5.000$00 (≈ €18 - €45)
• International mail: 5.000$00 - 20.000$00 (≈ €45 - €181)

Step by step:

Via Company on the Day (Recommended)

1. Preparation (before the counter):
   • Check the availability of the name on the Porton di Nôs Ilhas portal or request a CAF at the Citizen's Bureau.
   • Collect CNI/Passport from all members
   • Prepare proof of head office address
2. At the Casa do Cidadão counter (1 hour):
   • Document presentation and identity validation
   • Signing of standard instruments (or presentation of personalised statutes)
   • Payment of the one-off fee (5.000$00 CVE)
   • Immediate delivery: Company registration certificate, company NIF and INPS employer number
3. Post-registration (up to 30 days):
   • Opening a business bank account
   • Municipal licence (permit)
   • VAT registration (IVA/CIVA) if applicable

Traditional Conservatory Way

1. Name reservation (CAF) - 1 to 3 days
2. Drawing up and signing articles of association (or public deed if there is real estate)
3. Deposit of share capital in a bank
4. Submission to the Commercial Registry Office - payment of fees
5. Obtaining a NIF from the DNRE (National Directorate of State Revenue)
6. Employer registration with INPS
7. Publications in the Official Gazette (if required)

Tips to Avoid Delays and Extra Costs

1. Validity of the CAF (Name Reserved)

The Certificate of Incorporation has a limited validity (usually 60 days). If you don't incorporate your company within this period, you will have to pay a renewal fee (an additional 1.000$00 - 2.500$00 CVE).

2. Data Congruence

Inconsistencies in members' names between the CNI, the NIF and the articles of association are the #1 cause of cases being rejected. Check diacritics (accents, cedillas) and identification numbers.

3. Precise corporate purpose

Describe the corporate purpose in line with Cape Verde's National Classification of Economic Activities (CNAE). Divergences between the articles of association and the declaration of commencement of activity at the DNRE generate requests for clarification that can take weeks.

4. Share Capital vs. Equity

Although the minimum share capital for Lda. is only 1 shield (≈ €0.01), banking practice and commercial credibility normally require between 50.000$00 - 500.000$00 CVE (€453 - €4,534) for Lda., and 1.000.000$00 CVE+ (€9,069+) for SA.

5. Risk Management for Foreigners

If you can't travel to Cape Verde yourself, use a specific power of attorney for the local representative. Avoid generic powers of attorney; they should expressly mention powers to set up companies, subscribe for shares and open a bank account.

Comparative Matrix: What Changes Between Lda, SA and ENI?

Type budgets for 2026

Scenario A: Consultant (simple Ltd., via Company on the Day)

• State fees: 15.000$00 CVE (€136)
• Municipal licence (Praia): 10.000$00 CVE (€91)
• Consultancy: 35.000$00 - 50.000$00 CVE (€317 - €453)
• Total: ≈ €545 - €680 (excluding share capital)

Scenario B: Restaurant (Lda., sector licence)

• State fees: 25.000$00 CVE (€227)
• Municipal + health licence: 50.000$00 CVE (€453)
• Consultancy + licences: 120.000$00 - 140.000$00 CVE (€1,088 - €1,270)
• Total: ≈ €1,770 - €1,950

Scenario C: Holding/Group (SA structured, foreign)

• State fees + publications: 80.000$00 CVE (€726)
• Translations/apostilles: 40.000$00 CVE (€363)
• Specialised advice: 180.000$00 CVE (€1,633)
• Total: ≈ €2,720

Conclusion: Invest in Preparation, Save Time and Money

Setting up a company in Cape Verde is an accessible and quick process - especially via Company on the Day - but the apparent simplicity hides technical details that can generate unforeseen costs. The difference between a €45 process and a €2,000 one lies in the preparation of documents, the choice of the right legal form and the alignment of statutes, municipal licensing and the tax framework.

Final recommendation: Before you go to the counter, make a document pre-validation and check the current rates at the Commercial Registry Office or at the Citizen's Bureau in your municipality. For complex projects or those involving foreign investors, the assistance of a specialised consultancy quickly pays off by avoiding reprocessing and optimising access to advantageous tax regimes (such as REMPE for micro-enterprises).

Article updated in March 2026 based on official DGRNI emoluments, Casa do Cidadão fees and the 2026 State Budget.

Next step: Need a personalised quote for your project? Contact us for a free diagnosis of the necessary documentation and a transparent estimate of all the costs involved in setting up your company in Cape Verde.