This guide presents a clear overview of the typical costs associated with starting and maintaining a standard Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) in Cabo Verde as of 2025. All amounts are in Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE), with relevant breakdowns and data sourced from official and reputable channels.
Average Company Creation Costs in Cabo Verde (2025)
Establishing a company in Cabo Verde involves a series of regulatory and legal steps, each incurring specific costs. Below is a breakdown of the average upfront costs for forming a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.), the most common business entity type in the country.
| Item | Amount (CVE) |
|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | 1,000 CVE |
| Commercial Registry fee | 12,000 CVE |
| Notary fees | 10,000 CVE |
| Publication in Official Gazette | 3,000 CVE |
| Legal/lawyer fees (average) | 9,000 CVE |
| Total Average Creation Cost | 35,000 CVE |
To provide further context, at an approximate exchange rate of 1 USD = 100 CVE, the total company creation cost is about $350 USD. All fees are typically payable at the company formation stage and should be budgeted for accordingly.
Annual Company Maintenance Costs (2025)
Once a Sociedade por Quotas (Lda.) is established, annual maintenance costs are incurred to comply with ongoing regulatory and administrative obligations. In Cabo Verde, these costs can vary depending on the scope of your legal and accounting requirements, but average minimum and maximum annual expenses are outlined below.
| Annual Maintenance Item | Amount (CVE) |
|---|---|
| Annual declaration fees | 3,000 CVE |
| Mandatory accounting services | 10,000 CVE |
| Tax filing fees | 2,000 CVE |
| Legal/lawyer fees (annual, average) | 5,000 CVE |
| Other administrative fees | 5,000 CVE |
The typical total annual maintenance cost will fall between 15,000 CVE and 40,000 CVE (about $150 USD to $400 USD), depending on complexity and service provider selection. These expenses ensure compliance with all statutory obligations, including annual declarations, mandatory bookkeeping, and professional fees for legal and tax services.
Summary Table: Key Company Costs in Cabo Verde (CVE)
| Cost Type | Amount (CVE) | Approx. USD (1 USD = 100 CVE) |
|---|---|---|
| Company Formation (Total) | 35,000 CVE | $350 |
| Annual Maintenance (Min) | 15,000 CVE | $150 |
| Annual Maintenance (Max) | 40,000 CVE | $400 |
Official Information and Further Reading
For direct reference and the most up-to-date regulatory guidance, consult the following official websites:
Pro Tips for Managing Company Costs in Cabo Verde
- Obtain detailed quotes from all required service providers (registry, notary, legal) before starting incorporation to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Many annual compliance tasks in Cabo Verde can be streamlined by selecting an experienced local accountant. This helps ensure all deadlines are met and penalties avoided.
- Keep electronic records of all fee payments and official filings. This makes annual renewals and statutory reporting much simpler.
- Monitor official government platforms for changes to fees or compliance requirements, as statutory costs can be subject to revision.
In summary, setting up and running a standard company in Cabo Verde involves moderately defined costs, with a transparent structure for both formation and ongoing maintenance. Careful review of each cost component and ongoing attention to compliance will help business owners maintain predictable overheads. As with any jurisdiction, staying informed of regulatory updates is key to efficient and lawful operation.