If you have roots in Cape Verde — or simply want to establish an official connection to the archipelago — this guide explains every available pathway to Cape Verdean citizenship. The law was significantly updated in 2023 and amended in 2024, historically expanding access for the diaspora. It's worth reading even if you've tried before and were told it wasn't possible.
⚠️ Important note: This article is for informational purposes only. Nationality laws change and specific requirements may vary depending on your country of residence and consulate. Always check with the nearest Cape Verdean consulate or embassy to confirm the documents required in your specific case.
Cape Verde passed Law No. 33/X/2023, of 22 August 2023, which came into force immediately reformed the conditions for the attribution and acquisition of nationality. This law was subsequently amended by Law No. 37/X/2024, of 22 March 2024, which corrected some inconsistencies and introduced additional adjustments.
The spirit of the law is clear: Cape Verde is a global nation (Nação Global) with a diaspora that outnumbers its resident population. The new legislation aims to keep that diaspora connected to the country, extending access to nationality to generations that were previously excluded.
The key changes are:
This is the most relevant pathway for the diaspora. You have Cape Verdean nationality of origin if you were born in Cape Verde to a Cape Verdean parent, or if you were born abroad to a Cape Verdean parent and your birth is registered in the Cape Verdean civil registry — no additional declaration needed.
You can opt for Cape Verdean nationality of origin by declaration if you were born abroad and are the child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or great-great-grandchild of a Cape Verdean of origin. This extension to the fourth generation is one of the most significant changes of the 2023 law. If your great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent was Cape Verdean, you have the right to claim nationality.
This is the most relevant pathway for the diaspora. You have Cape Verdean nationality of origin if you were born in Cape Verde to a Cape Verdean parent, or if you were born abroad to a Cape Verdean parent and your birth is registered in the Cape Verdean civil registry — no additional declaration needed.
You can opt for Cape Verdean nationality of origin by declaration if you were born abroad and are the child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or great-great-grandchild of a Cape Verdean of origin. This extension to the fourth generation is one of the most significant changes of the 2023 law. If your great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent was Cape Verdean, you have the right to claim nationality.
For foreigners without Cape Verdean ancestry residing in the country. Requirements include at least **five years of legal residence** (irregular time does not count), being of adult age, good moral and civil standing, and the capacity to provide for one's own subsistence. The residency requirement may be waived for former Cape Verdean nationals, descendants of Cape Verdeans, and those who have rendered relevant services to the State.
Naturalization is granted by order of the Government minister responsible for Justice, upon application by the interested party.
Minor or incapacitated children of a parent who acquires Cape Verdean nationality may also acquire it by declaration.
A stateless minor, or a foreign minor of unknown nationality, adopted by a Cape Verdean national.
The 2023 Law created an autonomous category of nationality by investment. Foreigners who make relevant investments in Cape Verde, increasing employment opportunities and contributing significantly to the country's development may become citizens. The law does not fix a specific minimum figure, but specialist references generally point to investments of around USD 200,000 as a working benchmark.
Note: holders of investment nationality do not have essential political rights, such as the right to vote or stand for election to sovereign bodies.
Assess which of the categories above applies to your situation. For most of the diaspora, it will be by origin or descent.
For descendants this typically means your full birth certificate, the birth certificate of your Cape Verdean parent, grandparent or great-grandparent, and chained certificates linking each generation.
The process is initiated at the Cape Verdean consulate or embassy in your country of residence, or directly at the Conservatória dos Registos Centrais in Cape Verde.
The declaration or application is submitted with the required documents. Documents issued abroad generally require consular recognition.
You can follow the progress of your application through the Cape Verde Consular Portal at portalconsular.mnec.gov.cv.
If you need birth, marriage, or death certificates from Cape Verde to support your application, there are three ways to obtain them:
Cape Verde has allowed dual nationality since 1992. You are not required to give up your current nationality to obtain Cape Verdean nationality.
Olá!
I usually go by the title of Digital Designer, but let's be honest, that's just scratching the surface of all the creative chaos my mind got into.
I’m a proud “Black Ribatejana”, born and raised in Portugal with Capeverdean roots. Lately, I have become passionate about genealogy and a bit obsessed about uncovering my roots.
