It is one of the first questions we are asked: can a foreigner really buy a home in Cape Verde? Yes. Foreign citizens can buy property on Boa Vista by following the procedures set out in local law. On this page we do not repeat the steps of the purchase (you will find them in the guide on how to buy a home in Cape Verde): we focus on what changes when you buy as a foreigner and on how to prepare.
You do not need to move to Cape Verde
Many people think you need residency in order to buy. That is not the case: you can buy a property while continuing to live in your own country. This applies to most of our clients, who use the home for holidays or choose a format with professional management, such as the Apart-Hotel The View.
If, on the other hand, you are thinking of spending long periods on the island, or of moving there, different topics come into play (residence permits, residency, retirement). You will find them covered in detail in the guide residence in Cape Verde and retirees on Boavista2000.com.
What changes when you buy as a foreigner
Buying in another country is not more difficult in itself. The context changes, and that calls for a little more care.
- The language. The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese. Contracts and official documents may be drawn up in Portuguese: always ask for a reliable translation before signing.
- Local rules. Registers, deeds and taxes follow Cape Verdean law, not the law of your country. Do not assume that things work “the way they do at home”.
- The distance. You cannot drop by the property every week. You need people you trust on the spot and communications in writing.
- Two tax perspectives. Owning a property abroad may also bring obligations in your country of residence.
Tax and legal matters should be checked with a professional: in Cape Verde for the purchase, and with a local adviser in your country of residence for your obligations there.
Who to involve from the start
A well-handled purchase by a foreign buyer usually involves three people:
- A professional qualified in Cape Verde (a lawyer or notary), who checks the property and the documents.
- An adviser in your country of residence, who tells you in advance what owning a property abroad entails for you.
- A contact on the island, who knows the market, shows you the properties and remains reachable afterwards too.
Our group has been working on Boa Vista for over 25 years and works with local professionals. We support you from the choice of property to the deed, and afterwards too.
Questions to ask yourself before you start
Before looking at listings, get a few points clear in your own mind. They will save you time.
- Are you looking for a home to use often or an investment you will mostly stay away from?
- Do you want to manage the property yourself, perhaps by letting it, or delegate the management?
- What is your approximate budget? On Boa Vista there are options from €50,000 to over €500,000.
- How much time can you set aside for a visit to the island?
If you are torn between the two routes, read the comparison between an apartment and an Apart-Hotel.
Where to start, in practice
The first step is not signing, but understanding. Here is a sensible order:
- A consultation (by video call, too) to clarify your goal and budget.
- A look at the properties for sale and the projects, to get a concrete idea of prices and areas.
- An exploratory trip to see things in person.
- The checks on the chosen property, with a local professional.
If you cannot travel straight away, also read how to buy a home abroad remotely safely and which mistakes to avoid.
An example of what you can find
To give you an idea, current offers include a furnished one-bedroom (T1) apartment at Estrela do Mar, Sal Rei, for €65,000, a Por do Sol pool suite for €90,000 and a sea-view apartment at Vila Cabral for €120,000. These are direct sales, with no agency commission. Suites at The View start from €90,000.
Let’s talk
If you are considering a purchase on Boa Vista, the simplest way to begin is an informal, no-obligation conversation. Book a consultation or write to us from the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be resident in Cape Verde to buy a property?
No, you do not need to move in order to buy a home on Boa Vista. You can buy while continuing to live in your own country. Residency and permits only become an issue if you want to live on the island for long periods.
Are the contracts in English?
Not necessarily. The official language of Cape Verde is Portuguese and official documents may be drawn up in that language. Before signing, always ask for a translation and have everything read by a professional.
Do I have to declare a home bought in Cape Verde in my own country?
Owning a property abroad may bring reporting and tax obligations in your country of residence too. The details depend on your country and your personal situation: check them with a local adviser before you buy.
Can I buy even if I do not speak Portuguese?
Yes. Many foreign buyers purchase on Boa Vista without speaking Portuguese. What matters is having a local professional at your side and a contact who speaks your language and explains every document to you.
Would you like to talk it through with a person?
Book a video call or message us on WhatsApp: we will answer your questions about Boa Vista and The View.
