In 2025 Cape Verde introduced a new legal framework for short-term holiday lets, known locally as Alojamento Complementar (local lodging). The principal measure is Decree-Law No. 56/2024 of 13 November 2024, which entered into force shortly afterwards. The legislation sets clear rules for operating private villas, flats and guest rooms as tourist accommodation, including properties advertised on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Its purpose is to formalise the sector by requiring every tourist rental to be registered, licensed and taxed, thereby protecting both guests and hosts and promoting fair competition.
The law applies to all individuals and companies that let property to tourists, as well as agencies and online platforms involved in short-term rentals. Operating without a licence is expressly forbidden. A transitional grace period of 120 days from the law’s commencement—now expired—was provided for existing hosts to register; from this point forward, only fully licensed properties may operate legally.
Guest stays are limited to a maximum of 90 consecutive days, and properties that should rightfully be classed as traditional hotels or resorts cannot be registered under the private rental scheme. This guide offers owners on Sal Island a comprehensive, step-by-step route to compliance, covering registration, documentation, municipal procedures, tax obligations and ongoing duties such as safety and record-keeping.
Before applying for a rental licence, you must establish the correct business and tax arrangements.
In either case you must obtain a Cape Verdean Tax Identification Number (NIF) from the tax office or a Casa do Cidadão service centre.
All accommodation providers must collect the tourist tax (Contribuição Turística), currently CVE 276 per guest per night (up to ten nights, for guests aged 16 and over). The tax is paid to the local council, usually every month. On Sal, the municipal finance department will advise on payment procedures. Failure to collect or remit this tax is an offence.
Ensure that the annual property tax (Imposto Único sobre o Património) is fully up to date; municipal staff will check this during the licensing process. Keep receipts as proof of payment.
Once your basic business set-up is in place, you can move on to the official registration and licensing of your short-term rental. The procedure is standard across Cape Verde, although the Sal Municipal Council has a specific role in ensuring local compliance.
Having every document ready will streamline your application:
Tip: Make clear PDF scans and paper photocopies of every document; you will either upload them or hand them over at submission.
This step involves the Sal Municipal Council’s Urban Planning/Licensing Department:
With the municipal certificate in hand, register your rental on the national portal (the SGIT platform run by the Instituto do Turismo):
| Accommodation type | Base fee | Plus 15 % tax | Total payable (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Villa/House (Vivenda) | CVE 20,000 | CVE 3,000 | CVE 23,000 |
| Apartment (Apartamento) | CVE 15,000 | CVE 2,250 | CVE 17,250 |
| Individual Room (Quarto) | CVE 5,000 | CVE 750 | CVE 5,750 |
Payment is made via bank transfer, internet banking, Casa do Cidadão kiosk or another authorised outlet. Keep your receipt. Payment may be split into two instalments on request, though most operators pay in one transaction.
Upon confirmation of payment, the system assigns your official registration number, granting you a provisional licence valid immediately.
Once your registration is submitted and the licence fee paid, the system issues a registration number that serves as a provisional licence. You may begin hosting guests immediately, provided you adhere to every operational rule from day one.
An inspection is normally scheduled within sixty days of registration. Inspectors from the national tourism authority, the municipal council or the state inspectorate visit the property to confirm that every standard is met.
Whether provisional or definitive, the licence certificate must be displayed in a clearly visible place within the property, such as the entrance hall or living area.
Note: As stated earlier, if no inspection occurs within six months of provisional approval, the licence becomes definitive by default.
A definitive licence is valid for three years.
Possessing a licence is only the first step. Property owners must meet a range of continuing obligations to remain fully compliant.
The official registration or licence number must appear in every advertisement, online listing, brochure, social-media post or other promotional material. Rental platforms increasingly refuse unregistered properties, so ensure the number is clearly shown.
Like hotels, holiday-let operators must report all foreign guests to the immigration authority (Direção de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
Maintain a guest log (livro de hóspedes)—digital or paper—containing names, passport numbers and check-in/check-out dates for every stay. This assists with immigration reporting, taxation, and security inspections.
Every tourist establishment must keep an official Livro de Reclamações (usually a red, pre-numbered booklet). It must be:
Failure to possess or display the book is an offence.
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Fire-safety equipment | At least one appropriate fire extinguisher and a fire blanket where cooking facilities exist. |
| Detection | Smoke detectors throughout; carbon-monoxide detector if there are gas appliances. |
| First-aid | Stocked first-aid kit accessible to guests. |
| Information | Emergency contact numbers and evacuation instructions posted clearly. |
| Structural safety | Safe electrics, secure railings or balcony guards, no exposed wiring. |
Hosts must hold valid public-liability cover to protect guests against injury or property loss. Policies are sold locally under the heading Responsabilidade Civil Alojamento. Keep the policy current and on file.
Provide clean bed linen and towels, maintain hygiene, perform regular cleaning, and never exceed the licensed capacity. All advertising must accurately portray the property—no misleading claims or photography.
If you wish to block the property for private use, notify the Tourism Authority at least ten days in advance. Guest stays may not exceed 90 consecutive days.
Where the property lies within a condominium or resort, abide by internal regulations and obtain any necessary permissions from the management committee.
Report any change of ownership, management, business address or contact details to the Tourism Authority immediately. Licences are tied to both the property and the named operator.
Cape Verde has empowered the State Inspectorate and municipal officers to enforce the new regime vigorously.
| Offence | Fine for individuals | Fine for companies |
|---|---|---|
| Operating without a licence or with an expired licence | CVE 20 000 – 100 000 | CVE 100 000 – 1 000 000 |
| Other infractions (e.g. failing to display licence number, not charging tourist tax, misleading advertising, exceeding capacity, missing complaints book, neglecting guest reporting) | Within the same ranges, classified as light, serious or very serious |
The 120-day grace period for pre-existing rentals expired in early 2025. Since May 2025, unlicensed operations on Sal risk immediate sanctions.
Our administration team are well versed in the new legislation and we have a bespoke service to help you gain the correct documents and licences to ensure you’re compliant.
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