Ilídio Cruz & AssociadosAttorneys at Law — Praia, Cape Verde
PTENFR
Attorneys at Law · Praia · since 1991

Experience & Trust.

Per Aspera, ad Astra — through hardship, to the stars

Thirty-five years of continuous legal practice in Cape Verde, serving companies, institutions and investors — from civil and commercial law to banking, tax, real estate and litigation.

D. Maria Pia Lighthouse on the cliff, at the entrance to Praia harbour
D. Maria Pia Lighthouse, at the entrance to Praia harbour — Santiago island.
1991 Founded, Praia35 years of continuous practiceC.V. Bar Registered firmMGRA Correspondent — PortugalPT · EN · FR Working languages
I.The Firm

A law firm rooted in an office founded in 1991, at the time Cape Verde was consolidating its democratic rule of law.

Over three decades, Ilídio Cruz & Associados has built a continuous practice in civil, commercial and institutional law, based in Praia. Its founder holds a law degree from the University of Coimbra.

We advise companies, institutions and individuals, working alongside MGRA Advogados (Portugal), our correspondent firm, on matters connected to Portugal.

Façade of the Supreme Court of Justice, Praia
Supreme Court of Justice — Praia.
Founded
1991 — Praia, Cape Verde
Form
Law Firm (Sociedade de Advogados, R.L.)
Registration
Cape Verde Bar Association (O.A.C.V.)
Founding partner
Dr. Ilídio Cruz — Law, University of Coimbra
Legal Counsel to the President of the Republic, 1990–91
Office
«As Américas» Building, Block C, 1st B — Achada de Santo António, Praia
Network
MGRA Advogados, Portugal — correspondent in Cape Verde
II.Practice Areas

Full-service counsel, under one roof.

01

Civil & Commercial

Contracts, obligations, company incorporation and corporate advice to national and foreign businesses.

02

Banking & Tax

Financing, guarantees, tax planning and litigation, investment incentives.

03

Real Estate & Tourism

Sale and purchase, property due diligence, urban planning and tourism project structuring.

04

Employment

Employment contracts, collective relations, termination and labour litigation.

05

Intellectual Property

Trademark and patent registration and protection, copyright and portfolio management with the IGQPI.

06

Litigation

Court representation, enforcement, debt recovery and dispute resolution.

III. — Public Law, Business & Investment

From the rule of law to the decision to invest.

i.

Public & Administrative Law

Dealings with the Administration, public procurement and licensing.

ii.

Companies & Investment

Structuring companies and foreign investment in Cape Verde.

iii.

Real Estate & Tourism

Due diligence, property registration and tourism projects.

iv.

Banking & Tax

Financing, tax planning and defence before the tax administration.

IV.Insights

Notes & analysis from our practice.

Nov 2025 — Real Estate & Tourism

Tourism Investment: Why and Where to Invest in Cape Verde

ReadNov 2025 — Investment

Foreign Investment and Incentives in Cape Verde

ReadSep 2025 — Individuals

Retiring in Cape Verde: Advantages and Incentives for Foreign Retirees

Read
V.People

The faces & experience behind the firm.

Dr. Ilídio Cruz
Dr. Ilídio Cruz
Founding Partner

Law, University of Coimbra. Legal Counsel to the President of the Republic during the democratic transition (1990–91).

Dr. Ilídio Cruz
Dr. Ilídio Cruz
Founding Partner

Founding partner of Ilídio Cruz & Associados. A law graduate of the University of Coimbra, he devoted his career to the service of Cape Verde's institutions and rule of law.

During the democratic transition of 1990–91 he served as Legal Counsel to the President of the Republic — an experience that shapes the firm's vocation in public law and its relationship with institutions.

In 1991 he founded the office that gave rise to the firm, with an established practice in civil, commercial and institutional law in Praia. His practice spans public and administrative law, corporate, real estate and litigation.

Dra. Lídia Sancha
Dra. Lídia Sancha
Associate
Dra. Vânia Fonseca
Dra. Vânia Fonseca
Associate
VI.Contact

«As Américas» Building
Block C, 1st B — Achada de Santo António
Praia, Santiago Island

P.O. Box 128/C · Cape Verde

Telephone+238 261 12 34
Emaililidiocruzassociados@gmail.com

Communication handled with professional confidentiality. In compliance with the ethical rules of the Cape Verde Bar Association, this contact does not constitute legal advice nor guarantee any outcome.

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