Immigration Law at Cape Verde
Cape Verde's immigration system is governed by the Legal Regime of the Entry, Residence, Exit, and Expulsion of Foreign Citizens, established by Law No. 66/VIII/2014 and amended by Law No. 19/IX/2017. This framework outlines the procedures for foreigners entering, residing, and exiting the country. (Miranda | Publications | Alerts | Cape Verde | Legal Regime | Entry, Residence, Exit and Expulsion of Foreign Citizens)
🛂 Entry and Visa Requirements
Visa Exemptions: Citizens from the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Schengen Area countries, Brazil, and ECOWAS member states can enter Cape Verde without a visa for short stays (up to 30 days). However, they must pre-register online via the EASE portal at least 5 days before arrival and pay the Airport Security Tax (TSA). (Cabo Verde Immigration and Visa Information for Travelers)
Visa on Arrival: Travelers from countries not listed above can obtain a visa on arrival, typically valid for up to 30 days. It's advisable to check the latest requirements before traveling. (Cabo Verde Immigration and Visa Information for Travelers)
🏠Residency Permits
Temporary Residency
Eligibility: Individuals must hold a valid visa and have resided in Cape Verde for at least 6 months. Applicants should demonstrate financial stability and a valid reason for establishing residency, such as employment, investment, or retirement. (Process for Converting a Tourist Visa to Residency in Cape Verde - Blog - Foreign Chatra Community)
Application Process:
Submit a completed residency application form to the Directorate General of Immigration and Borders (DGIE) in Praia.
Provide necessary documents, including proof of identity, financial stability, accommodation, medical certificate, and criminal record clearance. (Process for Converting a Tourist Visa to Residency in Cape Verde - Blog - Foreign Chatra Community)
Permanent Residency
Eligibility: Applicants must have legally resided in Cape Verde for a minimum of five continuous years. They should demonstrate financial means, a clean criminal record, and integration into society. (Residency Permit in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide, Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide)
Application Process:
Submit a residency application to the DGIE.
Provide required documentation, including proof of continuous residence, financial stability, and integration efforts. (Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide)
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family Reunification
Family members, including spouses and dependent children under 18, can be included in a residency application. Each family member must meet the specific requirements set by the Cape Verdean authorities, such as providing necessary documentation and undergoing medical examinations. (Residency Permit in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide, Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide)
🛡️ Citizenship and Naturalization
By Birth: Individuals born in Cape Verde to foreign parents who have been legal permanent residents for at least five years are eligible for Cape Verdean nationality. (Cape Verdean nationality law)
By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can acquire Cape Verdean nationality through naturalization by meeting the following criteria:
Minimum of five years of legal residence.
Demonstrated financial stability.
Clean criminal record.
Integration into Cape Verdean society.
Applicants may be eligible for expedited naturalization through investment or by demonstrating Cape Verdean ancestry. (Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide, Cape Verdean nationality law)
đź’Ľ Employment for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can work in Cape Verde if they possess an approved work agreement from the General Directorate of Labor. Proficiency in Portuguese is often required, especially outside the tourism sector. It's important to note that employment contracts with individuals in the country unlawfully are deemed void. (Working in Cape Verde as an expat - Immigration & Residency)
🏡 Investor Residency Programs
Cape Verde offers residency options for investors:
Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of €250,000 in real estate, business ventures, or other approved projects is typically required. (Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide)
Special Investment Plan (SPI): This plan allows foreign investors to acquire residency by investing in designated projects approved by the government, aiming to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. (Permanent Residency in Cape Verde – World Visa Guide)
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