The Digital Nomad Visa - application

The Cabo Verde Remote Working Program: A Guide for Digital Nomads

Cabo Verde has positioned itself as a prime destination for remote workers through its specific "Remote Working Program." This initiative allows location-independent professionals to live and work from the archipelago for an extended period, offering a legal framework that bypasses the limitations of a standard tourist visa,.

Here is a breakdown of the specific requirements and logistics for securing this visa.

1. Eligibility & Duration

To qualify for the Remote Working Program, applicants must prove they can work independently of a fixed location using telecommunications technology.

• Initial Stay: The visa is valid for a period of 6 months,.
• Renewal: It is renewable for one additional period of 6 months, allowing for a total stay of up to one year,,.
• Nationalities: The program is currently open to citizens from Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Economic Community of West African States (CEDEAO/ECOWAS),,.
• Remote Status: Applicants must work for an entity outside of Cabo Verde. You generally cannot take local employment or provide services to local companies while on this visa,.

2. Financial Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate financial solvency to ensure they can support themselves (and their families) without entering the local labor market.

• Monthly Income/Balance (Individual): You must provide proof of an average bank balance of at least €1,500 (approx. $1,615 USD) over the last six months,,.
• Family Application: If applying as a family, the minimum average bank balance requirement increases to €2,700 (approx. $2,908 USD) over the last six months,,.
• Expected Income: Some sources note that during the application, you may need to confirm you expect to earn a minimum income (approx. €12,000) over the next 6 months to support yourself and any dependents.

3. Fees & Processing

The costs associated with this program are relatively low compared to other digital nomad visas globally.

• Visa Fee: Approximately €20 (approx. $20.47 USD) per person, paid upon arrival,,.
• Airport Security Fee (TSA): Approximately €34 (approx. $34.81 USD) per person, paid upon arrival,,.
• Processing Time: The application is processed online, and the turnaround time is typically around 2 weeks,,.

4. Required Documentation

To apply, you must digitize and submit the following documents via the official online portal:

• Passport: A copy of the bio page. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended date of entry,,.
• Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized photo (2x2 inches / 51x51 mm) with a white background,,.
• Health Insurance: You must hold valid health and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and repatriation (transport of the body in case of death),,.
• Proof of Income: Bank account statements for the last 6 months or copies of salary receipts from the last 3 months,.
• Accommodation: Proof of a booking (hotel, rental lease, or Airbnb) in Cabo Verde is required,,.
• Criminal Background Check: An official certificate of no criminal record issued by the police in your country of residence or nationality,,.
• Family Documents (if applicable): If applying with dependents, you must provide proof of the relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificates for children,.

How to Apply

The application process for the Cabo Verde Remote Working Program is digital. You do not need to visit an embassy to apply for this specific visa; the initial process is completed entirely online,,.

The Application Process:

1. Submit Online: You must fill out the application form on the official Remote Working Cabo Verde portal,,.
2. Upload Documents: You will need to submit electronic copies of your passport bio page, a passport-sized photo, proof of income (bank statements for the last 6 months), health insurance, and accommodation booking,.
3. Processing Time: The average processing time is approximately 2 weeks,,,.
4. Approval: Once approved, you will receive an issuance letter/approval declaration via email,.
5. Arrival & Payment: You travel to Cabo Verde with your approval letter. Upon arrival at the airport border control, you present your documents (including a valid passport and the approval letter) and pay the relevant fees,.
6. Finalization: You have 30 days after arrival to finalize the visa stamp with the authorities. You arrange the delivery of the visa by emailing the Remote Working Program,.

Relevant Links

• Official Application Portal: Remote Working Cabo Verde – This is the designated government platform for submitting your application and documents,,,.
• Entry Pre-Registration: EASE (Efficient, Automatic and Safe Entry) – All travelers should pre-register here at least 5 days before travel to pay the Airport Security Fee (TSA),,.
• Investment & Business: Cabo Verde TradeInvest – Useful for those looking to transition from a remote worker to an investor,,.