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ZimbabweNikolai Timofejev
15 years in FinTech and payments. Maps your business model to the right Banco de Cabo Verde registration and leads the file to launch, including banking and payment rails.
Get a Cabo Verde crypto license.
A crypto license in Cape Verde, officially Cabo Verde, is registration with Banco de Cabo Verde under Law 30/X/2023 and BCV Notice 02/2024: a company incorporated in Cabo Verde or a permanent establishment there, named owners, fit and proper managers and the duties of the anti-money-laundering law. The BCV decides within 90 days, six months at most, and corporate income tax is 20% from 2026. We file it end to end.
30 yrs
of experienceof experience
60+
in-house specialistsspecialists
400+
Crypto licenses obtainedlicenses obtained
Updated · Reviewed by the Prifinance team
Cabo Verde in brief
Crypto license in Cape Verde: regulation of crypto business in Cabo Verde.
Cabo Verde regulates crypto through registration, not a stand-alone licence. Law 30/X/2023 of 21 June 2023 covers four activities carried out for clients: exchanging virtual assets for fiat currency, exchanging one virtual asset for another, transferring virtual assets, and holding or administering them, private keys included. Anyone doing this in the country carries the preventive duties of the anti-money-laundering law, and Banco de Cabo Verde, the central bank, checks compliance and keeps the register. The same law lets the BCV authorise digital banks case by case, on the capital rules that apply to ordinary banks.
The registration rules sit in BCV Notice 02/2024, published on 28 May 2024 and in force sixty days later. It applies to firms incorporated in Cabo Verde for this business and to those with a domicile or permanent establishment there. The BCV assesses the competence and good repute of owners and managers, wants beneficial owners named, and reviews a business plan, the internal controls and proof of the share capital and of where the money came from. It must decide within 90 days and never later than six months after the first filing; silence counts as refusal. A registration lapses if the business has not started within six months.
This regime has limits. It was built for anti-money-laundering control, and in its May 2025 follow-up report GIABA, the FATF-style body for West Africa, re-rated Cabo Verde non-compliant on Recommendation 15, citing no risk assessment for virtual assets and no BCV power to supervise providers on a risk basis. A Cabo Verde registration fits a project that serves clients in Cabo Verde; it gives no passport to other countries. Company profits are taxed at 20% from 2026. We build the file end to end and say early if another hub fits better.
Cabo Verde registers virtual-asset providers with Banco de Cabo Verde under Law 30/X/2023 and Notice 02/2024.
A written route with a 90-day decision and 20% corporate tax - AML-focused, with no passport abroad.
The license
Types of activities covered by a Cabo Verde cryptocurrency license
Law 30/X/2023 names four virtual-asset activities, and the BCV registration covers the ones you file for. Payments, a trading venue, token issuance or a digital bank need their own legal reading before launch.
Registration covers four activities: exchange, swaps, transfers and custody.
01 - EXCHANGE
Exchange of virtual assets and fiat
Buying and selling virtual assets against escudos, euros or other legal tender on behalf of clients, the core of an exchange or broker.
Buying and selling virtual assets against escudos, euros or other legal tender on behalf of clients, the core of an exchange or broker.
02 - SWAPS
Exchange between virtual assets
Crypto-to-crypto conversion carried out for clients, on a platform or over the counter.
Crypto-to-crypto conversion for clients.
03 - TRANSFERS
Transfers of virtual assets
Moving virtual assets from one address or account to another on behalf of clients.
Moving virtual assets from one address or account to another on behalf of clients.
04 - CUSTODY
Custody and administration
Safekeeping or administration of virtual assets, or of the instruments that control them, private cryptographic keys included.
Safekeeping or administration of virtual assets, or of the instruments that control them, private cryptographic keys included.
Every activity is registered with the BCV and carries the preventive duties of the anti-money-laundering law. Payments, a trading venue, token issuance or other services outside the list need separate analysis; a digital bank needs BCV authorisation and bank-level capital.
Why Cabo Verde
Advantages of Cabo Verde as a jurisdiction for a crypto license
Cabo Verde is a small market with a written rulebook. The case for it is narrow and real, and so are its limits.
✓
A written registration route
Law 30/X/2023 and BCV Notice 02/2024 set out who registers, what the file holds and how long the BCV takes: 90 days, six months at most.A 90-day BCV decision.
✓
Know the limits
GIABA re-rated Cabo Verde non-compliant on FATF Recommendation 15 in May 2025. Banks and partners abroad will ask about it, and we prepare your answers.GIABA: R.15 non-compliant, 2025.
✓
A central-bank register
Banco de Cabo Verde, not a private registrar, keeps the register and checks owners and managers for competence and good repute.The BCV checks owners and managers.
✓
A known tax rate
Company profits carry IRPC at 20% from 2026 under the State Budget law; crypto gains are taxed as part of that profit.20% IRPC from 2026.
✓
Local market access
Registration lets a provider serve clients in Cabo Verde lawfully. It gives no passport to other countries, so foreign markets need their own licences.No passport to other countries.
✓
Turnkey support
Prifinance prepares the complete document package and legal validation, sets up and implements compliance (KYC/AML, sanctions, monitoring), conducts technical audits and helps secure asset storage.Documents, compliance and audits under one roof.
How it compares
Cryptocurrency licensing in Cape Verde compared to other jurisdictions
Cabo Verde competes on a short, written registration route, not on reach. Against Estonia and Malta under MiCA, or the BVI and Seychelles under their own virtual-asset laws, the choice turns on where your clients are and which banks you need.
Cabo Verde vs other jurisdictions
| Feature |  Cabo Verde | Other jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory requirements and process | Prior registration with Banco de Cabo Verde under Law 30/X/2023 and Notice 02/2024, decided within 90 days | Some EU jurisdictions (Estonia, Malta) may require more detailed procedures and more documentation |
| Taxation and costs | IRPC at 20% from 2026 | BVI and Seychelles offer lower regimes for offshore companies; Estonia taxes undistributed profits at 0% |
| Flexibility and market access | Covers activity in Cabo Verde; no passport to other countries | Some countries require physical presence or additional permits to serve local clients |
| Legal certainty and compliance support | An AML-focused regime; GIABA rated FATF Recommendation 15 non-compliant in May 2025 | Malta (MiCA): high legal clarity, but more complex compliance and higher costs |
Regulatory requirements and process
Cabo VerdePrior registration with Banco de Cabo Verde under Law 30/X/2023 and Notice 02/2024, decided within 90 days
Other jurisdictionsSome EU jurisdictions (Estonia, Malta) may require more detailed procedures and more documentation
Taxation and costs
Cabo VerdeIRPC at 20% from 2026
Other jurisdictionsBVI and Seychelles offer lower regimes for offshore companies; Estonia taxes undistributed profits at 0%
Flexibility and market access
Cabo VerdeCovers activity in Cabo Verde; no passport to other countries
Other jurisdictionsSome countries require physical presence or additional permits to serve local clients
Legal certainty and compliance support
Cabo VerdeAn AML-focused regime; GIABA rated FATF Recommendation 15 non-compliant in May 2025
Other jurisdictionsMalta (MiCA): high legal clarity, but more complex compliance and higher costs
Country by country
| Jurisdiction | Licensing process | Taxation · operating costs | Regulatory support · market access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo Verde | BCV registration, 90 days | 20% IRPC · low | AML-focused · local |
 Estonia | Medium/complex | Medium · medium | Good · EU/international |
 Malta | Complex | High · high | Strong · EU/international |
 BVI (British Virgin Islands) | Fast, moderate | Low/0% · medium | Good · global |
 Seychelles | Fast, flexible | Low/0% · low | Moderate · global |
Cabo VerdeLicensing processBCV registration, 90 days
Taxation · operating costs20% IRPC · low
Regulatory support · market accessAML-focused · local
EstoniaLicensing processMedium/complex
Taxation · operating costsMedium · medium
Regulatory support · market accessGood · EU/international
MaltaLicensing processComplex
Taxation · operating costsHigh · high
Regulatory support · market accessStrong · EU/international
BVI (British Virgin Islands)Licensing processFast, moderate
Taxation · operating costsLow/0% · medium
Regulatory support · market accessGood · global
SeychellesLicensing processFast, flexible
Taxation · operating costsLow/0% · low
Regulatory support · market accessModerate · global
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Doing it properly
Crypto license requirements in Cape Verde: what the Banco de Cabo Verde application contains.Cape Verde crypto license requirements.
BCV Notice 02/2024 lists what the central bank registers and what the file has to prove. The checklist below follows it.
01
Presence - a company incorporated in Cabo Verde for virtual-asset business, or a domicile or permanent establishment in the country.
02
Ownership on record - shareholders and beneficial owners identified, with proof of the share capital and of the origin of the funds.
03
Fit and proper management - the BCV assesses the competence and good repute of board members and senior managers, on CVs and the declarations annexed to the Notice.
04
The file - draft articles of association, a programme of activities with a business plan and a description of the internal control mechanisms; foreign documents apostilled or legalised, in Portuguese or with a certified translation.
05
AML/CFT from day one - the preventive duties of the anti-money-laundering law, and changes to registered data reported to the BCV within 30 days.
01
Presence - Company or permanent establishment in Cabo Verde
02
Ownership - Shareholders, beneficial owners, proof of capital
03
Fit and proper - BCV checks board and managers
04
The file - Articles, business plan, internal controls
05
AML/CFT - Duties from day one, changes in 30 days
Reflects Law 30/X/2023 and BCV Notice 02/2024 as of 2026. The BCV decides within 90 days, six months at most, and a registration lapses if activity has not started within six months.Law 30/X/2023 + BCV Notice 02/2024, as of 2026. Decision within 90 days.
Verify it yourself
Official sources
Regulator pages, legal texts and public registers the figures on this page are based on.
- LawBoletim Oficial - Law No. 30/X/2023 of 21 June 2023 regulating virtual-asset services and digital banks (Portuguese)boe.incv.cv
- LawBanco de Cabo Verde - Notice No. 02/2024 on the registration of entities carrying out virtual-asset activities (Boletim Oficial, 28 May 2024, Portuguese)boe.incv.cv
- RegulatorBanco de Cabo Verde - legislation for the banking, insurance and capital-market sectors (Portuguese)bcv.cv
- LawBoletim Oficial - Law No. 69/X/2025 approving the 2026 State Budget, with the 20% IRPC rate (Portuguese)boe.incv.cv
- GuidanceFATF - Cabo Verde follow-up report by GIABA, May 2025 (Recommendation 15 re-rated non-compliant)fatf-gafi.org
How it works
Registration of a cryptocurrency company in Cabo Verde: stages and timeframes
011-2 weeks
Consultation and preparation
Most companies start by getting a clear understanding of all legal and compliance requirements, usually with local lawyers and consultants. The corporate structure is formed, a detailed business plan is developed, and all supporting documents are prepared.Requirements, structure, business plan, documents.
021-2 weeks
Company registration and capital contribution
The company is incorporated in Cabo Verde, or a permanent establishment is set up, and the share capital is paid in with a record of where the funds came from.Company or establishment in Cabo Verde, capital paid in.
031 week
Application submission
The application goes to the BCV on the forms annexed to Notice 02/2024, with the business plan, internal controls, AML/CFT policies and fit-and-proper declarations.The official filing with compliance and security policies.
04Up to 90 days
Regulatory review and compliance analysis
The BCV checks the file, the owners and the managers, and may ask for more. It must decide within 90 days and never later than six months after the first filing; no answer counts as refusal.BCV review; decision within 90 days.
05Within 6 months
Decision and start of activity
Once registered, the entity reports its actual start date to the BCV within 30 days and must begin within six months, or the registration lapses.Start within six months of registration.
Key facts
RegimeRegistration with Banco de Cabo Verde
LawLaw 30/X/2023 of 21 June 2023
RulesBCV Notice 02/2024 (28 May 2024)
Regulatory authorityBanco de Cabo Verde (Central Bank)
ActivitiesExchange, swaps, transfers, custody
PresenceCompany or permanent establishment in Cabo Verde
Minimum share capitalNot set by the Notice; proof of paid-up capital
BCV decisionWithin 90 days, six months at most
Corporate income tax20% IRPC from 2026
Foreign documentsApostilled, in Portuguese or translated
Non-residentsYes, foreign shareholders may own the company
Plan on up to five months in total: four to six weeks to prepare and file, then up to 90 days for the BCV. After registration, changes to owners, managers or registered data go to the BCV within 30 days, and a wider scope means a new filing.
On the ground in Cabo Verde
Run from our Praia desk.
Prifinance - Cabo Verde
Praia · Cabo Verde
Praia, Santiago, Cabo Verde
01
Documents and legal validation
We prepare the complete document package and validate it legally before anything is filed.A full package, legally validated.
02
Compliance set-up
KYC/AML, sanctions screening and monitoring - set up and implemented for your business model.KYC/AML, sanctions, monitoring.
03
Technical audits and custody
Technical audits and help with the security of asset storage.Audits and secure storage.
04
Regulator and post-licensing
We communicate with the regulator, represent your interests locally and handle audits, reporting and banking relations after licensing.Regulator, reporting, banks.
We also have offices in
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Prague
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London
United Kingdom
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Dubai
UAE
33 Level, Al Saqr Business Tower
Istanbul
Turkey
Perpa Ticaret Merkezi, A Blok
Good to know
Taxation of companies with a crypto license in Cabo Verde
A registered provider is taxed like any Cabo Verde company, under the general IRPC rules. The numbers below are the ones to model.
20% corporate income tax
From 1 January 2026 the general IRPC rate is 20% for companies with organised accounts, set by the State Budget law for 2026 (Law 69/X/2025).General IRPC rate from 2026.
Crypto gains are taxable profit
A company's trading gains, fees and other crypto income are taxed as part of its IRPC profit.Taxed inside IRPC profit.
Withholding on payments abroad
Payments to non-residents, dividends included, can be taxed at source; a tax treaty, where one applies, may lower the rate. We model it before money moves.Treaties may lower it.
Books and filings
A registered provider keeps its books and files IRPC returns like any company; the 20% rate applies under the organised-accounts regime.Books and IRPC returns.
Double taxation avoidance agreements
Cabo Verde has signed several double taxation avoidance agreements, which are especially beneficial for cryptocurrency companies operating internationally. An optimal tax strategy can be developed in collaboration with professional consultants.With select countries.
Tax summary
Corporate tax20% IRPC from 2026
Crypto gainsPart of taxable profit
Withholding taxCan apply to payments abroad; treaties may lower it
Compliance and reportingBooks, IRPC returns, BCV updates
Double taxation agreementsWith select countries - important for international operations
*Figures as of 2026. We model company and owner level before you commit.
Turnkey professional support
Our specialists.
The Prifinance team includes lawyers, financial experts, and compliance specialists who know the legislation, help navigate its complexities, and use it to the client's advantage. We operate at the intersection of technology and law, creating a tailored strategy for each project - from choosing the optimal jurisdiction and preparing documentation to implementing AML/KYC systems and providing post-licensing business support.
Oleksii Kindratenko
Builds the application itself: the Cabo Verde company, the Banco de Cabo Verde registration file and the due-diligence and AML policy set. His document sets are the reason reviews finish cleanly.
Eugeniu Bevziuc
First point of contact for international founders. Runs the whole setup remotely, across time zones and languages - from the first call to a clean, registered business.
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Request a free conclusion →FAQ
Crypto license in Cabo Verde: frequently asked questions.
What is a cryptocurrency exchange license in Cabo Verde?+
In practice it is registration with Banco de Cabo Verde under Law 30/X/2023, which a provider needs before exchanging, transferring or holding virtual assets for clients in the country.
What types of activities can be carried out under the license?+
The four activities in Law 30/X/2023: exchange between virtual assets and fiat currency, exchange between virtual assets, transfers of virtual assets, and their custody or administration, private keys included.
What are the requirements for obtaining a license?+
A company incorporated in Cabo Verde or a permanent establishment there, identified shareholders and beneficial owners, fit and proper managers, a business plan with internal controls, proof of capital and its source, and the AML/CFT duties of the anti-money-laundering law.
How long does a crypto license in Cape Verde take?+
Preparing and filing takes four to six weeks. The BCV then has 90 days to decide, never more than six months, and no answer counts as refusal.
What taxes must crypto companies pay in Cabo Verde?+
Company profits carry IRPC at 20% from 2026, crypto gains included. Payments abroad can be taxed at source, and a treaty may lower that. We do not build a model on any crypto-specific exemption.
Is continuous AML and compliance control mandatory?+
Yes. Law 30/X/2023 puts every provider under the preventive duties of the anti-money-laundering law, and the BCV checks compliance. Changes to owners, managers or registered data go to the BCV within 30 days.
Can foreign shareholders and beneficial owners participate in company registration?+
Yes, foreign shareholders and beneficial owners may be registered, provided that all other legal and regulatory requirements are met.
What documents are required to apply for a license?+
Draft articles of association, a programme of activities with a business plan, a description of internal controls, fit-and-proper evidence for board members and managers, and proof of share capital and the origin of funds; foreign papers apostilled and in Portuguese or translated.
Who regulates cryptocurrency exchanges in Cabo Verde?+
Banco de Cabo Verde, the central bank. It keeps the register of virtual-asset providers and checks their AML/CFT compliance under Law 30/X/2023.
Why choose Cabo Verde for running a crypto business?+
For a project that serves clients in Cabo Verde and wants a written, central-bank route with a 90-day decision. For reach into Europe or wide banking access, a MiCA or major-hub licence usually works better, and we will tell you so.
What is the license?+
Registration with Banco de Cabo Verde.
Which activities?+
Exchange, swaps, transfers, custody.
Requirements?+
Local presence, named owners, fit managers, the file, AML.
How long?+
The BCV decides within 90 days.
Taxes?+
20% IRPC from 2026, gains included.
Ongoing AML?+
Yes - continuous client and transaction monitoring.
Foreign owners?+
Yes, if all requirements are met.
Documents?+
Articles, business plan, controls, capital proof.
Who regulates?+
The Central Bank of Cabo Verde.
Why Cabo Verde?+
For local clients and a written 90-day route.
Client notes
Google4.7★★★★★
Founders who wanted it done right.
Google4.7★★★★★
“As a software development crew at FewMoreTaps OÜ, we've had the pleasure of working with Prifinance on some key financial moves.First of all, navigating the world of corporate banking and finance can be a maze, but Prifinance made it feel like a walk in the park. They helped us set up a corporate bank account without the hassle of jumping on a plane or drowning in paperwork. Everything was done remotely, smoothly…”
Google
“I had their assistance in company registration and I would recommend them. They were answering all my clarification during the process and offering all their supportThank you Daniel and Irinia”
Google
“We found PRIFINANCE COMPANYvia the Internet and asked for help in organizing the opening of their company in Estonia. PRIFINANCE COMPANY specialists helped us a lot with this. Their professional, competent approach and knowledge of their business left us with only the best impressions.”
Google
“I'm thrilled with my experience with PriFinance! They helped me obtain a crypto license in Estonia without any hassle. The team was super understanding and always available to answer my questions and assist. It was great to see how they put effort into preparing the documents to ensure everything went smoothly. I'm delighted with the outcome and highly recommend PriFinance to anyone looking to get a license…”
Google
“Opening an account with Prifinance in a Swiss bank was such an easy and quick process that I was shocked. It all started with the first call, where I received detailed guidance on the required documents and the entire procedure.One of the key highlights was their attention to detail. As someone who usually gets tangled up in paperwork, I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me all the documents and…”
Google
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Get a free legal opinion on your project - our legal team will analyze your case at no cost and provide a written legal opinion: which activity, jurisdiction or route fits your business.Free legal opinion: which Cabo Verde activity fits your project and what it will cost.
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Prifinance is an independent law and advisory firm. We are not a regulator and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of Banco de Cabo Verde or the Government of Cabo Verde. Licenses are granted by, and obtained directly from, the competent authority.