Moving to Cape Verde: A Complete Checklist

Moving to a new country always involves a lot of moving parts. This checklist helps you organise the essential steps for a smooth move to Cape Verde.

Before you travel

• Check visa or residency requirements based on your nationality

• Gather ID documents and, if applicable, get your Cape Verdean tax number (NIF)

• Research neighbourhoods and set a housing budget — renting is usually the fastest option on arrival

• Arrange health insurance, especially for the first few months

Temporary accommodation

Before committing to a long-term lease or purchase, many newcomers choose temporary accommodation for the first few weeks, to get to know the city and its areas before deciding where to settle.

First steps on arrival

• Get your NIF, if you don't already have one

• Open a local bank account

• Register with health services, if applicable

• Set up electricity, water and internet at your new home

Finding permanent housing

After getting to know the city better, most newcomers move to a long-term rental or, later, to a purchase. Praia's most sought-after areas — Palmarejo, Achada Santo António and Cidadela — offer a good mix of services, safety and quality of life.

Culture and settling in

"Morabeza" — Cape Verdean hospitality — makes integration easier, but it's worth investing time in getting to know the local culture, picking up some Creole expressions, and building a network, especially if you're outside the diaspora community.

Imobisol helps with several of these steps — from temporary accommodation to arrival support. Talk to our team before you move.