Britons living abroad

Direct Gov. link website, providing information for Brits thinking of moving abroad. (....)

Aug.09:  The British Embassy to Cape Verde has produced a booklet for British Nationals in Cape Verde. The link to the PDF document can be found on the home page.

NOV.08: The British Ambassador, Mr.Christopher Trott and the Honary Consul Mr.Antonio Canuto visited Sal and other Cape Verde Islands in Oct 08. A meeting took place between British expats and the Ambassador to discuss various concerns. Please refer to the notes of the meeting which have been included on this website.

See under section 'People' then 'Britons living abroad'. Click on link below.

Please read other information on the CVTips website, advising on further incurred costs for importing items to Cape Verde.





Working on Sal

May 09 - Before 'upping sticks' as they say and taking the plunge and moving out to Sal or Cape Verde, please do plenty of research. We know things aren't brilliant in the UK and some other countries at the moment, but moving to Cape Verde to gain employment or run a business could provide you with more stress. It's not always "No Stress Cabo Verde".

In the past Cape Verde tourism declines during the summer between May - October compared to the winter period. The main reason for this being the reduction or end of the Winter Sun Charter flights which fly direct to a number of countries within Europe as they have other nearer destinations to fly too. Some flights are now continuing to operate throughout the summer and more countries are starting to offer flights to Cape Verde since the open sky policy was introduced. Lux Air fly to Cape Verde in the winter of 2011.

Employment on Cape Verde is mostly taken up by Cape Verdeans and Africans. The low monthly wage for people working here in restaurants, bars and building trade would not be able to support most Europeans on a weekly basis.  Average wage is 200euros per month, some locals work 6 days a week and for less money.

If you are thinking of moving over here to work, take into account the fall in tourism between May - October. Many businesses close for a month at a time during the summer. People working in the Real Estate or Time Share business will also see less people out and about or calling into offices to enquire about property, so finding a job or earning money through selling property could also be a challenge during this time.

Any new business setting up that relies on tourism should also be wary of the summer period. There is more tourism during the school holiday periods, but not that much more. Even when there are more tourists it does't mean there will be more business as the tourists may be from another country, if they don't speak English they are less likely to use English only speaking restaurants/businesses or if they are staying in All Inclusive hotels.

There may be some opportunities though, but it would be in everyone's interest to do your research, make contact with people and owners of businesses, new commercial businesses that will be opening up, before actually moving out. They may have something that would be of interest to you, or know of someon else looking to employ people with particular skills and abilities, then perhaps you can discuss renumeration.

A few businesses have opened and closed for various reasons. Hopefully those that are just starting up will have studied their business so that they can build on it and remain on Sal and Cape Verde. Some people have come and gone from the islands. Its not easy here for a lot of people.

You may find that you may have to survive off your own savings for some time. Take into account the cost of living expenses and have a budget for a set period of time.

There are number of developments including commercial premises on the ground floor of their apartment blocks. A few more will be opening soon, but others won't be ready for a number of years.

Many people for example who stay at the Riu, tend not to venture out much, if they do, they may pay for a guided tour through the town, where they visit particular outlets.

There are other aticles on this website that may assist with your research. Use the search bar at the top of the page to find further information.