Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to São Tomé and Príncipe is increasingly appealing to expats seeking peace, nature, and a lower cost of living. But behind the volcanic beaches and the leve-leve (“take life as it comes”) vibe, the country requires much more serious preparation than just packing a vacation suitcase. Visa, health, money, housing, safety, education, climate: nothing should be left to chance.
This guide covers 25 essential points to check before you leave, all based on factual data from recent reports on São Tomé and Príncipe.
1. Visa status: tourism, residence, or investment?
First things first, you need to figure out which category you fall into. The country clearly distinguishes between short stays, residence visas, and investment pathways.
For many nationalities (EU, Canada, USA, CPLP countries, certain Arab and African countries), visa-free entry is possible for up to 15 days, provided you have a passport valid for more than three months after your stay ends and, in some cases, a Schengen or U.S. visa. Beyond 15 days, a visa is mandatory, even if you come from a country that enjoys a short-term exemption.
The residence visa covers all long stays (work, study, family, research, etc.) and serves as an umbrella category authorizing you to enter the territory to apply for a residence certificate.
The residence visa is valid for two entries and 60 days on the ground: this is the period you are given to submit your application for a residence certificate to the Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF). Without this step, you remain a long-stay visitor, with no solid status.
2. Check if you need a visa before departure
The situation is somewhat subtle: some travelers don’t need any visa to board for stays under 15 days, but absolutely must have one if their stay exceeds that duration. For EU, Canadian, or US citizens, the rule is clear: more than 15 days on the ground = prior visa mandatory.
Non-exempt individuals must contact the nearest embassy or consulate before buying their ticket. For EU residents, the embassy in Brussels typically handles the applications. Failing to do so risks being denied boarding or turned away upon arrival.
The country offers an e-visa system for short stays, accessible online via the official portal e‑VisaST, hosted on the SMF website. A single-entry tourist visa costs about €20 and allows a stay of up to 30 days, valid for 120 days from issuance. A business multi‑entry visa is around €60 and remains valid for six months.
For this type of e-visa, you must already have a passport valid at least three months after your stay, a return ticket, accommodation reservation or a contact on the ground, and proof of financial means of at least €100 per day.
3. Choose the right residence category
If your plan is to live, not just test the country for a few weeks, you need to identify the specific sub‑category of residence visa that applies to you. Local law (notably Law 5/2008) provides for several scenarios:
The main visa categories for Brazil include: salaried work with a contract approved by the Ministry of Labor, independent or entrepreneurial activity with proof of investment, family reunification, studies or internships, and highly skilled research with affiliation to a research center and return guarantees.
In all cases, you need a passport valid for at least one year, a criminal record extract, proof of housing and means of subsistence (the reference threshold is about €100 per day), and, depending on your profile, contractual or academic documents.
The exact fees for the residence visa are not published online; they are paid either at the border or by bank transfer to the BISTP account of the SMF. Again, you must inquire with the administration in advance, whose contact details (phone, email) are public.
4. Plan ahead for the residence certificate once on the ground
Arriving with a residence visa is only the first step. Within the 60 days of authorized stay, you must apply for a residence certificate. This is the document that actually materializes your right to stay, work, and study according to the visa category you obtained.
The general requirements are similar to those for the visa: valid visa, criminal record extract, medical certificate, proof of housing and financial means. The application can be submitted directly at the SMF office or through a legal representative.
The stated processing time is between 15 and 30 days. The first certificate issued is temporary and valid for one year. It is then renewed annually or whenever your situation changes (job, address). This is the document that places you in legal status for the long term.
The cost of the certificate falls in a fairly high range: between 5,000 and 10,000 dobras, which is about $220 to $450. To be included in your setup budget.
5. Clarify the difference between permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence is not automatic. It requires several years of temporary residence, demonstrated integration, good conduct, sufficient resources, and, crucially, proficiency in Portuguese. Only after at least five years of continuous residence can you apply for this more stable status.
Permanent residence in Japan has no expiry date but must be renewed every five years or upon changes in data (marital status, address). Moreover, Japan does not recognize dual nationality, so to obtain citizenship by naturalization, you must renounce your original citizenship.
This reality weighs heavily for expats torn between a simple long stay, sustainable residence, or naturalization.
6. Evaluate the citizenship by investment program
Another, very specific channel allows obtaining citizenship without going through a long residence process: the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, created by decree in 2025 and managed by a dedicated unit based in Dubai.
The mechanism is straightforward: a non‑refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which finances projects in renewable energy, education, and infrastructure. The entry ticket starts at $90,000 for a single applicant, $95,000 for a family of four, plus $5,000 per additional member.
The program promises citizenship in 6 to 8 weeks, 100% remotely, with no language test or residency requirement. Conditions: clean criminal record, legitimate funds, medical clearance, AML/CFT compliance. Excluded: individuals who already have 3 or more nationalities (internal rule as of 2026).
For families, an additional point to note: passport issuance for children over 18 is suspended until a new legal framework is adopted. Again, any plan to use this route must be accompanied by specialized legal advice.
7. Health: assess the reality before you go
One of the most sensitive aspects of any move to São Tomé and Príncipe concerns health. The country has a universal public system, supplemented by a small private sector. In practice, the offering is very limited for anything beyond basic medicine.
Only two hospitals serve the entire archipelago of São Tomé and Príncipe.
The public system is free for citizens, but does not cover all procedures or medications. Foreigners must pay out‑of‑pocket. Medication shortages are common, affecting more than half of households according to some estimates. Much equipment is outdated or nonexistent. And management of major emergencies (trauma, heart attack, stroke, complex surgery, intensive care, oncology) is beyond the capacity of local facilities.
8. Get international health insurance with evacuation coverage
In this context, international health insurance including medical evacuation is not a luxury—it’s a minimum requirement for relocating. Serious cases are referred to Libreville, Luanda, Lisbon, sometimes further (South Africa, Ghana, Europe). The cost of such an evacuation can quickly run into tens of thousands of euros.
Recommended policies provide at least $500,000 in medical coverage—a million is better—and explicitly include São Tomé and Príncipe in the list of covered countries. Many entry‑level contracts exclude certain states or heavily cap evacuation: read the fine print carefully.
The annual budget for robust coverage is around $3,000 to $5,000 per person, more for families. If your employer provides a plan, check in black and white that it covers evacuation from São Tomé and Príncipe, that it directly pays providers rather than working only on a reimbursement basis, and that it includes dependents.
On the ground, even private clinics require cash payment or proof of guarantee. So it’s wise to have a cash reserve readily accessible.
9. Protect yourself against tropical health risks
Beyond infrastructure, the country’s health profile must also be considered. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for entry, especially if you come from an area where the virus circulates: the yellow card will be systematically checked on arrival, and lack of a certificate can mean denial of entry. The vaccine must have been administered at least ten days before travel.
Malaria is highly prevalent on both islands with high risk. Prescription antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended, along with DEET repellent, mosquito nets, long clothing at dusk, and extra caution in forests and on beaches.
International health authorities also recommend, for extended stays, vaccines against hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccine updates. Upon your return, any fever should be reported to your doctor, mentioning your stay in São Tomé and Príncipe.
10. Manage medications and routine care
Expats are advised to bring 6 to 12 months of treatment for any chronic condition, as local supply is erratic. Pharmacies exist but cannot guarantee the availability or variety of medications. Dental and eye care are mainly available in the private sector in São Tomé city, with variable standards.
The cost of a general practitioner visit, illustrating the predominant direct‑payment model where patients pay out‑of‑pocket due to the lack of widespread health insurance.
11. Understand the climate to prepare physically and materially
São Tomé and Príncipe lies almost on the Equator, in the Gulf of Guinea. The climate is therefore fully tropical: hot, humid, and marked by long, intense rainy seasons. Temperatures hover around 27 °C year‑round in coastal areas, peaking at 30–32 °C in February–April and with relative “coolness” at 26–27 °C in July–August. Humidity hovers near 80% constantly.
The south and wind‑exposed slopes of São Tomé island receive up to 5,000 mm of rainfall per year.
From a practical standpoint, the year is structured into two long rainy seasons (September–May, with peak downpours in October–November and then April–May) and a long dry season, the gravana, from June to September. During the gravana, trails become more passable, beaches more accessible, the sea calmer for snorkeling or diving, and forest visibility improves slightly for birdwatching. But the sky remains often cloudy and sunny spells are not guaranteed every day.
Accept constant humidity by planning a suitable wardrobe (light cotton or linen clothing, raincoat, umbrella, and a light jacket for evenings in the dry season, hiking gear for Pico de São Tomé), and anticipate effects on housing (mold, corrosion, accelerated wear of goods).
12. Take into account climate and environmental risks
Beyond the weather, the islands experience hydrometeorological hazards exacerbated by climate change. Climate projections indicate rising average temperatures, more irregular rainfall, and more frequent extreme events (torrential rains, storms, landslides).
More than 200 people are affected by floods each year in São Tomé, mainly in the north of the island.
The government and international organizations are trying to strengthen climate monitoring and early warning systems, but acknowledge a fragile observation network, limited forecasting capabilities, and a chronic lack of resources. As a newcomer, choosing your neighborhood without ignoring topography and flood exposure is far from a minor detail.
13. Cost of living: a real advantage, but keep it in perspective
The cost of living is one of the main draws for an expat with foreign income. Compared to New York, the overall index is around 40–42 (NYC = 100), meaning price levels are about 60% lower. The difference is especially noticeable on rents, which are significantly lower than in Portugal, the UK, or the US.
A single person can live decently from $700 per month by favoring local markets and light transport.
For a clearer picture, here is a summary in euros of a baseline of costs for the capital:
| Expense item | Average amount (€/month) |
|---|---|
| 1‑bedroom apartment rent in city center | 250 |
| 1‑bedroom apartment rent outside center | 180 |
| 3‑bedroom apartment rent in city center | 505–575 |
| 3‑bedroom apartment rent outside center | 395–450 |
| Utilities (85 m²: electricity, water, waste, etc.) | 176–204 |
| High‑speed internet | 53–62 |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal (per person) | 22–25 |
| 3‑course dinner for 2 at a mid‑range restaurant | 29–36 |
| Coffee in town | 2 |
The gap with local salaries, on the other hand, is considerable. Estimates suggest an average net salary around €170 to €230 per month, far below the cost of living, even in its “budget” version. It is this difference that explains both the country’s appeal for retirees or well‑paid remote digital nomads and the strong economic constraints for the local population.
14. Understand the reality of the housing market
The real estate market is one of the most confusing aspects for newcomers. It is deeply informal: few structured agencies, almost no large classifieds platforms, weak regulation. Most housing is found through word‑of‑mouth, local contacts, expat Facebook groups, or the international community.
The scarcity of housing meeting international standards drives up prices. Renovated colonial houses or modern high‑end properties reach €1,000 to €3,000 per month, compared to €450–850 for a modest one‑ or two‑bedroom. Additional costs often apply for energy (generator, air conditioning) and security.
The country also has a major legal peculiarity: about 93% of land is owned by the state. Most occupations are therefore based on temporary concessions, and only 7% of properties sit on truly private land. Before signing a lease, it is essential to verify the legal basis of the property: type of title, concession duration, any disputes.
Security deposits often amount to one to three months’ rent, payable in cash. Including the first month, notary fees, registration fees, and a small reserve for electricity and water, it is not uncommon to need €2,700 to €10,500 upon arrival, depending on the housing standard.
15. Check the condition of housing infrastructure
Given the climate, electrical constraints, and flood risk, a simple “love‑at‑first‑sight” visit is not enough. Before committing to a one‑year lease, take the time to test and observe:
Check water pressure and regularity, presence of a storage tank (essential in case of cuts), existence of a generator or inverter (with who pays for fuel and maintenance), natural ventilation and/or air conditioning (the latter significantly increases the electricity bill), roof, walls, electrical and plumbing conditions, internet connection (actual speed and stability), waste collection system, flood and runoff protections in the rainy season, and security (fences, grilles, guard if necessary).
Old colonial houses, very charming, may suffer from major structural issues: leaks, weakened wood, aging roofs. Caution calls for multiple visits, including after a heavy rain, and talking with neighbors before signing.
16. Prepare a cash reserve and understand the banking system
Another surprise for many newcomers: in São Tomé and Príncipe, cash is still king. The official currency is the dobra (STN), but euros are readily accepted in hotels and by some tourist providers. Credit cards, however, are very rarely used and should by no means be your only payment method.
ATMs are not linked to international networks like Visa or Mastercard, and only accept domestic bank cards. It is therefore essential to arrive with enough euros or dollars in cash, with a safety margin. Cash advances on Visa cards are sometimes possible at BISTP, with a flat fee of about €20.
In the capital, a few ATMs exist, including one at the international airport, but it is not uncommon for them to run out of banknotes, especially after a flight arrives. Some large hotels accept cards and may occasionally accommodate clients with withdrawals, without guarantee.
Western Union and MoneyGram allow cash withdrawal in minutes, while digital services take 1 to 2 days and standard SWIFT transfers 2 to 5 business days. Funds can be received in cash, into a bank account, or a mobile wallet.
Cost comparisons show that for bank account transfers, platforms like Wise or CurrencyFair are often among the most competitive, while Western Union regularly emerges as the cheapest option for cash withdrawals. If you plan to regularly transfer money from abroad, it is worth comparing fees, exchange rates against the mid‑market rate, and processing times.
17. Open a local bank account: do it on the ground
Foreigners can open a bank account in São Tomé and Príncipe, but not remotely. The opening is done in person, after your arrival, with its share of paperwork and sometimes a language barrier if you don’t yet speak Portuguese. Major commercial banks, including some pan‑African ones like Ecobank, offer accounts with debit cards (often Visa or Mastercard), online services, and mobile apps.
A local account is almost essential if you work on the ground, as employers usually pay salaries by domestic transfer. It also facilitates rent payments, electricity and water bills via direct debit, and using banking apps for transfers and certain bill payments.
The main difficulty remains access to international networks: locally issued cards have long been limited to domestic payments, although a project to upgrade the payment system aims to open the archipelago more to Visa/Mastercard networks.
18. Anticipate money transfer costs and optimize exchange rates
Whether you are a detached worker, retiree, digital nomad, or entrepreneur, you will most likely need to send funds in one direction or another. International transfer costs vary significantly depending on the channels and currencies involved (euros, dollars, pounds, etc.).
Market data shows that:
Compare transfer options based on speed and features
Bank‑to‑bank SWIFT transfers take an average of two to five business days.
Digital services often deliver in one to two days, sometimes faster.
Some fintechs allow scheduling recurring transfers to smooth exchange rates.
It is recommended to systematically compare the offered rate with the mid‑market rate, not just the displayed fees. A bad exchange rate can cost much more than a few euros in fixed commission. Again, players like Wise or CurrencyFair are often well positioned for bank account transfers, while Western Union dominates the cash withdrawal segment.
19. Assess the quality of the education system and available schooling
The local education system is still developing. The government is putting significant effort into improving quality and equity, with strategic plans supported by partners like UNICEF and dedicated funding. But indicators remain modest: the country sits at the very bottom of the world rankings for higher education enrollment, and access to high‑level secondary and tertiary education remains limited.
Schooling is divided into four levels: preschool (0‑6 years), primary, secondary, and higher education. Compulsory education only covers ages 6‑12 and effectively covers the first years of primary school. The six‑year secondary cycle exists but its progression is uneven.
For expats, the major challenge is the absence of international school infrastructure in the usual sense: no high school offering the International Baccalaureate, no full American or British curriculum. A few private Portuguese‑language schools, mainly in São Tomé city, accept foreign children, but the offering is very limited for secondary education.
Two institutions stand out for expat families:
| School | Language of instruction | Levels covered | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escola Portuguesa de São Tomé e Príncipe | Portuguese | Primary through secondary | Follows the Portuguese curriculum, public Portuguese overseas school |
| Escola Internacional de São Tomé e Príncipe | Portuguese (and English per some sources) | Primary (1st–4th grade) | Supervised by an educational association, small private structure |
Tuition fees are generally not published online: you must contact the schools directly well before your arrival. For teenagers, many families choose hybrid solutions: distance learning through British or North American online programs, or boarding school abroad.
20. Prepare to live in Portuguese
Portuguese is the official and majority language, spoken by nearly 98% of the population. Local creoles (Forro, Angolar, Principense) remain alive in some circles but are in clear decline, while French and English are only taught as foreign languages and spoken by a minority.
A basic to intermediate level of Portuguese is enough for daily life, but it is almost essential for integration and interacting with administrations, banks, doctors, or artisans. English or French are only present in some hotels and tourist facilities, and cannot be relied upon for everyday life.
This language dimension also affects children’s education: immersion in Portuguese between ages 6 and 8 often allows quick adaptation (6 to 12 months), but beyond that, the question of continuity with the home school system and mother tongue proficiency becomes acute.
21. Assess safety and daily risks
In terms of crime, São Tomé and Príncipe is a regional standout. International assessments place it among the least crime‑ridden African countries, with a low crime index, a moderate homicide rate (around 3.2 per 100,000 inhabitants, below the African average), and a generally reassuring perception.
The most common offenses are opportunistic theft: pickpocketing in busy areas, items left unattended disappearing, occasional burglaries or theft from vehicles. Violent crimes, including armed home invasions, are rare but not nonexistent, especially around the holiday season.
Subjective indicators gathered from residents paint a very positive picture: very low concern about assaults, burglaries, drug use, or attacks related to ethnicity or religion, and a high sense of safety, including at night.
However, foreign authorities emphasize two points: police and medical response capacities are limited, and the political context can experience episodes of tension. The U.S. State Department recently raised its alert level, advising reconsideration of non‑essential travel, due to a combination of health risks and possible unrest. Without suggesting generalized danger, one cannot ignore that the state’s resources in a crisis remain modest.
22. Adapt your personal safety habits
In practice, daily safety largely depends on cautious behavior, standard for any developing destination:
Avoid displaying visible jewelry, large amounts of cash, or expensive electronics. Never leave your bag or phone unattended on the beach or at a terrace. Use trusted taxis or moto‑taxis after dark. Choose accommodation with sturdy locks and, if possible, a guard in sought‑after neighborhoods. Keep passports, backup payment methods, and some cash in a safe (hotel, embassy, or a solid home safe). Avoid demonstrations and political gatherings.
Essential emergency numbers (police, ambulance, hospital) should be saved in your phone upon arrival. Several emergency lines lead to the same switchboard, with variable response times.
23. Social integration and lifestyle: realities and limits
Life in São Tomé and Príncipe is often described as peaceful, non‑materialistic, centered on nature and close relationships. The country has a small population, strong Catholic influence, and a common language (Portuguese) that facilitates communication.
The expat community is small, dominated by Portuguese, development workers, and European professionals. Integration is quick, but the specific social offering remains modest; meetings happen through work, beaches, private dinners, or outdoor activities.
For a newcomer, the best integration strategy involves participation in community projects, educational or environmental initiatives, engaging in local sports or artistic activities, and, of course, learning Portuguese. Volunteering (teaching English, health support, reforestation and conservation projects) is a powerful integration tool.
Conversely, those seeking a lively nightlife, a wide variety of restaurants or cultural venues, or a structured English‑speaking community may be disappointed.
24. Plan your relationship with work and the local economy
The small number of formal opportunities, the size of the economy, and the informality of the job market must be considered before any move motivated by local employment. The best prospects are generally found in:
– international development organizations,
– NGOs and associations,
– certain public sectors (health, education, cooperation),
– tourism and upscale hospitality,
– research and higher education.
Processing times for a work visa can take up to four to six weeks.
Entrepreneurs and investors benefit from a dedicated framework, with the possibility of obtaining investor visas starting from significant investments (business creation, real estate acquisition above a certain threshold, contribution to development programs). Some offers promise a passport facilitating visa‑free access to more than 60 countries, but without opening to the Schengen area or the United Kingdom.
25. Have an exit and contingency strategy
Finally, living on a small, isolated archipelago raises a question that tourist brochures rarely address: what happens in a crisis? Serious health issue, political crisis, natural disaster, family emergency abroad: your ability to quickly leave the country or stay under acceptable conditions must be thought through in advance.
A contingency strategy includes:
Plan for a passport valid beyond your stay, health insurance including evacuation to medical hubs (Portugal, South Africa), financial reserves in hard currency that are quickly accessible, knowledge of available flights and their connections, and a network of contacts (embassy, consulate, associations) to get help and information in a crisis.
São Tomé and Príncipe remains, on a global scale, a relatively safe, low‑cost environment with an enviably slow pace. But its isolation, the weakness of its healthcare system, and the informality of certain sectors (housing, work, services) make advance preparation absolutely critical.
By systematically reviewing these 25 major areas—from visa to health, climate to housing, safety to finances—you will transform a postcard island into a thoughtful life plan, with flexibility and appropriate safety nets. That is the price for São Tomé and Príncipe to become, for a few years or more, a sustainable place to live rather than just an idyllic parenthesis.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
