Cabo Verde: immigration

How many immigrants live in Cabo Verde?

15,892 people born abroad lived in Cabo Verde in 2025, 3.1% of the population, according to the migration statistics 2023-2025 from the National Statistics Institute (INE). Of these, 78.2% came from Africa, mostly from ECOWAS countries (46.1%) and above all Guinea-Bissau (28.6%). The main reasons for coming were family reunion (47.5%) and looking for work (41.5%).

INE counts foreign nationals separately: 10,273 foreigners lived in Cabo Verde in 2025, many people born abroad being Cabo Verdean citizens. The estimates come from the continuous household survey, so they have sampling error and may miss short-term residents. 92.6% of immigrants lived in towns, mainly Praia, Sal, São Vicente and Boa Vista.

Official sources: INE: Migration 2023-2025 (PDF, Portuguese)

Do I need a visa for Cabo Verde?

Since 1 January 2026, nationals of 91 countries listed by the Government of Cabo Verde need an entry visa, obtained from a Cabo Verde embassy before travel, according to the official EASE entry platform and its list of countries. Travellers from other countries pre-register on the EASE platform before arrival.

The list includes, for example, Pakistan, Indonesia, Egypt, Mexico and Jamaica. Exemptions cover holders of valid residence permits from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Brazil and some other countries, people with a Cabo Verde residence permit, and Cabo Verdeans with foreign nationality and their close family.

Official sources: EASE: Cabo Verde entry platform · EASE: List of countries requiring a visa (PDF)

How many foreign-born people live in Cabo Verde?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 3.1%. That compares with 2.9% in 2015. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 2.2%; Cabo Verde is 16th highest of 48. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 112th highest.

How many people move to Cabo Verde each year?

According to the UN Population Division, net migration in Cabo Verde was -1,284 in 2025. The peak was 0 in 2021 and the low -7,226 in 2011. Sub-Saharan Africa median: -5,646; Cabo Verde is 14th highest of 48. World rank, highest first: 92nd of 193.

How many refugees live in Cabo Verde?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Cabo Verde at 0 in 2025. It has not changed since 2014. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 35,241, and Cabo Verde placed 44th highest of 45. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 163rd highest.

How many people from Cabo Verde are refugees?

15: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Cabo Verde for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0 (2005) to 34 (2006). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 12,726; Cabo Verde is 46th highest of 48. Worldwide: 172nd of 189.

How big are remittances in Cabo Verde's economy?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 11.7% of GDP. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 15.3% of GDP; its low point was 2010, at 7.2% of GDP. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.6% of GDP, and Cabo Verde placed 3rd highest of 20. World rank, highest first: 12th of 127.