São Tomé and Príncipe, in the numbers that decide it
What life costs
medium confidence- One-bed flat, city
- €320/mo
- Three-bed home
- €550/mo
- Groceries, one person
- €85/mo
- Utilities
- €95/mo
Ways in
- Lowest income floor of any route
- €4,082/mo
How long it takes
- Fastest route on paper
- Certificado de Residência Temporária — 30 days
- Routes that publish a wait
- 4 of 5 tracked
Day-to-day life
high confidence- Healthcare
- 45/100
- English in daily life
- low (EF EPI 38)
- Internet speed
- 8 Mbps
Tax, in practice
medium confidence- Real rate at €90k
- 9.0%
- Take-home per month at €90k
- €6,067
- VAT
- 15%
- How it is structured
- progressive
Sao Tome and Principe offers 2 distinct visa pathways for skilled workers and migrants in 2026. Located in Central Africa, processing times range from 1–2 months. The country scores a quality of life index of 4/10 and a safety score of 7/10. Monthly living costs for a single person range from €715 depending on the city. The primary language is Portuguese with English friendliness rated 4/10. Permanent residency timelines range from 3 to 5 years depending on the visa stream. Top-scoring professions for immigration include Software Engineer (4.2/10), Civil Engineer (4.2/10), Nurse (3.9/10). Overall migration friendliness is rated 5/10. Figures as of H2 2026 (official sources, last re-check).
Visa Programs
| Program | Min Income | Min Savings | Language | Processing | Path to PR | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificado de Residência Permanente | — | — | — | 4 weeks | 1 year | — |
| Certificado de Residência Temporária | — | — | — | 4 weeks | — | — |
| Visto de Residência para Estudo, Intercâmbio de Estudantes, Estágio Profissional ou Voluntariado | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente | — | — | — | 4 weeks | 1 year | — |
| Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada | — | — | — | 4 weeks | 1 year | — |
Financial Requirements
No fixed income or savings threshold is published for the pathways currently tracked for this country.
Cost of Living
Top Professions for Emigrating
| Profession | Score | Est. Net Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 4.2/10 | €1,000/mo |
| Civil Engineer (license req.) | 4.2/10 | €800/mo |
| Nurse (license req.) | 3.9/10 | €600/mo |
| Teacher | 3.9/10 | €500/mo |
| Accountant | 3.9/10 | €700/mo |
Downloadable Data
Explore More: Sao Tome and Principe
- Visa Comparison for Sao Tome and Principe (2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe for Accountant (2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe for Civil Engineer (2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe for Nurse (2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe for Software Engineer (2026)
- Sao Tome and Principe for Teacher (2026)
- Specialized Worker Permit — Sao Tome and Principe
- Work Permit — Sao Tome and Principe
Official sources
Sao Tome and Principe
- Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada — smf.st — last re-checked 2026-06-24
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many immigration pathways does Sao Tome and Principe have?
Sao Tome and Principe: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) has 2 active immigration pathways in 2026, including skilled worker routes. Each pathway has different requirements for income, qualifications, and experience.
What is the cost of living in Sao Tome and Principe?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sao Tome: €715/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Can I get permanent residency in Sao Tome and Principe?
Permanent residency may be available depending on the visa stream; specific timelines are not published for the pathways currently tracked.
What are the best professions for emigrating to Sao Tome and Principe?
The highest-scoring professions for Sao Tome and Principe are: Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nurse. Scores consider visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, and quality of life.
What types of visas does Sao Tome and Principe offer?
Sao Tome and Principe: Visa Programs, Requirements & Costs (2026) offers the following visa categories: Skilled Worker: Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente, Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada.
Can I bring my family to Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes. 2 pathways allow family members. Options include: Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente, Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada. Spouses may also be eligible to work depending on the visa type.
Does Sao Tome and Principe have a digital nomad visa?
Sao Tome and Principe does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers typically use standard work permits or temporary residence visas.
How long does visa processing take in Sao Tome and Principe?
Processing times vary by pathway: Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente: ~30 days; Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada: ~180 days. Times may vary based on application volume.
What is the quality of life like in Sao Tome and Principe?
Sao Tome and Principe scores quality of life: 4/10, safety: 7/10, healthcare: 4/10. These ratings consider healthcare access, public safety, infrastructure, and overall living standards for expatriates.
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