Cape Verde Nomad Visa

What is the Cape Verde digital nomad visa?

Cape Verde (officially Cabo Verde) runs the Remote Working Programme, a temporary work and tourism visa for people who work online for clients or employers based outside the country. It lasts six months and can be renewed once for another six months.

The programme is promoted by Turismo de Cabo Verde, the national tourism institute. Its official page says the programme is aimed at self-employed people and others who can work remotely using the internet, without a fixed office, and that you can come alone or with your family.

Who can apply for the Cape Verde digital nomad visa?

The programme is open to nationals of four groups: Europe, North America, the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Nigeria is an ECOWAS member, so Nigerian passport holders are eligible. That makes Cape Verde one of the few remote-work visas outside Nigeria's own region that names Nigerians directly.

You also need a passport valid for at least six months, proof of funds and suitable insurance.

How much income do you need for the Cape Verde digital nomad visa?

Cape Verde measures savings rather than salary. You must show bank records for at least the last six months with:

• an average balance of at least €1,500 if you apply alone, or
• an average balance of at least €2,700 if you apply as a family.

The official page talks about "proof of income" but defines it as this average balance, so a steady salary paid into a Nigerian or foreign account works as long as the six-month average stays above the line.

How long can you stay, and can you renew it?

The visa is for six months, with one renewal of six months, so a year in total. The official page warns that, depending on how long you plan to stay, you may need to extend the visa once you are in Cape Verde.

The page does not describe what happens after the second six months. If you want to stay longer, ask the immigration authorities about ordinary residence routes before your visa ends.

How much does it cost?

Turismo de Cabo Verde lists two charges:

• Visa fee: €20 per person. The page indicates this is also due when you renew.
• Airport fee: €34 per person, paid once on arrival. This is paid through the EASE traveller pre-registration system at ease.gov.cv.

Budget separately for travel and health insurance and your accommodation.

What documents do you need?

The official page lists these requirements:

• A passport valid for at least six months.
• Bank records for at least the last six months showing the required average balance.
• Travel and health insurance that covers medical evacuation and the transport of remains in case of death.
• The online registration form.

On arrival you hand a set of documents to the border authorities to receive the visa stamp, so carry printed copies of everything. The page still mentions a COVID-19 test or vaccination rule, but the same tourism site says Cape Verde lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on 15 September 2022.

How do you apply from Nigeria?

You apply online before you travel, then collect the visa at the border:

1. Make sure you have remote work paid from outside Cape Verde. If you are still looking, start with our remote jobs.
2. Check your bank records: you need six months with an average balance of €1,500, or €2,700 for a family.
3. Buy travel and health insurance that includes evacuation and repatriation cover.
4. Fill in the registration form linked from the official Remote Working page. The programme team contacts you by email about the next steps.
5. Wait for approval before booking travel. Once accepted, you receive an entry permit.
6. Pre-register on ease.gov.cv and pay the airport fee.
7. On arrival, give the border officers your documents to receive the visa stamp.

When we checked, the form linked from the official page was short, asking for your name, country, job title and planned length of stay. Keep copies of every email you receive from the programme.

Can Nigerians enter Cape Verde without a visa?

Yes, for short visits. Cape Verde and Nigeria are both ECOWAS members. The ECOWAS Protocol relating to Free Movement of Persons says a citizen of a member state visiting another member state for up to 90 days can enter through an official entry point without a visa, carrying a valid travel document and an international health certificate.

From 1 January 2026, Cape Verde requires citizens of certain countries to get a visa before arrival. Nigeria is not on that list. Stays longer than 90 days need permission from the national authorities, which is why the Remote Working Programme matters if you want six months or a year.

How long does processing take?

Turismo de Cabo Verde gives a processing time of about two weeks and advises against travelling before you are approved.

Do you pay tax in Cape Verde on a digital nomad visa?

The official programme page states that remote workers in Cape Verde are exempt from income tax. We could not read the underlying law, so confirm with the tax authority or an adviser how that applies to you, and remember Nigeria may still tax you as a resident. This is general information, not tax advice.

Can you bring your family?

Yes. The programme welcomes families, and a family applies with a higher threshold: an average balance of €2,700 over the last six months. The visa fee and airport fee are charged per person.

What to know before you move

• Time difference: Cape Verde is on UTC-1, two hours behind Lagos. A 9am Lagos meeting is 7am in Cape Verde, which suits clients in Europe and the Americas.
• Getting paid: your income must come from outside Cape Verde. Keep your bank statements in order, as the balance test looks at six months.
• Connectivity: the tourism institute points to wide mobile network coverage and says co-working and co-living spaces exist for remote workers.
• Housing: the programme team offers to suggest accommodation options if you ask.

Need help putting the application together? Premium membership includes nomad visa assistance. You can also compare Mauritius, which accepts Nigerian applicants from inside the country.