Buying a home in Cape Verde

How to buy a flat in Boa Vista as a foreigner, what it really costs on top of the price, which documents to check and what changes if you want to live here. Explained simply by people who have been on the island since 1998.

Ownership: Full ownership, foreigners included
Purchase tax (ITI): 1%, paid by the buyer
Annual property tax (IPI): 0.1% of the value
Approximate total costs: around 2.5–4% of the price

New for 2026: the IUP is gone

Since 1 January 2026 the old IUP (1.5% on purchase) has been replaced by two new taxes: ITI, paid only once when you buy (1%), and IPI, the annual property tax (0.1%). For anyone buying today, costs are lower than before. Many guides online still mention the IUP: they are out of date.

First of all: why are you buying?

To live in it for a few months a year or to move here: what matters is how you feel in the home, so come and see it in person.
For an income: what matters is how much it earns without the hassle. If you do not want to deal with guests and cleaning, also look at The View, where the 5–6% return is guaranteed by contract and bank guarantee (5% if you use the suite 4 weeks a year, 6% if you always leave it on the rental scheme).

In short

How to buy, in six steps

Choose the homeIdeally on a viewing trip: in one week you see more properties and get to know the areas.
Carry out the checksLand registry, tax position, permits, residence management. We tell you what to ask for.
Sign the preliminary contractThe contrato-promessa sets the price, timings and deposit, usually between 10% and 30%.
Get your NIFThe Cape Verdean tax number: you need it to pay taxes and sign the deed.
Deed at the notaryYou pay the balance and the ITI and sign the escritura pública. A power of attorney works too, if you cannot be there.
RegistrationThe deed goes to the land registry (Conservatória): from then on, the home is officially yours.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy a home in Cape Verde?

Yes. Foreigners can buy with full ownership, with a deed signed at the notary and registration, as in Italy or Portugal. You do not need to be resident.

Can I buy without travelling to Cape Verde?

Yes, by giving power of attorney to someone you trust or to a professional. We do recommend coming at least once to see the home before signing the preliminary contract.

How much do I spend on top of the price?

Under the 2026 rules, roughly between 2.5% and 4% of the price: 1% ITI, stamp duty, notary, registry, translations and, if you choose one, a lawyer. The breakdown is on the Costs and taxes page.

How long does it take?

From signing the preliminary contract to the deed, usually anything from a few weeks to three months: it depends mainly on the property’s paperwork and on the NIF.

Does buying a home give me residency?

Buying alone is not enough, but with a purchase of at least €120,000 paid with funds from abroad you can apply for the “Green Card”, a permanent residence permit for investors. See Residency and pensions.

Do you pay in euros?

The currency is the Cape Verdean escudo, pegged to the euro at a fixed rate: €1 = 110.265 CVE. Many prices are quoted directly in euros and there is no exchange-rate risk.

Let’s talk

Thinking of buying in Boa Vista?

Tell us what you are looking for and your budget: we will reply with suitable properties and the steps to follow in your case.

See properties for sale

This guide is for information only and is updated to October 2026, based on Cape Verdean law (ITI and IPI, Laws no. 54/X/2025 and 55/X/2025) and professional sources. Tax rules change: before signing, always have your case checked by a notary or lawyer in Cape Verde and, for the Italian side, by your accountant.