Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)

Vacation Rental Laws in Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)

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 Rental Types

Compare Rental Types and Requirements

See what’s allowed, what permits you need, and how regulations differ across rental durations.

Short-term rental

Allowed with permit

Under 30 nights

Airbnb, VRBO, direct booking

Permit required

-

Type 1 or Type 2 STR Licence

Type 1 = owner-occupied · Type 2 = non-owner-occupied

90-night annual cap for non-primary residences in restricted zones

Licence number must appear on all listing platforms

Max occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional

Need the full application walkthrough?

Get your STR licence

Mid-term rental

Generally allowed

30–365 nights

Furnished monthly stays

Permit required

-

No STR permit needed

No annual night cap or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax — meaningfully lower tax burden

Landlord-tenant rights apply — deposit, habitability, and notice obligations

Mid-term is lower friction. Get the basics right.

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Long-term rental

Fully allowed

12-month lease

Standard residential

Permit required

-

None — standard residential use

Residential Property Code governs · No STR obligations

No permits, night caps, or density restrictions

No Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations

Standard habitability, notice, and deposit rules apply

taxes

What Applies and Who Handles It

Understand which taxes apply, who collects them, and what you’re responsible for, especially when handling direct bookings.

STATE

Hotel Occupancy Tax

6%

Collected by

Airbnb, VRBO

Who files

Platform on your behalf

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

County 

County HOT

2%

Collected by

Platform or operator

Direct bookings

You must register & file

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

CITY

City hOT

6%

Collected by

Platform or operator

Filing frequency

Monthly

Applies to

STR under 30 days only

Combined total

All taxes, all levels

17%

OTA bookings

Platforms handle state portion

Direct bookings

You collect & file all three

Mid / Long-term

No HOT applies

Direct bookings mean three separate filings

Miss one and you're exposed. Lodge Compliance helps you automates all three

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FAQs & Guides

Common Question From Operators

Clear answers to help you understand what’s required, and a straightforward way to get it done.

Let's Get You Compliant

How do I register my property as an STR in Texas?

Do I need a permit for mid-term rentals in Texas?

How do I handle taxes if I take direct bookings?

What happens if I don't comply?

Overview

Cape Verde, also known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago of ten volcanic islands located off the west coast of Africa. Known for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant music scene, popular destinations in Cape Verde include Sal, Boa Vista, and Santiago. These islands attract tourists from around the globe, contributing significantly to the country’s economy. Short-term rentals (STRs), commonly referred to as “Alojamento Local” in Portuguese, have become a popular lodging choice for tourists seeking affordable and unique accommodations.
Cabo Verde is a stunning island chain with a captivating blend of mountains, beaches and peaceful seaside villages. On Santo Antão, craggy peaks hide piercing green valleys of flowers and sugar cane, ideal for epic hikes.
The short-term rental market in Cape Verde has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by increased tourism. Platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo are widely used for listing properties. STRs play a crucial role in the country’s tourism sector, contributing significantly to government revenue through taxes and fees. In 2022, tourism, including revenue from short-term rentals, accounted for approximately 25% of Cape Verde’s GDP. With the government implementing new regulations to balance tourism development and local community interests, understanding the rules governing STRs in Cape Verde is essential for operators and investors.

Property
Overview
Currently, there is no specific national association for short-term rental operators in Cape Verde. However, the tourism sector is regulated by the Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde, the public institute responsible for overseeing tourism activities in the country. For guidance and information on operating short-term rentals, you may consider contacting them through their official Facebook page:
Additionally, the Cape Verdean Institute for Quality Management and Intellectual Property (IGQPI) has established standards for small tourist accommodations, which may be relevant to short-term rental operators.
While there isn't a dedicated association for short-term rental operators, these organizations can provide valuable resources and guidance to help you navigate the regulatory landscape in Cape Verde.

Property

Disclaimer

Lodge compliance is not a licensed tax or financial advisor. Therefore nothing in the above article should be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice. Contact your local tax office for information regarding your personal circumstance.

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