Question 1

Can a foreigner own property freehold on São Vicente?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cabo Verde has no restrictions on freehold ownership by foreign individuals or companies. The title system is a Latin civil-law registry inherited from Portugal, with the deed registered at the Conservatória do Registo Predial.

Question 2

Do I need a Cabo Verdean lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommended. The notary's role is to formalise the deed, not to advocate for either party. A buyer-side lawyer reads the registry, checks encumbrances and condominium minutes, and reviews the deed clauses before signing. Typical fee: €1,200–€2,500 for a standard residential acquisition.

Question 3

How long does the purchase process take end-to-end?

Accepted Answer

Allow 8–14 weeks from accepted offer to deed signature for a clean residential transaction. New builds add the construction window; legacy properties with title irregularities can extend significantly.

Question 4

What is the transfer tax (IUP) on purchase?

Accepted Answer

1.5% of the declared property value, paid by the buyer before deed signature. Notary fees, registry fees, broker commission and legal fees typically bring total closing costs to 8–12% of the price.

Question 5

How is rental income taxed in Cabo Verde?

Accepted Answer

Non-resident landlords are subject to a withholding regime on gross rental income; resident landlords can opt for a deduction-based regime. The Portugal–Cabo Verde double-tax treaty and bilateral arrangements with France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg govern how the same income is treated at home. We publish a dedicated tax guide; this is not advice.

Question 6

Is the escudo really pegged to the euro?

Accepted Answer

Yes, since 1998, at a fixed parity of 110.265 CVE per EUR. The peg is backed by the Banco de Cabo Verde and has held through multiple external shocks. We treat it as a meaningfully different risk profile from free-floating frontier currencies.

Question 7

Can I get a local mortgage as a non-resident?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but expect 50–60% loan-to-value, rates of 7–9% and 12–18 weeks to disbursement. Cross-border euro mortgages from Portuguese or French banks against EU collateral are often more competitive; see the Financing guide.

Question 8

Do I need a permit to rent short-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Short-stay rental requires registration with the relevant municipal and tourism authorities. Operating without a registration is enforceable and the platforms increasingly verify. Allow 4–10 weeks for the first registration.

Question 9

What realistic net yield should I model?

Accepted Answer

5–7% net after every cost on a well-acquired Mindelo or São Pedro property under professional management. Headline gross numbers of 9–12% you see in marketing materials are real, but they exclude vacancy, cleaning, condominium, platform fees, accounting, IUP and IRPS withholding. Our Calculator is built to make every line item explicit.

Question 10

Are there direct flights from Europe?

Accepted Answer

Yes: scheduled direct services from Lisbon (year-round), Paris (year-round), Amsterdam (seasonal), Brussels (charter and seasonal), Munich and Manchester (seasonal). Flight time from Lisbon is approximately 3h35.

Question 11

Is São Vicente safe?

Accepted Answer

Cabo Verde ranks among the safer destinations in West Africa, and São Vicente is among the safer islands within Cabo Verde. Standard urban precautions apply. The Living section publishes neighbourhood-level safety profiles.

Question 12

Does Invest São Vicente sell property?

Accepted Answer

No. We are an independent editorial platform. We hold no listings, broker no deals, and accept no transaction commissions. Our revenue comes from reader subscriptions and clearly disclosed sponsorships of unrelated services.

Answers, not sales pitches.

Ownership & legal

Taxes

Finance & currency

Rental operations

Practical & lifestyle