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Living in Cape Verde
An expat and investor guide
Welcome to Cape Verde and the 'no stress' lifestyle
Cape Verde offers a relaxed lifestyle, island variety, and a friendly social fabric that makes settling in feel natural. This guide focuses on practical choices, where to live by profile, what everyday costs look like, how healthcare and schools work, how to handle banking, utilities and internet, and what to plan before you move. When you are ready, we can match your lifestyle goals with the right island, neighborhood, and property.
Where to live, by profile
Cape Verde is not one size fits all. The best choice depends on how you balance beach life, services, culture, and nature.
Beach life
Sal and Boa Vista suit water sports and resort comfort. Daily life clusters around Santa Maria and Sal Rei. Groceries and services are adequate, nightlife is low key outside peak season.
Services first
Santiago, especially Praia, offers broader public services, administration, and shopping choice. Families often appreciate school access and medical options.
Culture and marina vibe
São Vicente centers on Mindelo, with music, art, a walkable historic core, and ferry access to Santo Antão for weekend hikes.
Nature and hiking
Santo Antão rewards walkers and nature lovers. Services are simpler and evenings are quiet. Good for long stays if you value calm.
Volcanic scenery and heritage
Fogo mixes crater villages and wine culture with the charm of São Filipe. Hospitality concepts can work well here.
Quiet escapes
Maio and São Nicolau suit slower living and authenticity. Plan logistics and expect limited nightlife.
Cost of living, what to expect
Everyday costs vary by island and by how much you rely on imported goods. Use the outline below as a planning canvas, then ask us for current local benchmarks.
Housing
Rent or ownership costs, plus any condo fees.
Tip: start with a one to three month rental while you learn neighborhoods.
Utilities
Electricity, water, gas and waste.
Tip: in condos some services are bundled, ask exactly what is included.
Connectivity
Broadband and mobile plans.
Tip: run a speed test during viewings and confirm which plan is available at the exact address.
Groceries
Staples, fresh produce and imported items.
Tip: local fish and fruit are good value, imports lift the basket.
Eating out
Cafés and casual restaurants, price points vary by island and by proximity to resorts.
Transport
Taxis, occasional car hire and fuel.
Tip: budget for airport transfers and a few island day trips.
Health cover
Private plan or international policy.
Tip: consider evacuation coverage for complex care.
Starter kit to bring
Small appliances you love, basic first aid, sunscreen and adapters.
Tip: importing later adds time and cost.
30, 60, 90 day plan
A simple timeline helps new residents settle smoothly.
First 30 days
Secure temporary housing, set up SIMs and broadband, register with a local clinic, shortlist neighborhoods, start viewings, gather documents for lease or purchase.
Days 31 to 60
Sign a lease or promissory contract, arrange utilities, choose a school or childcare if needed, plan furniture and basic services, confirm insurance.
Days 61 to 90
Complete the purchase if applicable, register the deed, finalize furnishings, set up management, complete any local registrations, test a weekend on another island.
Healthcare and insurance
Public healthcare exists on all islands, with hospitals or clinics in larger towns. Private clinics operate in Sal, Boa Vista, Praia and Mindelo. For long stays, many residents choose international health insurance that includes medical evacuation to a larger regional hub for complex care. Keep digital and printed copies of IDs and policies, and register with a local clinic once you arrive.
Quick action
Save emergency numbers, identify the nearest clinic and pharmacy, and note opening hours.
Schooling and education
School options vary by island. Santiago and São Vicente have the broadest choice of public and private schools. Language of instruction is usually Portuguese, with some bilingual programs. Admissions windows follow the local calendar, so contact schools early if you need specific grades or language support. For short stays, some families use accredited online programs combined with local tutoring.
Banking, payments and taxes
Daily payments are easy with cards and cash. Opening a local bank account is useful for utilities and rent. Documents typically include valid ID, proof of address, and local tax or registration numbers when applicable. If you plan to work, invest, or rent your property, speak with a qualified advisor about local tax obligations and how they interact with your home country rules.
Renting a home
Longer stays often begin with a rental while you learn the neighborhoods. In resort islands, short term rentals dominate near the beach. In Praia and Mindelo, longer leases are common. Review the lease term, deposit, included utilities, internet speed, and any building rules. If you plan to host friends or family, check house rules and local registration requirements.
Renting norms checklist
• Deposit amount and return terms
• What utilities and internet are included
• Building or condominium rules and quiet hours
• Guest and subletting policy
• Pet policy and storage
• Move in condition report and handover photos
Buying a home
If you intend to purchase, start with the market and buying guide for process and cost details. In brief, legal due diligence on title, planning compliance, and management standards is essential. Choose an independent lawyer, request technical checks where appropriate, and confirm service charges and rental rules before you commit. We can shortlist suitable areas and homes and coordinate the legal team.
Indicative buying cost example
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Purchase price
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Legal and notary services
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Registration and state fees
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Optional inspection or survey
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Optional furnishing and setup
Amounts vary by island and property type. Ask us for current figures before you commit.
Utilities and connectivity
Electricity, water and gas connections are usually straightforward in town locations. In resort areas, services are often managed by the condominium. Internet speeds vary by island and neighborhood. Ask for a simple speed test during viewings and confirm the exact plan available at the address. Mobile coverage is generally good around towns and resorts.
Remote work readiness
Ask the owner or agent to run a speed test during viewings and share a screenshot. Confirm the plan available at the exact address. Keep a prepaid mobile data plan as a backup and test a video call before you sign.
Safety, culture and etiquette
Cape Verde is welcoming and calm. Normal travel awareness applies. Greet people with a simple hello, learn a few words of Portuguese or Cape Verdean Creole, and expect an easygoing pace. On beaches and trails, carry water, sun protection and a charged phone. In towns, small courtesies go a long way and community life is strong.
How we help
We combine local partner access with independent advice. That means we help you choose the right island and neighborhood, coordinate viewings, arrange legal support, and structure a purchase or lease that fits your goals. After move in, we can assist with furnishing, utility setup, rental management and ongoing support.
Residency by Investment in Cape Verde (Green Card)