{"id":4701,"date":"2026-08-05T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/?p=4701"},"modified":"2026-09-15T14:36:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-15T15:36:05","slug":"foreigners-can-buy-property-in-cape-verde-a-comprehensive-guide-for-international-investors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/estrangeiros-podem-comprar-imoveis-em-cabo-verde-guia-completo-para-investidores-internacionais\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Foreigners Buy Property in Cape Verde? Taxes and Obligations for Non-Residents"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Foreigners can buy property in Cape Verde<\/strong>, but the purchase should be assessed on more than just the price of the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a non-resident investor, there are tax and administrative issues that must be assessed prior to the purchase: obtaining a tax identification number (NIF), capital gains tax, annual property tax, the structure of the purchase, the source of funds, and any future use or subsequent sale of the property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The question, therefore, is not simply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201cCan I buy a property in Cape Verde?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201cWhat is the most appropriate way, from a tax and financial perspective, to go about this acquisition?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is at this stage that advance planning can help avoid unexpected costs and decisions that are difficult to rectify later on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Can a foreigner buy property in Cape Verde?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreign nationality, in itself, does not prevent the purchase of a property in Cape Verde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, before making the purchase, the investor must confirm the legal and tax status of the transaction and gather the necessary documentation for the acquisition and its registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the circumstances, the following may be necessary or relevant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cape Verdean tax identification number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>valid identification document;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>banking documentation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>identification of the source of funds;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>contract of sale;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>land registry and property documentation for the property;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payment of the applicable taxes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>record of the purchase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For a non-resident, these steps must be completed before the final signature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Tax Identification Number (NIF) in Cape Verde: one of the first steps for foreign investors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreign investor wishing to carry out transactions with tax implications in Cape Verde should assess the need to obtain a <strong>Tax Identification Number \u2014 NIF<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NIF is used in dealings with the tax authorities and in various procedures relating to investments and economic transactions in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those living abroad, the procedure must be prepared taking into account the required documentation and the taxpayer\u2019s specific circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/como-obter-o-nif-vivendo-no-estrangeiro\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3554\">Tax Identification Number (NIF) for non-residents in Cape Verde: how to obtain one and what the tax obligations are<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Should I buy in my own name or through a company?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the key decisions to be made before the purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreign investor may consider purchasing the property:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>on my own behalf;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>through a Cape Verdean company;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or through a corporate structure appropriate to the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The best solution depends on the objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purchase for personal use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Where a property is purchased solely for residential, holiday or private use, a corporate structure may not offer any advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Purchase for investment purposes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When there is an economic intention \u2014 for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>lease;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tourism development;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refurbishment and subsequent sale;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>construction;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>property development;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the acquisition of several properties;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>the analysis takes on a different character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In such cases, the following should be assessed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>taxation of income;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>costs recognised for tax purposes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accounting;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>responsibility;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>funding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>future sale;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>distribution of profits;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the investor\u2019s tax residence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Guia-de-Estruturacao-Fiscal-para-Investidores-Imobiliarios_sd_consultoria.avif\" data-type=\"attachment\" data-id=\"4716\">Should you buy in your own name or through a company? Tax planning for property investors<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim should not be to set up a company simply because there is a property. The corporate structure must make economic and tax sense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. ITI: tax on the purchase of property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since <strong>1 January 2026<\/strong>, the new law is now in force in Cape Verde <strong>Property Transfer Tax \u2014 ITI<\/strong>, established by Law No. 54\/X\/2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tax applies to transfers of property situated in Cape Verde and, in the case of transfers for consideration, is normally payable by the purchaser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The standard ITI rate is <strong>1%<\/strong>, although there are specific situations provided for in the legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that a foreign investor should not simply take the price quoted by the seller at face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The total cost of the acquisition may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>property price;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ITI;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>notarial deeds;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>record;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>professional services;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bank charges;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>potential funding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>other administrative costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Before signing a contract, it is advisable to work out the <strong>total acquisition cost<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. IPI: annual property tax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1 January 2026, the former IUP has been replaced by the new one <strong>Property Tax \u2014 IPI<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The standard IPI rate is currently <strong>0.1% of the property\u2019s taxable value<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, after purchasing the property, the owner must also take into account the tax costs associated with retaining it in their assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an investor, this should form part of the financial forecast, together with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>block of flats;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintenance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>insurance;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>funding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>management;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxes on any income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Are there any tax benefits for certain investments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not every property purchase qualifies for tax incentives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are schemes and projects that may qualify for specific tax incentives provided they meet the legal requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, for example, measures were adopted relating to <strong>affordable housing<\/strong>, including relief from IPI, ITI, stamp duty and other charges for projects that meet certain conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not mean that any foreigner who buys a house is automatically exempt from tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The benefits depend on the scheme, the project and compliance with the relevant requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similarly, certain investment projects may fall within the scope of broader incentive schemes, but the former Foreign Investor Statute no longer operates as a general tax benefit granted simply on the basis of the investor\u2019s foreign nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Buying to let: what changes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When a property is purchased to generate income, the analysis must also take into account the tax implications of its operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is necessary to distinguish between situations such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>residential tenancy;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>commercial lease;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accommodation or a tourist business;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>business carried on by a natural person;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exploitation through a company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Each model may give rise to different tax, accounting and administrative obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before making a purchase, investors should calculate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>expected gross return \u2013 costs \u2013 tax \u2013 financing \u2013 management = net return.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An advertised return of 8% or 10% does not necessarily represent the actual net return on the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. What if the investor wants to buy, build and sell?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, we are already dealing with a situation that is very different from a simple asset acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Where there is a structured operation involving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>buy \u2192 develop \u2192 build\/refurbish \u2192 sell<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>the following should be analysed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>corporate structure;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxation of the activity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accounting;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VAT;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IRPC or IRPS;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>costs recognised for tax purposes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>funding;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>financial control;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>feasibility of the project.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/i-want-to-build-properties-to-sell-in-cape-verde-where-should-i-start\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4706\">Building to sell in Cape Verde: taxation, corporate structure and the developer\u2019s accounts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. What if the property is sold at a later date?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The future sale should also form part of the initial planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tax framework will depend on factors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the owner\u2019s identity;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a natural person or a company;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tax residence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>nature of the operation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>acquisition cost;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>investments made in the property;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>available documentation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>result of the operation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, from the moment of purchase, documents relating to the following must be kept:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>acquisition;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>construction works;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fees;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>services;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>records;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improvements made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Incomplete documentation can make it much more difficult to correctly determine the taxable amount at the time of sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/property-taxation-in-cape-verde-ipi-iti-and-capital-gains-explained\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4698\">Property taxation in Cape Verde: IPI, ITI and capital gains explained<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Non-resident investors: additional precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those living outside Cape Verde, there are issues that are often overlooked when making a purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Source of funds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>International transfers and larger investments may require bank documentation and proof of the source of funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bank account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the structure of the investment, it may be advisable or necessary to set up a banking relationship in Cape Verde in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tax obligations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buying a property may give rise to tax liabilities in the country, particularly where the asset is used for business purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A property initially purchased in an individual\u2019s name and subsequently transferred to a company may give rise to new costs and tax implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is often more efficient to define the structure <strong>prior to the acquisition<\/strong> rather than trying to sort it out afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Due diligence: tax considerations do not replace a legal review of the property<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before the purchase, the investor must also ensure that the property is in order from a legal point of view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among other checks, the following may be relevant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ownership;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>property description;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>registration in the land register;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the existence of encumbrances or charges;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>leaves of absence;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>urban planning situation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the seller\u2019s powers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This part must be carried out by competent legal and technical professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>S&amp;D operates in the field of <strong>tax, corporate, accounting and financial aspects of the investment<\/strong>, not as a property agency or estate agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. How much does it actually cost to buy a property in Cape Verde?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An investor must set logic aside:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Advertised price = investment cost.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The calculation should be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purchase price<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>registrations and formalities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>funding<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any building works<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>insurance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>consultancy and professional services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxation of the business<br>= <strong>real economic cost of the investment<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This analysis is particularly important when the purpose of the purchase is to generate income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">13. Checklist before buying a property in Cape Verde<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before transferring funds or making a firm commitment, a foreign investor should confirm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>purpose of the acquisition;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tax Identification Number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchase in one\u2019s own name or on behalf of a company;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tax status;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>acquisition cost;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ITI;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IPI;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>property documentation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>source of funds;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>form of financing;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>planned operation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>taxation of income;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a possible future sale;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>expected net return.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the aim is to invest, it is not enough simply to ask <strong>\u201cHow much does the property cost?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We need to ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u201cHow much will it cost me to acquire, maintain, operate and eventually sell this asset?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How S&amp;D Consultoria can support foreign investors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>S&amp;D Consultoria supports investors and non-residents in this area <strong>tax, business, accounting and financial<\/strong> of its investments in Cape Verde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Support may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>assistance with obtaining a tax registration number;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tax analysis of the transaction;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>purchasing in one\u2019s own name versus purchasing through a company;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>company formation;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tax planning;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accounting;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>financial analysis;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>feasibility study;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>preparation of a business plan;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>support in structuring the investment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>S&amp;D <strong>it is not a estate agency nor does it act as an estate agent<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our role is to support investors in structuring their investments and in meeting their tax and corporate obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Are you thinking of buying a property in Cape Verde?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before finalising the acquisition, assess the tax implications, the structure and the obligations associated with the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/contacts\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3871\">Get in touch with S&amp;D Consultoria.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries \u2014 Cape Verde, updated 29 May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Law No. 54\/X\/2025 of 6 June \u2014 Code on Property Transfer Tax (ITI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Law No. 55\/X\/2025 of 6 June \u2014 Property Tax Code (IPI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>State Budget for 2026 \u2014 Law No. 69\/X\/2025.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Estrangeiros podem comprar im\u00f3veis em Cabo Verde, mas a compra deve ser analisada para al\u00e9m do pre\u00e7o do im\u00f3vel. Para um investidor n\u00e3o residente, existem quest\u00f5es fiscais e administrativas que devem ser avaliadas antes da aquisi\u00e7\u00e3o: obten\u00e7\u00e3o de NIF, tributa\u00e7\u00e3o da transmiss\u00e3o, imposto anual sobre a propriedade, estrutura da compra, origem dos fundos e eventual [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4718,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,171,304,306],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4701","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-consultoria-empresarial","category-consultoria-fiscal","category-consultoria-imobiliaria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4701","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4701"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4865,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4701\/revisions\/4865"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4701"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4701"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/consultoria.cv\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}