For entrepreneurs and digital nomads considering Cabo Verde (CV) as a base for their next venture, the question of company creation and ongoing costs is more than academic—it’s a matter of strategic freedom. If you’re weary of unpredictable tax regimes and opaque bureaucratic fees, you’re not alone. In 2025, understanding the real, data-backed costs of starting and maintaining a standard company in Cabo Verde can help you make informed, optimized decisions—without falling prey to hidden state-imposed expenses.
Company Formation Costs in Cabo Verde: What to Expect in 2025
The most common legal entity for small and medium businesses in Cabo Verde is the Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.). Here’s a precise breakdown of the average creation costs, based on the latest data:
| Cost Item | Amount (CVE) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000 | ~$10 |
| Commercial Registry fee | 12,000 | ~$120 |
| Notary fees | 10,000 | ~$100 |
| Publication in Official Gazette | 3,000 | ~$30 |
| Legal/lawyer fees (average) | 9,000 | ~$90 |
| Total Average Creation Cost | 35,000 | ~$350 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ 100 CVE (2025).
Case in point: If you’re launching a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in 2025, expect to budget around 35,000 CVE (~$350) for all official fees and legal requirements. This is a fraction of what you’d pay in many Western jurisdictions, and the process is relatively streamlined.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant Without Overpaying
Once your company is up and running, annual maintenance costs are the next hurdle. Here’s a transparent look at the typical range and breakdown for 2025:
| Maintenance Item | Amount (CVE) | USD Equivalent* |
|---|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees | 3,000 | ~$30 |
| Mandatory accounting services | 10,000 | ~$100 |
| Tax filing fees | 2,000 | ~$20 |
| Legal/lawyer fees (annual, average) | 5,000 | ~$50 |
| Other administrative fees | 5,000 | ~$50 |
| Total Annual Maintenance | 15,000 – 40,000 | ~$150 – $400 |
*USD equivalents are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD ≈ 100 CVE (2025).
For most small businesses, annual costs will fall toward the lower end of the range unless you require extensive legal or accounting support.
Pro Tip: Streamline Your Annual Compliance
- Centralize documentation: Keep all receipts and official documents in a secure digital vault. This reduces lawyer and accountant hours.
- Schedule filings early: Avoid last-minute rush fees by preparing annual declarations and tax filings well before deadlines.
- Negotiate service packages: Many local accountants offer bundled services for a fixed annual fee—don’t hesitate to negotiate.
Why Cabo Verde Remains a Cost-Effective Jurisdiction in 2025
Compared to many European or North American countries, Cabo Verde’s company creation and maintenance costs are refreshingly transparent and affordable. The state’s requirements are clear, and the process is less encumbered by hidden compliance traps. For those seeking to optimize their fiscal footprint and minimize bureaucratic friction, these numbers speak for themselves.
Pro Tip: Leverage Local Expertise
- Consult with a local legal advisor familiar with expat and digital nomad needs.
- Use official online portals such as Porton di Nos Ilha for up-to-date forms and procedures.
Summary: Key Takeaways for 2025
- Company formation: Expect to pay around 35,000 CVE (~$350) for a standard Lda. setup.
- Annual maintenance: Budget between 15,000 and 40,000 CVE (~$150–$400) depending on your needs.
- Optimization: Early planning and local expertise can keep your costs at the lower end of the spectrum.
For further details and official guidance, consult these resources:
- Porton di Nos Ilha – Official Services Portal
- Doing Business – Cabo Verde
- Instituto das Comunicações e da Administração do Estado
- Lexology – Cabo Verde Company Law
- ILO – Cabo Verde Company Law (English)
With the right preparation, Cabo Verde offers a straightforward, cost-effective path to business freedom in 2025.