Overview
Launched in December 2020, the programme is “a temporary work/tourism visa lasting 6 months, with the opportunity of renewal for another 6 months after”, aimed at self-employed people and remote employees who work with internet and electronic tools. It is open to anyone from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and ECOWAS.
Applications are submitted online; once accepted you receive an entry permit and present your documents to border authorities on arrival for the stamp.
Editor's note — The financial test is a bank balance, not a salary: an average of €1,500 over the last six months for an individual, €2,700 for a family. The tourism board recommends not travelling before approval, which takes about two weeks.
Who is eligible
- National of a European, North American, CPLP or ECOWAS country.
- Self-employed or remote employee working for clients or an employer outside Cabo Verde.
- Average bank balance of at least €1,500 (individual) or €2,700 (family) over the last six months.
- Travel and health insurance covering evacuation and repatriation of remains.
- Passport valid for at least six months.
Income & financial requirements
Average bank balance, last six months.
Average bank balance, last six months.
Per person; also due on renewal.
Per person, once, on arrival.
Rather than monthly income, the programme checks your average bank balance over the previous six months — €1,500 for an individual or €2,700 for a family — “as an individual or as a family, regarding at least the last 6 months”. Statements are uploaded with the online form.
Costs & fees
- Visa fee of €20 per person, also payable on renewal.
- Airport security fee of €34 per person, applied once on arrival.
- Travel and health insurance with evacuation and repatriation cover.
Taxes
“Remote workers in Cabo Verde are exempt from income tax” under the programme. Home-country obligations continue; Cabo Verde has few tax treaties.
How to apply
Fill in the online form
Submit the Remote Working Program form with passport, proof of income/balance and insurance.
Wait about two weeks
You are contacted by email with the next steps; do not travel before approval.
Travel with the entry permit
Present the required documents at the border to receive the stamp; pay the €34 airport fee.
Renew on the ground
Apply for the second six months before the first expires, paying the €20 fee again.
Duration & renewal
Six months, renewable once for a further six months — one year in total. Not a route to residence.
Bringing family
Families are welcome under the €2,700 family balance; each member pays the visa and airport fees.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- Among the cheapest fees anywhere
- Income-tax exemption
- Year-round sun, kitesurfing and short flights to Lisbon
- Bank-balance test suits freelancers with variable income
Considerations
- Limited to four regions of nationality
- One-year ceiling
- Small economy; imported goods are pricey
- Inter-island logistics