Moving to Cape Verde

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Cape Verde depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from the European Union generally benefit from more straightforward entry and extended stay options compared to non-EU citizens. For longer stays or residency, typical routes include applying for a work permit, a family reunification visa, a study visa, or a general residence permit.

• Work Permit: Usually requires a job offer from a Cape Verdean employer.
• Family Reunification: For those joining family members who are already legal residents.
• Study Visa: For individuals enrolled in educational institutions in Cape Verde.
• Residence Permit: A broader category, often requiring proof of sufficient financial means or other specific criteria.

It is crucial to verify the most current and specific requirements directly with the official Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in your country of origin, or with the immigration authorities upon arrival. Requirements and processing times can change, so always consult official sources well in advance of your planned move.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Cape Verde can be done through various channels. Online property portals, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth are common methods. For temporary accommodation upon arrival, consider hotels, guesthouses, or short-term holiday rentals, especially in popular tourist areas like Sal or Boa Vista.

The typical rental process involves identifying a property, viewing it, and then signing a rental agreement. Deposits are standard, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, in addition to the first month's rent upfront. Ensure you thoroughly read and understand the rental contract before signing, paying attention to clauses regarding utilities, maintenance, and the notice period for termination.

While temporary housing can provide a soft landing, securing long-term accommodation often requires more dedicated searching. Be prepared for a potentially competitive market in popular areas, and consider exploring options in less central locations for better value.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The overall cost of relocating to Cape Verde is influenced by several key factors. These include the volume of your belongings, the distance of your move, the season of your relocation, accessibility at both origin and destination, and any extra services you opt for.

• Volume: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often calculated by weight or cubic meter.
• Distance: Longer distances naturally incur higher transportation costs.
• Season: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand.
• Accessibility: Difficult access at either your current home or your new home in Cape Verde (e.g., no elevator, narrow streets) can require additional labor or specialized equipment, affecting the cost.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items will add to the total cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist spanning 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Start decluttering and deciding what to keep, sell, donate, or discard.
  • Research visa and residence requirements thoroughly.
  • Obtain quotes from relocation companies.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm your relocation service and schedule your move date.
  • Begin gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records, school records, financial statements).
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or begin preparing your home for sale.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Arrange for utility disconnections at your current home and connections at your new home in Cape Verde (electricity, water, internet).
  • Inform relevant institutions (banks, postal service, subscriptions) of your change of address.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm travel arrangements to Cape Verde.
  • Pack a "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes).
  • Arrange for mail forwarding.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Empty refrigerator and freezer.
  • Confirm final details with your relocation company.
  • Ensure all important documents are easily accessible for your journey.

When packing, use sturdy boxes, wrap fragile items carefully, and create an inventory list for each box. Keep all critical documents with you, not in your packed belongings.

Ready to make your move to Cape Verde? Request a free quote today on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Cape Verde: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to the beautiful islands of Cape Verde involves navigating customs regulations to ensure a smooth transition for your belongings. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when importing your personal effects.

If you're relocating as a new resident (expat, retiree, home buyer, investor)

When moving to Cape Verde as a non-diplomatic resident, you'll need to prepare specific documentation for your household goods. Be aware that temporary imports might require a bank guarantee, and definitive imports can incur significant duties and taxes.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport's ID page.
• Copy of your Cape Verde entry stamp.
• Cape Verdean Tax Identification Number (NIF).
• Valued inventory in Portuguese, stated in CVE or Euros.
• Invoices for any new items purchased in the last 6 months.
• Mission Letter or employment declaration in Portuguese, or a Certificate of employment, or a Boletim Oficial (BO).
• Original car documents (if applicable).
• Certificate of change of residence issued by a Cape Verdean Embassy in your country of origin.
• Proof of property ownership (escritura) and proof of IUP tax payment if you've bought property in Cape Verde.

Good to know

• For temporary imports, you may need to issue a bank guarantee for the duration of your stay. The exact amount will be determined by Customs. All temporarily imported items must be re-exported when you leave.
• For definitive imports (where you pay all duties and taxes), costs can amount to approximately 150% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. An additional 20% may apply for items requiring special licensing.

Returning residents

Cape Verdean citizens returning home permanently have a specific set of requirements for importing their personal effects. It's crucial to obtain the necessary certification from a Cape Verdean Embassy abroad.

What you'll need

• Your contact information and full address in Praia.
• Copy of your passport's identification page and entry stamp.
• Cape Verdean Taxpayer Identification Number (NIF).
• Original valued inventory (€ or CVE) in Portuguese, dated, signed, and certified by a Cape Verdean Embassy in your country of origin.
• "Certificado de regresso definitivo" (Certificate of Definitive Return) issued by a Cape Verdean Embassy in your country of origin. This certificate must state your time spent abroad and include your valued inventory and/or invoices for new purchases.
• Mission statement or employer's statement, or an Official Bulletin (BO - Boletim Oficial).
• Original vehicle documents or a purchase invoice if the vehicle is brand new and has not been registered in the country of origin (if applicable).

Good to know

• Additional documentation may be requested during the customs process.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats relocating to Cape Verde benefit from duty-free import of their household goods for the entire duration of their mission.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport's ID page.
• Copy of your Cape Verde entrance stamp.
• Cape Verdean Tax Identification Number (NIF) – your Embassy may assist in obtaining this.
• Valued inventory in Portuguese, stated in CVE or Euros.
• Invoices for any new items purchased in the last 6 months.
• Mission Letter (employment declaration in Portuguese) or Certification of employment, or a Boletim Oficial (BO) for returning diplomats.
• A diplomatic franchise document, for which a template can be provided for submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA CV).
• Original car documents.

Good to know

• Diplomatic shipments are duty-free for the entire period spent in Cape Verde.
• For vehicle importation clearance, the local DMV requires presentation of original car documents or a purchase invoice for brand new vehicles.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle requires specific documentation depending on whether it's new or used. For new vehicles, an original invoice is needed. For used vehicles, an original certificate of origin is required. Foreign diplomats are exempt from vehicle duties.

Restricted & prohibited items

Drugs, narcotics, weapons, and explosives are strictly prohibited from import into Cape Verde.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco are permitted for personal use in reasonable quantities.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Cape Verdean Tax Identification Number (NIF)?
Yes, for most non-diplomatic imports, a NIF is required. Your employer might be able to help you obtain it if you are already in the country.

What currency should my inventory be valued in?
Your valued inventory must be in Portuguese and stated in Cape Verdean Escudos (CVE) or Euros.

Are there duties on household goods for new residents?
For definitive imports, duties and taxes can be substantial, potentially reaching 150% of the CIF value, plus an additional 20% for certain items.

What if I've recently purchased new items?
Invoices are required for all new items purchased within the last 6 months.

Is there a special document for returning Cape Verdean citizens?
Yes, you'll need a "Certificado de regresso definitivo" issued by a Cape Verdean Embassy in your country of origin.

Are diplomats exempt from duties?
Yes, diplomatic shipments are duty-free for the entire duration of their stay in Cape Verde.

For more personalized assistance with your move to Cape Verde, please contact relocation123.com.

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