Cabo Verde Immigration for Remote Workers, Freelancers and Entrepreneurs in 2026

Cabo Verde has distinct pathways for remote workers, self-employed professionals, founders, investors and employees. The correct route depends on where the work is performed, who the employer/client is, and whether economic activity is being established in Cabo Verde.

Verified 18 September 2026: current legislation expressly regulates a residence visa for professional activity performed remotely for people or entities outside Cabo Verde. Separate residence categories exist for independent professional activity, subordinated employment, investment/economically relevant activity and highly qualified activity.

Main routes

| Route | Best fit | Current official position | | --- | --- | --- | | Remote work residence visa / Remote Working Program | Employee or independent professional serving employers/clients abroad | 2025 rules specify remote-work residence-visa evidence; official tourism site also continues a six-month program | | Independent professional residence | Freelancer, consultant or self-employed professional establishing activity in Cabo Verde | Temporary residence supported by company/service/start-of-activity evidence | | Investment / entrepreneur residence | Founder, investor or operator of economically relevant activity | Residence for investment/economic activity using official alternative evidence routes | | Employment residence | Employee of a Cabo Verde employer | Temporary residence based on a valid contract or promise of employment | | Permanent residence | Long-term resident | General route after at least five years of qualifying temporary residence | | Route comparison | Applicant choosing between remote, freelance, founder and employee options | Side-by-side factual fit and long-term implications |

Remote workers

Law 27/X/2023 created the remote-work residence-visa category. Decree-Law 13/2025 requires evidence of the foreign employment/service relationship, average monthly professional income for the previous three months and tax residence.

The official tourism portal separately continues a six-month Remote Working Program. Because official materials use different framing, applicants should confirm the current filing channel rather than assuming every “digital nomad visa” reference describes the same status.

Read the remote-work guide.

Freelancers and self-employed professionals

Cabo Verde publishes temporary residence for independent professional activity, covering company formation, service contracts or commencement of activity. Regulated professions can require qualification/professional-order evidence.

Read the independent professional residence guide.

Startup founders and entrepreneurs

Cabo Verde does not publish a separate national “startup visa.” Founders may fit independent professional residence or temporary residence for investment or economically relevant activity.

The investment route's evidence alternatives include competent-authority authorization/registration/licensing, a foreign investor certificate, proof of a company employing at least 50% Cabo Verdean workers, or certified activity/investment of recognized national interest.

Read the investment and entrepreneur residence guide.

Local employees and long-term settlement

Local employment uses the subordinated professional-activity framework. The general permanent-residence route begins after at least five years of qualifying temporary residence and has separate means, accommodation, criminal/public-order, health and language requirements.

Read employment residence and permanent residence.

Editorial trust and scope

ReloTide cites Cabo Verde's Official Gazette, immigration authority, DEF/e-Residência, consular portal and official tourism portal. This page was last verified on 18 September 2026 and has not been reviewed by a licensed Cabo Verde immigration lawyer. It is editorial information, not individualized legal advice or a government filing service.

Compare digital-nomad routes, remote-worker routes, freelancer routes, self-employment routes, entrepreneur routes, and startup/founder routes.

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Explore Africa, review our methodology, and read the legal disclaimer.

Published pathways