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Understanding the Difference Between Single Investor Counter  (BUI) and "Empresa no Dia# in Cabo Verde

Reducing bureaucracy and attracting investors 

The Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI) and Empresa no Dia are not the same—they serve complementary but distinct roles in Cabo Verde's business ecosystem, both aimed at reducing bureaucracy and attracting investors. Both are key initiatives under the government's Ambition 2030 strategy to streamline processes and boost competitiveness.

What is "Empresa no Dia" ?

Purpose : This is a fast-track service specifically for registering a new company(incorporation). Launched in 2015 under Decree-Law No. 3/2021, it's a "one-stop shop" for basic business setup, integrating commercial registry, tax ID (NIF), and social security (INPS) enrollment.

How it Works : You submit documents (e.g., articles of association, ID, address proof) online via empresanodia.cv or in person at designated spots like Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) branches on islands such as Santiago, São Vicente, Sal, Boa Vista, and Fogo. It's designed for quick, everyday startups.


Timeline & Cost: As little as1 dayfor standard setups (e.g., Lda companies); total fee ~CVE 5,000 (~€45), covering all initial credentials.


Who It's For: Local or foreign entrepreneurs starting small to medium businesses (e.g., a boutique hotel or shop). No minimum investment required—ideal for sole proprietorships or simple Ltdas.


Limitations: It doesn't handle sector-specific approvals, incentives, or larger projects; it's purely for the "birth certificate" of your company.
---->  TRADEINVEST - Cabo Verde Investment and Export Promotion Agency 

What is Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI)?

Purpose: This is a broaderinvestment one-stop shopfor approving and monitoringinvestment projects

, especially those with export potential or over CVE 5 million (~€45,000). Created by Decree-Law No. 42/2015, it coordinates across ministries for full project lifecycle support, from evaluation to incentives.

How it Works: Managed by Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI), you submit proposals via the BUI portal on cvtradeinvest.cv (or in person at CVTI offices in Praia, Sal, or São Vicente). It analyzes your project, negotiates Establishment Conventions for big deals, and tracks progress.

Timeline & Cost: Up to75 days for full approval (60-70 days target); low fees (~CVE 5,000 for registration), but additional costs for legal/docs.

Who It's For: Foreign or domestic investors with scalable projects (e.g., renewable energy farms, industrial parks, or tourism resorts). It unlocks incentives like tax holidays (10-year IRPC exemption) and customs relief.

Limitations: It assumes your company is already registered (e.g., via Empresa no Dia); focuses on project viability, not basic incorporation.

---->   Cabo Verde One-Stop Investor Counter -BUI