Sub-Saharan Africa
Retire in Cape Verde
Cape Verde is a stable, Portuguese-speaking island nation with a mild year-round climate averaging 24°C and a life expectancy of 76 years. The cost of living runs roughly half that of the US, and healthcare coverage is moderate, making it an affordable base for retirees seeking Atlantic island living without the crowds or expense of more developed alternatives.
- Currency
- CVE
- Main language
- Portuguese
- Population
- 1M
At a glance
Cost of living
~52% cheaper than the US
national price level vs the US · World Bank (PPP ÷ FX rate), 2025
The five-factor profile
Each axis is a 0–100 score derived from the sourced indicators above and the climate normals below — nothing is hand-set. See the methodology for the exact formulas.
- Affordability67
- Healthcare71
- Climate comfort86
- Longevity72
- Prosperity42
Climate
Long-term climate normals for 3 representative cities. Annual mean 24.4°C · warmest month 27.1°C · coolest 22°C.
| City | Annual mean | January | July | Rain / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Praia | 24.4°C | 22.8°C | 25.3°C | 325 mm |
| Mindelo | 23.3°C | 21.4°C | 24.3°C | 321 mm |
| Santa Maria | 16.8°C | 14°C | 17.2°C | 979 mm |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 climatology), long-term climatology.
Retirement-visa path
Cape Verde does not currently offer a dedicated retirement visa. Long-term residence typically requires securing a long-stay or work-linked residence permit through the Ministry of Interior or a local consulate, often contingent on employment, business activity, or family ties. Consult the Cape Verdean embassy or consulate in your home country for current long-stay options and specific income or savings requirements, as these terms are subject to change and vary by circumstance.
Official source: www.mirex.gov.cv
AI-drafted from official sources · pending human review · drafted 2026-07-06
Taxes, briefly
Cape Verde has its own tax code and social contributions system; consult a local tax advisor or accountant familiar with expat residents to understand your obligations.
Safety & advisories
Before moving, review your home country's official travel and security advisory for Cape Verde.
Who it tends to suit
Retirees drawn to maritime scenery, relative affordability, and a quieter pace who can navigate limited healthcare infrastructure and Portuguese language basics.