This is an island, which covers ten volcanic isles in the central Atlantic Ocean. Positioned thousands of meters from West Africa, it was discovered by Portuguese explorers on the quest for the Atlantic slave trade. Blooming quickly in the early centuries, it attracted business owners, and adventurers. Despite the economic decline due to the end of slavery, this African island has slowly grown to become an icon in commerce and a stop-off for shipping routes across the ocean.
With its stable politics, it is one of the most advanced and democratic countries in Africa. The country’s developing economy depends solely on its service-oriented sector, tourism, and foreign investment. Presently, there is a population of around 500,000 people living on the island, making it a small nation. Open to most investors looking for better business incentives, there are a few jobs available to foreigners residing here. Compared to other countries, these jobs pay poorly. Despite this, only highly skilled or experienced foreigners can find work here.
If you’re an expat who wants to move here after finding a job, or if you’re on the island while looking for work… This is an expat job guide for Cape Verde.
Types of jobs open to expats
In addition to working round-the-clock in a workplace setting, other kinds of work for foreigners exist. They consist of remote, part-time, hybrid, internship, contract-based, freelancing, seasonal, etc. Luckily, they are available in most sectors of the country. Jobs vacancies in the following are available to expats too: tourism, education, and logistics, amongst others.
Finding a job as a foreigner
There are jobs available in local and international companies, warehouses, schools, etc. located within the territory. Any expat looking for work can find adverts of countless openings on job-networking platforms such as LinkedIn, employment websites, work-for-us portals of employing firms, job groups on social media like Facebook, in local newspapers, et cetera. Usually, this means letting foreigners find job postings online, which are filtered to their fields of interest, level, job type, and work experience. Owing to the inadequate openings, only skillful emigrants who match the provisions of the employers are usually employed. Expats can also try the common method, which is networking through relatives, close friends, or foreign networks working in the same discipline.
Work requirements for expats
Despite being a small island, it offers work to foreigners here in Africa. However, given the limited opportunities available, there is a constant call for highly skilled and practiced people. Although those without degrees are catered for with the provision of seasonal jobs in the tourism and logistics sectors. Jobs such as cook, driver, waiter, etc. may not require much education but they pay very low fees.
Language skill
The official languages spoken by the people are Portuguese and Cape Verde creole. Learning these languages is imperative for expats who wish to enjoy their stay by interacting well with those around them, particularly in rural areas. Expatriates fluent in English greater chances of securing a job in the republic of Cabo Verde than others. The government hopes to improve English speaking within its territory thus native English foreigners with TEFL certificates are frequently hired to teach the language in private schools across the republic.
Work visa/permit
Having secured a job, applying for a work visa at the local embassy or consulate comes next. This visa will grant you legal entry into the country and upon arrival; obtain the work permit from the ministry to begin working. Note that the employer is the one to apply for the permit on an employee’s behalf. Expats here can apply for a work permit themselves.
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