As remote work becomes the new normal, digital nomads are seeking new, peaceful, and affordable destinations beyond the usual hotspots. Two tropical islands gaining attention are Cape Verde and Mauritius — both offering stunning landscapes, warm climates, and visa options for remote workers.
But which one is the right fit for your remote lifestyle?
In this post, we compare Cape Verde and Mauritius side-by-side to help you decide which destination better suits your work-life balance goals.
🛂 Visa Options
Cape Verde 🇨🇻:
Cape Verde doesn’t yet offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, but long-stay and temporary residence visas (up to 6–12 months) are available via local embassies. The process requires proof of income or self-sufficiency, but requirements vary by country.
Mauritius 🇲🇺:
Mauritius offers a Premium Visa that allows remote workers to stay for 12 months, renewable. The application is 100% online and requires proof of income ($1,500/month or $18,000 in savings) and health insurance.
💸 Cost of Living
Cape Verde is among the more affordable island destinations for digital nomads. A modest monthly budget ranges between $900 and $1,500 USD, covering rent, food, internet, and transport. Islands like Santiago and São Vicente are ideal for extended stays.
Mauritius offers a slightly higher cost of living, around $1,000 to $1,800 USD/month for a mid-range lifestyle. Imported goods can be pricey, but local produce, rent, and public transport are budget-friendly.
🌐 Internet & Remote Work Setup
- Cape Verde has average internet speeds between 10–25 Mbps, with improvements in major towns like Praia and Mindelo. Mobile 4G is expanding but limited in rural areas. Coworking spaces are emerging.
- Mauritius boasts 30–60 Mbps speeds with widespread fiber and 4G coverage. Coworking hubs and tech-friendly cafes are easy to find, especially in Port Louis, Tamarin, and Grand Baie.
🏝️ Lifestyle & Attractions
| Feature | Cape Verde 🇨🇻 | Mauritius 🇲🇺 |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Warm, dry, breezy (Atlantic) | Tropical, humid, year-round warmth |
| Activities | Hiking, kite surfing, music festivals | Beaches, snorkeling, diving |
| Vibe | Calm, laid-back, low tourist density | Diverse, safe, family-friendly |
| Culture | Portuguese-African Creole blend | Indian, French, African mix |
| Safety | Relatively safe, low crime | Very safe, stable infrastructure |
🌍 Time Zone & Work Hours
- Cape Verde: GMT-1 — great for European clients
- Mauritius: GMT+4 — ideal for working with Asia or Europe
👥 Community & Nomad Life
Cape Verde’s digital nomad community is small but growing, with pockets of expats and long-term travelers in Mindelo and Praia. It’s a quiet, intimate setting for solo professionals or creatives.
Mauritius offers a larger remote work community thanks to its visa, tech infrastructure, and international schools — making it more attractive to families and business owners.
🌍 Cape Verde 🇨🇻 vs Mauritius 🇲🇺 – Digital Nomad Comparison
| Feature | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde | 🇲🇺 Mauritius |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Stay / Remote Work Visa (via embassy) | Premium Visa (12 months, renewable) Apply Here |
| Income Requirement | ~$1,500/month (flexible) | $1,500/month or $18,000 in savings |
| Application Process | Manual (via local embassy) | Fully online |
| Internet Speed | 10–25 Mbps | 30–60 Mbps (fiber/4G available) |
| Cost of Living | $900–$1,500/month | $1,000–$1,800/month |
| Time Zone | GMT-1 | GMT+4 |
| Work Community | Small, growing | Active and established |
| Vibe | Quiet, laid-back | Multicultural, dynamic |
✅ Final Verdict
Choose Cape Verde 🇨🇻 if you want:
- A budget-friendly, lesser-known island escape
- A low-key atmosphere and authentic local culture
- Access to the Atlantic with a slower pace of life
Choose Mauritius 🇲🇺 if you need:
- Strong internet and modern infrastructure
- An easy-to-apply nomad visa
- A multicultural, safe, and developed island base
📌 Bonus Resources
🌴 No matter which destination you choose, both Cape Verde and Mauritius offer the perfect blend of sun, serenity, and remote work possibilities.
