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Cabo Verde One-Stop Investor Counter - BUI

Understanding the Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI) for Investors in Cabo Verde

What is the Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI)?

As a foreign investor eyeing opportunities in Cabo Verde—whether in tourism, renewable energy, fisheries, or industrial ventures—the Balcão Único do Investidor (BUI), or Investor One-Stop Shop, is your key gateway to streamline the investment process. Established under Decree-Law No. 42/2015 on August 27, 2015, and published in the Official State Gazette (Boletim Oficial No. 51, Series I), the BUI is an integrated electronic system managed by Cabo Verde TradeInvest (CVTI), the country's Investment and Export Promotion Agency. Designed to simplify bureaucracy, the BUI serves as a single point of entry where you can access information, submit applications, and track your investment project across all levels of public administration—saving you time and reducing complexity.

Why It Matters for You

Cabo Verde's strategic location in the Atlantic, combined with its investor-friendly policies (e.g., 100% foreign ownership and profit repatriation), makes it an attractive destination. However, navigating local regulations can be challenging. The BUI addresses this by consolidating services, cutting approval times to under 75 days for most projects, and offering support in English and Portuguese. Whether you're launching a resort on Sal, a solar farm on Fogo, or a manufacturing unit in Mindelo, the BUI ensures a seamless experience, aligning with the nation's Ambition 2030 goal to boost economic growth to €2.5 billion by 2030. As of 6:13 PM WEST on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the system is fully operational, with recent upgrades enhancing digital access.

How the BUI Works

The BUI operates as an online and physical hub, integrating all necessary approvals into one platform. Here's how it benefits you:

  • Single Point of Contact: Submit your investment proposal (valued at CVE 5 million/~€45,000 or more) to CVTI's headquarters in Praia or delegations in Sal and São Vicente. The BUI coordinates with ministries, municipalities, and agencies like the Direcção-Geral dos Impostos (DGI) for tax registration or the Instituto Nacional de Previdência Social (INPS) for social security.
  • Electronic Procedures: Use the BUI portal (accessible via www.cvtradeinvest.cv) to upload documents, track progress, and receive updates. This reduces paperwork and eliminates multiple office visits.
  • End-to-End Support: From project recognition to monitoring, the BUI handles analysis, negotiation of Establishment Conventions (for high-impact projects), and post-approval follow-ups, ensuring compliance with timelines.

Key Steps for Investors

  1. Project Submission: Prepare a detailed proposal outlining your investment (e.g., capital, jobs created, sector), supported by your company's registration, financial statements, and a business plan. Submit via the BUI portal or in person.
  2. Evaluation: CVTI reviews your application within 15-30 days, assessing eligibility for incentives (e.g., IRPC tax holidays, VAT exemptions on equipment).
  3. Negotiation and Approval: For significant projects (e.g., >€500,000), negotiate an Establishment Convention with state support. Approval typically takes 30-60 days.
  4. Monitoring: Post-approval, CVTI tracks your project's progress, ensuring adherence to agreed timelines and reporting any delays to authorities.
  5. Completion: Finalize registrations (e.g., NIF, land titles) and start operations, with CVTI providing ongoing assistance.

Benefits for Foreign Investors

  • Time Efficiency: Reduces processing from months to weeks, critical for time-sensitive projects like renewable energy installations targeting Cabo Verde's 50% renewable goal by 2030.
  • Incentives Access: Links you to tax breaks (e.g., 5-10% IRPC reduction for 10 years) and land concessions in special zones like ZDTI on Sal or industrial parks in Mindelo.
  • Support Services: Offers virtual consultations, market data, and connections to local partners, minimizing language or regulatory barriers.
  • Transparency: Digital tracking ensures you're informed at every step, with statistics published quarterly by CVTI in collaboration with the National Statistics Institute and Bank of Cape Verde.

Practical Considerations

  • Eligibility: Projects must meet the CVE 5 million threshold and align with national priorities (e.g., tourism, green tech). Contact CVTI at info.cvti@gov.cv or (+238) 260 4110 to confirm.
  • Documentation: Prepare legalized documents (apostille required for foreign entities), including passports, proof of funds, and project details. The BUI portal guides you through requirements.
  • Locations: Submit at Praia (Rotunda da Cruz de Papa), Sal (Avenida dos Hotéis), or São Vicente (Rua Machado), with staff available 8:00 AM–5:00 PM WEST.
  • Challenges: Delays may occur if community consultations are needed (e.g., rural land projects), or if documents lack translation. Engage a local lawyer for complex cases.
summary

The Balcão Único do Investidor is your strategic ally in Cabo Verde, transforming investment from a maze into a clear path. By centralizing services and leveraging digital tools, it empowers foreign investors to capitalize on the archipelago's growth—projected at 5% annually through 2030. Start your journey today via www.cvtradeinvest.cv, and let CVTI guide you to success in this Atlantic hotspot. With approvals expedited and incentives ready, now is the time to invest in Cabo Verde's future.