Digital nomads - Why Cape Verde?
If you are tired of the oversaturated digital nomad hubs of Bali or Chiang Mai, Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) offers a refreshing alternative: a pioneering frontier that blends African culture with European comforts in a sub-tropical Atlantic setting. Known for its "No Stress" motto and year-round sunshine, this archipelago is rapidly positioning itself as a top-tier destination for remote workers.
Here is why you should pack your laptop and head to these Atlantic islands.
1. The "No Stress" Visa Policy
Unlike complex bureaucracy elsewhere, Cape Verde makes entry remarkably easy and affordable for remote workers.
The Remote Working Program: Launched in December 2020, this specific digital nomad visa allows you to stay for six months, renewable for another six months.
Low Barrier to Entry: The financial solvency requirement is one of the lowest globally: you only need to prove an average bank balance of €1,500 for individuals or €2,700 for families over the last six months.
Cost-Effective: The fees are negligible compared to the Caribbean. You pay approximately €20 for the visa fee and €34 for the airport security fee upon arrival.
Tax Incentives: Digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax on foreign earnings during their stay.
2. Strategic Time Zone Alignment
For nomads working with European or American clients, Cape Verde offers a logistical sweet spot. The country is in the UTC-1 time zone (Cape Verde Time).
It is just 1 hour behind London/Lisbon and roughly 2 hours behind Central Europe, making synchronous work with European teams effortless.
It is 4 to 5 hours ahead of the US East Coast, allowing you to finish your workday just as your American colleagues are logging on, freeing up your evenings.
3. A Tale of the Islands: Choosing Your Vibe
Cape Verde isn't a monolith; each island offers a distinct lifestyle for remote workers.
Sal (The Beach Office): This is the most developed island for tourism. It offers white sandy beaches, world-class kitesurfing, and a higher density of English speakers. It's perfect if you want a resort feel, beach clubs, and easy access to international amenities.
São Vicente (The Cultural Soul): Home to the city of Mindelo, this is the cultural capital. It boasts a vibrant music scene (birthplace of Cesária Évora), colonial architecture, and a lively artistic community. The government specifically targeted Mindelo for its "Digital Nomad Village" initiative.
Santiago (The City Hub): Home to the capital, Praia. It offers the most "city-like" infrastructure, history (Cidade Velha), and business amenities, though it has a busier, more urban atmosphere compared to the beach islands.
4. Connectivity is Improving Fast
While internet reliability was once a hurdle, the infrastructure has leaped forward.
Submarine Cables: The country is connected to the EllaLink fiber-optic cable, linking Europe and Latin America, which has significantly boosted bandwidth and reduced latency.
Starlink is Live: As of December 2024, Starlink is officially operational in Cape Verde. This is a game-changer for nomads who want to explore more remote islands like Santo Antão without losing connection.
Coworking Spaces: Dedicated spaces are popping up. In Sal, you have GoHub and Surf Hub CV. In Mindelo, Prime Coworking and The Don Paco Hotel offer professional setups with fiber speeds reaching up to 100 Mbps.
5. Affordable (But Not Dirt Cheap) Living
Cape Verde offers a high quality of life for a moderate cost, though it is more expensive than Southeast Asia due to its reliance on imports.
Budget: A single nomad can live comfortably on $1,200 to $1,800 per month.
Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in a city center averages around $400–$600, though tourist hotspots in Sal can be pricier.
Utilities: Be aware that electricity and water are expensive here compared to the rest of Africa; expect to budget $80–$120 monthly for utilities.
6. The "Morabeza" Lifestyle
Beyond the specs, the real draw is the culture. You will be welcomed by Morabeza—the Cape Verdean spirit of open-armed hospitality. The islands offer a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences, reflected in the delicious seafood (tuna and wahoo), the omnipresent music (Morna and Funaná), and a safe political environment that is ranked among the most stable democracies in Africa.