Nationality of Cape Verde: all obtaining pathways
Cape Verde offers one of the most flexible routes in Africa: five years of residence, waivable with a substantial investment, and marriage to a Cape Verdean carries no minimum waiting period. Nationality is transmitted automatically by birth in the territory and by descent.
1Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Nationality by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Birth in Cape Verde to parents with permanent legal residence of at least 5 years
- Birth in Cape Verde of persons who would otherwise be stateless
- Foundlings or orphans found in the territory with no known parental identity
Documentation
- Cape Verdean birth certificate
- Proof of the parents' permanent residence (5 years minimum)
- Parents' identity documents
2Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Child of a Cape Verdean father or a Cape Verdean mother
- Birth anywhere if at least one grandparent held Cape Verdean nationality
- Dual nationality permitted since 1992
Documentation
- Cape Verdean parent's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Proof of filiation or descent (Cape Verdean grandparent)
3Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- 5 years of legal and habitual residence in Cape Verde
- Age of majority and legal capacity
- No serious criminal record
- Not having rendered political or military service to a foreign government
- Sufficient means of subsistence
- A substantial investment may exempt from the residence requirement
- Dual nationality permitted since 1992
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document
- Certificate of residence of at least 5 years
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Declaration of non-service to a foreign government
4Acquisition by marriage (Law 80/III/90, art. 9)
Acquisition by marriage (Law 80/III/90, art. 9)
Requirements
- Marriage to a Cape Verdean national; the spouse may acquire nationality by DECLARING during the marriage the wish to acquire it (art. 9)
- The law sets NO minimum marriage or residence term for the declaring spouse
- Nullity or annulment of the marriage does not prejudice acquisition by the spouse who contracted it in good faith (art. 9)
- Persons with Cape Verdean ancestry may opt for original nationality by declaration (art. 4-5)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Cape Verdean spouse's passport
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Cape Verde
How many years of residence does Cape Verde require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Cape Verde (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years of LEGAL residence in Cape Verde (Law 33/X/2023, art. 13). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Cape Verde allow dual nationality?
Dual nationality permitted since 1992
Can the nationality of Cape Verde be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Acquisition by marriage pathway (No legal marriage term (declaration during the marriage)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Cape Verde require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document; Certificate of residence of at least 5 years; Criminal record certificate; Proof of means of subsistence; Declaration of non-service to a foreign government.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Cape Verde?
Cape Verde provides 4 pathways: Nationality by birth in the territory, Nationality by descent, Naturalization by residence, Acquisition by marriage.
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