Cape Verde Passport Application Guide
The Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) electronic passport is issued through the Portal Único. This guide covers validity, the domestic and overseas fees, the online face verification and the photo data the app needs. Figures verified against the Government of Cabo Verde, September 2026.
The 15-second answer
The electronic passport is valid for 5 years (2 years for children under 5). The domestic fee is 5,600 CVE for the normal service (about 15 working days) or 6,000 CVE urgent (about 5 working days); overseas it is 69 EUR / 120 EUR plus 10-30 EUR postage. The online route uses face verification, and the app needs your photo and signature as biometric data.
Validity
- Adults and children 5+: the electronic passport is valid for 5 years.
- Children under 5 years old: valid for 2 years.
Fees and turnaround
| Route | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic — normal | 5,600 CVE | about 15 working days |
| Domestic — urgent | 6,000 CVE | about 5 working days |
| Overseas | 69 EUR / 120 EUR | plus 10–30 EUR postage |
How to apply
Cape Verde moved its passport service onto the Portal Único. The online application requires face verification, and if you use the mobile app you must first submit your photo and signature as biometric data.
- Start the application on the Portal Único and complete the face verification step.
- On the app, submit your photo and signature as biometric data before submitting the request.
- Pay the applicable fee for your route (see the table) and keep the receipt.
Preparing your photo
Because the online route asks for a digital photo, prepare one that meets the portal's rules before you start. The dedicated Cape Verde passport photo page sets out the digital requirements, and the free passport photo checker can check your picture against them. If you need a print layout for other documents, use the print sheet.
Documents and what to bring
The separate Cape Verde passport documents checklist lists the supporting papers for the application. Pair it with the photo size chart for any other document you are preparing.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Cape Verde passport valid?
The electronic passport is valid for 5 years. For children under 5 years old, it is valid for 2 years.
How much does a Cape Verde passport cost?
Domestically, 5,600 CVE for the normal service (15 working days) or 6,000 CVE for the urgent service (5 working days). Abroad, 69 EUR or 120 EUR, plus 10-30 EUR postage.
Can I apply for a Cape Verde passport online?
Yes — the online route requires face verification, and the mobile app requires you to submit your photo and signature as biometric data first.
Do I need a photo for the Cape Verde passport?
The online route asks you to submit a photo digitally, so you prepare one to the portal's rules. See the Cape Verde passport photo page for the digital requirements.
What is the difference between the normal and urgent Cape Verde fee?
The normal service is 5,600 CVE and takes about 15 working days; the urgent service is 6,000 CVE and takes about 5 working days.
Where do I apply if I live abroad?
Through Cape Verde's consular/overseas route; the overseas fee is 69 EUR or 120 EUR plus 10-30 EUR postage.
Cape Verde photo requirements → Cape Verde documents →
Source note: the validity (5 years; 2 years under 5), the fees (5,600 / 6,000 CVE; 69 / 120 EUR plus postage) and the face-verification and photo/signature biometric requirements are from the Cape Verde Government's official passport service, captured 2026-09-27. The portal was relaunched, so the original entry URL no longer resolves — confirm the current figures on the live Portal Único before you submit.
Browse all passport guides or the photo size chart.