São Tomé and Príncipe — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
230,871 people · Capital: São Tomé · Middle Africa
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
São Tomé and Príncipe is located in Middle Africa, with a population of 230,871. Its currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra. Our database tracks 5 visa pathways for São Tomé and Príncipe, each linked to a named source.
See also: São Tomé and Príncipe country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (5)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto de Residência para o Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada | — | — | 2 mo | 30d |
Entrepreneur & Business (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente | — | — | 12 mo | 30d |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visto de Residência para Estudo, Intercâmbio de Estudantes, Estágio Profissional ou Voluntariado | — | — | — | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificado de Residência Temporária | — | — | 12 mo | 30d |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificado de Residência Permanente | €4,082/mo | — | — | 30d |
Cost of Living
| Item | São Tomé and Príncipe | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €320 | €1,200 | -73% |
| Rent (3BR) | €550 | €2,000 | -72% |
| Groceries | €85 | €350 | -76% |
| Transport | €18 | €80 | -78% |
| Utilities | €95 | €150 | -37% |
| Dining (meal) | €12 | €15 | -20% |
Salary & Employment
Shortage Occupations
- Healthcare Workers (healthcare)
- Construction Workers (construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidade Lusófona de Tecnologia e Ciências (ULTC) | — | 12 | €2,500 |
| Instituto Superior Politécnico de São Tomé e Príncipe (ISPSP) | — | 8 | €2,200 |
| Universidade de São Tomé e Príncipe (USTP) | — | 10 | €2,400 |
| Centro de Excelência para Ensino Superior (CEES) | — | 6 | €2,100 |
| Instituto de Formação de Professores (IFP) | — | 5 | €1,800 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 5 of the 5 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 3 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- smf.st · 5 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Visto de Residência para Estudo, Intercâmbio de Estudantes, Estágio Profissional ou Voluntariado · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “Artigo 105: As taxas e demais encargos a cobrar pelos procedimentos administrativos previstos na presente Lei... sao fixados por despacho conjunto do Ministro de tutela do Sector de Financas e de Migracao e Fronteiras. (o valor nao e publicado na Lei; fixado por despacho…” — smf.st, 2026-07-07
Savings / proof of funds: “devem os estrangeiros dispor, em meios de pagamento per capita, de um montante minimo a fixar por despacho conjunto dos Ministros de tutela dos Sectores do Plano e Financas e Ordem Interna por cada dia de permanencia em territorio nacional” — smf.st, 2026-07-06
Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “Artigo 36.º Visto de Residência para exercício de actividade Profissional independente ... b) Se encontre habilitado a exercer a actividade independente, sempre que aplicável.” — smf.st
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does São Tomé and Príncipe have?
Our database tracks 5 visa pathways for São Tomé and Príncipe across 5 categories, the largest being General Residence, Entrepreneur & Business, Sponsored Employment. Each entry links to a named source; we're still tracking down the direct government page for this country.
What is the minimum income for the Certificado de Residência Permanente?
The Certificado de Residência Permanente lists a minimum income of EUR 4,082 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-10).
What is the average salary in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The average gross salary in São Tomé and Príncipe is EUR 567 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 105 per month.
How much does rent cost in São Tomé and Príncipe?
A one-bedroom apartment in São Tomé and Príncipe averages EUR 320 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 550 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The top personal income tax rate in São Tomé and Príncipe is 8%. The standard VAT rate is 15%.
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