Cape Verde's economy is developing thanks to the service industry and strong ties with Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal. The islands' main exports are furs, textiles and fish, but 75% of the economy is fueled by services, mainly trade, tourism and public services. As a member of ECOWAS, Cape Verde has strong regional ties with West African countries.

—

You will need a temporary visa to work and do business in Cape Verde.

Temporary visa. This type of visa applies to foreign nationals who plan to travel to Cape Verde for the following reasons: cultural tourism, business trips, short-term professional activities, medical treatment, visiting family, and other reasons deemed acceptable by the authorities.

A temporary visa can be regular (single-entry) or multiple-entry and must be used within a maximum of 180 days after its issuance. A regular visa allows a stay of 180 days, while a multiple-entry visa allows the owner to enter more than once with a total stay of 90 days within one year from the date of issue.

—

Cape Verde also offers a residence visa for foreigners under certain circumstances, such as those planning to work for a local business.

This is a lengthy process, and approval and issuance of a residence permit can take up to 24 months. If you wish to extend your stay, you will need to contact your local police station. There you can get a list of the necessary documents that must be presented at the police station.

—

To obtain a temporary visa for the purpose of employment in Cape Verde, foreign nationals must submit:

• A valid passport with at least one blank page for the entry stamp
• A recent passport photo
• Completed application form
• An employment contract with a company in Cape Verde, or a letter of invitation
• Proof of residence in Cape Verde
• Payment of the visa fee.

—

Visa requirements may vary between embassies, so applicants should contact their nearest embassy or diplomatic mission for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of documents. Additional requirements may include a statement of intent to leave Cape Verde at the end of the employment contract or proof of the applicant's ability to pay for all travel expenses.

—

Application process

To begin the visa process, foreign workers should contact the nearest Cape Verdean embassy or consulate to confirm the list of required documents. Then the employee must collect the necessary materials and fill out the application.

Applicants can apply for a visa by mail, or by visiting the embassy in person. After submitting the application, the employee must wait for the visa to be confirmed in the country of residence. Once the visa is approved by the relevant officials, the employee can travel to Cape Verde to start working.

In many cases, Cape Verdean visas can be extended if necessary. Workers must start the renewal process before the visa expires in order to remain in the country without additional complications.