Sao Tome and Principe
STPSão Tomé and Príncipe is a small Lusophone island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, comprising two main volcanic islands off the west coast of Central Africa. With a population of around 228,000, it is one of Africa's smallest and least-populated countries. The economy depends heavily on cocoa exports, tourism, and foreign aid, though offshore oil exploration holds future potential.
Portuguese is the sole official language, reflecting three centuries of colonial history. The country is a stable democratic republic with regular elections. Visas on arrival are available to most nationalities. Naturalisation requires five years of legal residence. Healthcare and infrastructure are limited, but the islands offer a tranquil, low-crime environment with striking biodiversity and UNESCO-recognised cocoa heritage.
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Tax system
- Residence Based
- Currency
- São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Region
- africa
- Population
- 228,000
- Cost-of-living
- 38 /100
Passport Rank
#99
Visa-Free
64
destinations
Visa-free travel
A Sao Tome and Principe passport has visa-free access to 57 destinations. See the full Sao Tome and Principepassport breakdown →
Passports that enter Sao Tome and Principe without a prior visa (57)
Visa-free, visa on arrival, or on an eTA.
Community-sourced (passport-index, synced 2026-08-18) — verify with the embassy before travel.
Country Details
- Capital
- São Tomé
- Currency
- São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Population
- 228,000
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Naturalisation
- 5 years
- Schengen / EU
- No
- Climate
- Tropical rainforest
Indices
Cost of Living
38
Safety
62
Healthcare
32
Quality of Life
42
Tax Summary
- Tax System
- Residence Based
- Territorial Taxation
- No — worldwide income taxed for residents
- Naturalisation
- 5 years of legal residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
Cost of Living by City
← scroll the table →
| City | Rent 1BR centre | Rent outside | Groceries | Utilities | Transit pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| São Tomé | — | — | — | — | — |
| Trindade | — | — | — | — | — |
| Santo António | — | — | — | — | — |
Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.
Visa Categories & Immigration Authority
Major Visa Categories
- Tourist (on arrival)
- Business
- Work
- Family
- Student
- Authority
- Serviços de Migração e Fronteiras
- Official Portal
- www.gov.st
Naturalisation Details
- Residence Years
- Language Test
- No
- Civic Test
- No
- Oath Required
- No
- Dual Allowed
- No
- Fee
- —
- Processing
- —
Safety
GPI Rank
—
Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)
Related Guides
Related on The Citizenship Desk
Sources & last verified
- Last verified