Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
São Tomé and Príncipe still attracts few French people, but those who settle there speak of a country that is surprisingly welcoming, both simple and disorienting. Moderate cost of living, relatively light taxation, spectacular beaches, slow pace of life: the mix has its appeal. But behind the postcard lie a very paper-based administration, a unique land system, and limited infrastructure. Settling long-term is not something you can improvise.
This guide covers the key steps for a French citizen: visas, residency, housing, healthcare, banking, taxation, schooling, business creation, and cost of living. It offers a realistic and structured view of local constraints, far from overly optimistic promises.
Understanding the Country Before You Go
Before starting any procedures, it is crucial to understand the real context of the country where you plan to live for several months or years.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, with a capital that has around 53,000 to 65,500 inhabitants. The city of São Tomé concentrates most of the economic, administrative, and social life and is almost the automatic choice for an expatriate seeking services, schools, doctors, and “decent” housing by European standards.
The cost of living index is 42, meaning it is about 58% cheaper than New York.
The country operates mostly with cash, bank cards are rarely accepted, and imported goods remain expensive. The average standard of living is relatively low: the average net monthly salary is around 455 USD (or between 388 and 460 € depending on estimates), which explains the gap between what a French person considers “normal” and the local standard.
Step 1: Visas and Entry into the Territory for a French Citizen
For a French person, the first piece of good news is the relative simplicity of entry for a short stay. The second is that beyond 15 days, the formalities become significantly more complicated.
Short Stay: Up to 15 Days Without a Visa
French nationals can enter São Tomé and Príncipe without a visa for a stay not exceeding 15 days, including the day of arrival and departure. This exemption applies to citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Portuguese-speaking countries, provided they can prove:
– an outward ticket (return or onward journey),
– an accommodation reservation,
– sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay.
This 15-day waiver is ideal for an initial reconnaissance: neighborhood visits, meetings with potential employers, first contacts with real estate agents, schools and lawyers.
Beyond 15 Days: Visa Required
As soon as your project involves staying more than 15 days (long tourism, prospecting, work, settlement), a visa becomes mandatory. For a French person, this means:
Two options are available: apply for a visa before departure from the Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe in France (or through a specialized agency), or obtain an entry authorization by email allowing a visa on arrival.
The consulate in Paris is located at 123 rue du Château, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt ([email protected], tel. 01 41 10 08 54). Agencies like Action-Visas, in Paris 13th district, can handle part or all of the paperwork, for a service fee.
Typical Documents for a Stay Visa
For a standard tourist visa, the authorities require in particular:
– a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date, with two blank pages facing each other,
– two correctly completed and signed official forms,
– two recent passport photos,
– a copy of the passport’s identity page,
– proof of travel (plane ticket),
– sometimes proof of accommodation.
For a business visa, the following is usually also required:
– a letter of mission from your company, dated, signed and stamped.
Fees for a tourist visa with service start from 84 € excluding shipping times.
A point of caution for travelers transiting through Gabon: you need a Gabonese multiple-entry visa if you make a round trip via Libreville.
Visa on Arrival and Electronic Authorization
An online authorization system, via the Migration and Borders Service (SMF), theoretically allows you to obtain a document by email to present upon arrival to be issued a visa. However, sources indicate that the e-visa procedure can be unreliable: for a serious settlement project, it is safer to deal with the consulate or a French agency, to limit unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Step 2: Obtaining a Residence Visa and Then a Residence Certificate
For a long-term stay (work, retirement, entrepreneurial project, family reunification), a visitor visa is not enough. The key document is the residence visa, followed by the residence certificate.
The Residence Visa: Gateway to Settle
The residence visa is a long-stay visa that allows you to enter the country to then apply for a residence certificate. It is an “umbrella” category covering different reasons: salaried employment, self-employment, studies, research, volunteering, vocational training, family reunification, etc.
Some characteristics:
Summary of visa features: entry, stay, and application procedure
Entry validity: generally 2 entries. Permitted stay duration: 60 days.
To be done via the SMF’s e-Cidadão. Indicative processing time: 7 working days after full submission.
To be done at an embassy or consulate. Processing time: up to 30 days.
Among the common requirements, you will find:
– a passport valid for at least one year,
– a criminal record extract,
– proof of adequate housing,
– proof of financial means: typically 100 € per day of intended stay, unless you demonstrate that accommodation and food are already covered.
The residence visa is issued based on Law 5/2008 and its implementing decrees.
The Residence Certificate: The Real Administrative Key
Once you have entered the country with a residence visa, you can apply for a residence certificate (certificado de residência) from the Migration and Borders Service, again via the e-Cidadão platform or in person.
This certificate is essential because it conditions important aspects to consider.
– access to many formal rental contracts,
– opening a resident bank account in most banks,
– registration with social security (INSS),
– certain tax and administrative procedures.
Two main statuses exist:
– temporary residence certificate: valid for 1 year, renewable,
– permanent residence certificate: granted after several years of legal residence (in practice about 5 years), with an obligation to renew the title every 5 years or in case of a change in situation.
The cost of the certificate is around 5,000 to 10,000 STN (i.e., about 220 to 450 USD), with a processing time of 15 to 30 days. Again, everything is done on paper, in Portuguese, sometimes with longer delays if services are backlogged.
Step 3: Taxation and Tax Residency – What a French Person Should Know
Living physically in a country and being a tax resident are two different things. Beyond visa aspects, it is crucial to understand when you become a tax resident in São Tomé and Príncipe and what that entails regarding France.
When Do You Become a Tax Resident in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The country applies a classic criterion: you are considered a tax resident if:
– you spend more than 183 days there during a calendar year, or
– you have your habitual residence or the center of your economic interests there.
The mere fact of obtaining a São Toméan passport through an investment program does not make you a tax resident: it is physical presence and ties that count.
The consequences:
– a tax resident is taxed on their worldwide income,
– a non-resident is only taxed on their São Toméan-source income.
For a French person, the absence of a tax treaty between France and São Tomé and Príncipe makes it crucial to distinguish the residency thresholds, especially before reaching 183 days, to avoid double taxation; it is strongly advised to consult a tax specialist in both countries.
Tax Rates and Social Charges
Personal income tax (IRPS) is progressive, with a maximum marginal rate of 25%. The brackets are structured as follows (in local currency STN):
| Annual Income Bracket (STN) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 25,000 | 0% |
| 25,001 – 50,000 | 10% |
| 50,001 – 150,000 | 15% |
| 150,001 – 250,000 | 20% |
| Above 250,000 | 25% |
The system also provides an exemption threshold for very low incomes: up to approximately 11,700,000 STD (old denomination), there is no tax.
Social security contributions are mandatory for employees, with a typical split:
– about 6% borne by the employee,
– about 8% borne by the employer,
for a total of about 14% of the gross salary (some sources mention a total of 12%, but the order of magnitude remains the same). In practice, for an expatriate on a high salary, the combination of IRPS + INSS can represent an effective rate between 21% and 31%.
For non-residents, a flat withholding tax of 15% applies to most local-source income (salaries, rents, dividends, etc.), which generally exempts them from filing an annual tax return.
Interesting Features for a French Person
Certain elements of the system attract expatriates:
– overall income taxation is among the lowest in Africa, with a cap of 25%,
– there is no wealth tax, nor specific inheritance taxes as such,
– capital gains on assets held abroad are mentioned as untaxed in some sources (others indicate a 10% tax on certain gains: this requires up-to-date professional advice),
– domestic dividends are subject to a 15% withholding tax.
On the other hand, the network of double taxation treaties is very limited, and São Tomé and Príncipe participates in the OECD CRS standard, implying automatic exchange of information on foreign accounts of tax residents.
For a French person considering transferring their tax residency to São Tomé and Príncipe, the main recommendation is twofold:
– get a clear written confirmation of your French tax situation (exit tax, potential treaty, filing obligations),
– confirm locally the regime applicable to your worldwide income before crossing the 183-day threshold.
Step 4: Cost of Living and Realistic Budget
Spending a few days on the archipelago can give the illusion of a cheap country. Living there year-round, especially with a family and with a “European” level of comfort, requires rethinking the numbers.
Housing: A Two-Tier Reality
Market data show wide gaps between “statistical” rental prices and the rents actually charged for properties meeting an expatriate’s expectations.
| Type of Housing (São Tomé city) | Average Monthly Rent (EUR) | Low–High Range (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom city center | ~233 | 100 – 300 |
| 1 bedroom outside center | ~163 | 90 – 200 |
| 3 bedrooms city center | ~575 | 400 – 750 |
| 3 bedrooms outside center | ~450 | 300 – 600 |
But these figures correspond to simple housing, by local standards. For an “expat” home (decent security, pleasant neighborhood, more reliable water and electricity, sometimes a generator, possibly furniture and air conditioning), it is advisable to budget:
– for a family: €1,500 to €3,000 per month in São Tomé city,
– for a single person or couple: €850 to €1,500 per month for a well-located one-bedroom or small two-bedroom.
High-end villas or houses can reach or exceed €3,000 per month if they combine a prime location, full amenities, and modern comfort.
Daily Cost of Living
For daily expenses, the proposed indices converge around the following orders of magnitude:
Estimated monthly costs by lifestyle, including housing, food, leisure, and health insurance.
€550 to €700 per month for simple local housing, home cooking, and few leisure activities.
€750 to €950 per month for a small apartment in the city, internet, occasional outings, and international health insurance.
€2,000 to €3,500 per month for expat housing, a car, moderate leisure, imported products, and international health insurance.
Some price references in euros:
| Expense Item | Average Price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Simple meal at a local restaurant | ~25 |
| 3-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | 33 – 36 |
| Local draft beer | ~1.5 |
| Cappuccino | ~2.1 |
| White bread (1 lb) | ~1.1 |
| Milk (1 gallon) | ~5.1 |
| Bottle of water 1.5 L | ~1.7 |
| Home internet monthly | ~62 |
| Utilities (85 m²: water, electricity, garbage) | ~204 |
| Mobile plan 10 GB | ~24.5 |
| Monthly fitness club | ~32 |
Imported products (cheese, European wines, certain cosmetic or hygiene brands) are significantly more expensive than these basic indicators. Everyday purchases are mostly made in cash, which requires strict cash management.
Budget Summary for a French Person
By cross-referencing this data, a French person can get an idea:
– a young professional willing to accept an improved local standard, without children, can consider living decently on €1,000 to €1,500 per month,
– a French family aiming for a “light European” standard of living should target €2,000 to €3,500 per month, a large portion of which goes to housing and health insurance.
Step 5: Long-Term Housing – Pitfalls and Specifics
Housing is probably the most confusing aspect for a French person used to renting in a classic private law system. In São Tomé and Príncipe, 93% of land belongs to the State, and many rentals are based on public concessions.
A Very Particular Land System
Only about 7% of land is actually private. In the vast majority of cases, the apparent owner is only a concession holder of state land, with limited usage rights over time. For a foreign tenant, this implies:
– verifying that the “landlord” actually has the right to sublet,
– ensuring the concession has not expired,
– making sure no land dispute involves the plot.
The situation is all the more delicate because the cadastre and land registry are described as “manual, paper-based, slow, and unreliable”. Conflicts between official titles and community claims (especially around former plantations, the roças) are not uncommon.
Due Diligence Before Signing a Lease
Before committing, a number of checks are strongly recommended:
Before concluding a lease, it is essential to obtain an up-to-date certificate from the Registo Predial (land registry) stating the titleholder, any mortgages, ongoing disputes, and the duration of the concession. You should also visit the property several times, talk to neighbors, and detect any potential occupancy conflicts or unregistered claims. Finally, involve a local lawyer (advogado or solicitador) to verify the legal validity of the title, review the lease contract, oversee notarization, register the lease with the land registry to make it enforceable against third parties, and include a solid dispute resolution clause (arbitration, venue, language…).
The budget for legal support and notary/registration fees easily falls between €700 and €2,500 depending on the complexity of the case.
Lease Contract: Key Points to Negotiate
A carefully drafted rental contract should specify at minimum:
– the duration of the lease and the start date,
– renewal and termination conditions (notice period),
– the amount of rent in Dobra (STN) and euros, and any possible revision,
– the breakdown of utilities (water, electricity, internet),
– the amount of the security deposit (often 1 to 3 months’ rent, in cash),
– a detailed inventory of furniture and equipment,
– the allocation of repairs (minor vs. major),
– backup equipment (generator, water tank),
– the jurisdiction and arbitration mechanism in case of a dispute.
It is better to pay your water and electricity bills directly rather than through a flat fee imposed by the landlord, as some landlords tend to inflate these costs. If utilities are included, a clearly defined cap should appear in the contract.
Types of Housing and Budgets
An indicative grid helps you get your bearings:
| Type of housing / quality | Estimated monthly rent (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Local standard house or 3-bedroom | ~450 |
| “Improved” standard 2/3-bedroom | 450 – 850 |
| Quality expat housing (3/4-bedroom) | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Long-stay room/guesthouse | 300 – 700 |
| Very high-end villa / resort | €3,000 and up |
Alternative solutions exist, such as long-term rentals in some former roças, or hotel residences like Omali Lodge or Pestana São Tomé (with nightly rates around €165 to €200, i.e., €5,000 or more per month), but these options remain expensive for long-term settlement.
On the island of Príncipe, the offering is almost binary: ultra-luxury resorts exceeding €12,000 per month, or basic guesthouses between €1,000 and €2,500 with no real “middle class” in terms of housing.
Recommended Strategy for a French Person
A pragmatic approach consists of:
– booking 2 to 4 weeks in a guesthouse or small hotel in São Tomé city,
– physically visiting as many properties as possible, both by day and by night,
– starting work with a lawyer as soon as a property seems suitable,
– only paying the security deposit once basic checks have been carried out,
– having enough cash on hand (€3,000 to €7,000) to cover the deposit, first month’s rent, and unforeseen expenses.
Housing is often the slowest phase: it can easily take 4 to 8 weeks to secure a solid lease.
Step 6: Getting a Tax ID Number (NIF) and Opening a Bank Account
Without a tax identification number (NIF), you cannot really enter the system. Yet it is a slow, manual, and Portuguese-language procedure, sometimes confusing for a French person.
The NIF: Pivot of All Administrative Life
The NIF is essential for:
– opening a bank account,
– registering with social security (INSS),
– renting or buying a property,
– hiring staff (including domestic help),
– receiving payments from the state,
– obtaining certain residence permits linked to professional activity,
– creating and running a company.
The procedure is done only in person at the Direção dos Impostos. No online registration is available, and the NIF cannot be obtained before your arrival on the archipelago.
The typical documents requested:
– valid passport,
– residence or work visa,
– proof of local address (rental contract, hotel attestation),
– employment contract or investment documents, if applicable,
– 4 to 6 passport photos,
– cash payment of fees currently estimated between 500 and 1,000 STN (about €20 to €40).
Obtaining the NIF, which used to be possible in one day, now takes 1 to 3 weeks in practice, or even 4 to 6 weeks in the worst case. The forms are in Portuguese and staff rarely speak English or French. During this period, it is impossible to open a local bank account, sign certain leases, or hire legally.
For non-residents, the law requires appointing a tax representative residing locally (a citizen or resident who already has a NIF), who will serve as a liaison with the administration and receive official communications.
Opening a Bank Account: Patience and Constraints
Access to the banking system is considered of “medium” difficulty: the country has only 3 or 4 truly active commercial banks with services for foreigners and still limited infrastructure. Accounts for non-residents or new arrivals generally require:
– presentation of a passport and proof of address,
– a copy of the NIF,
– a residence permit or residence certificate depending on the case,
– a bank reference letter (often required),
– an initial deposit, often in Dobra but also possible in USD or EUR.
Initial deposit amounts vary by institution, with some announcing ranges of 50,000 to 100,000 STN for a standard account. Generally:
Opening times vary depending on the applicant’s status and the chosen method.
Opening an account usually takes 3 to 5 working days.
For a non-resident, the time is often 1 to 4 weeks.
Online opening is rarely offered directly, except through specialized providers.
It is recommended to start banking procedures within the first week after your arrival, once the NIF is obtained, so as not to remain dependent on cash for too long. Most daily transactions are in cash, but having an account in EUR or USD allows you to secure your savings against the instability of the Dobra.
One bank, GTI Bank, based in São Tomé and owned by a group headquartered in Accra, promotes a mobile app that allows account opening in 5 to 7 minutes, provided you have a NIF. The bank even offers to assist with obtaining the NIF free of charge, based on a copy of your passport, and assigns a dedicated account manager. For a permanent account, an initial deposit of USD 5,000 is required. Amounts above USD 10,000 can be transferred freely without proof of funds, which may appeal to some expatriates.
Providers like My Latin Life offer a remote account opening service including NIF registration, charged around USD 1,000, with a stated turnaround of 2 to 3 working days for account creation after full receipt of the dossier.
Step 7: Health and Insurance – A Non-Negotiable Point
The healthcare system is undoubtedly the decisive factor in assessing the viability of a settlement, especially with a family. São Tomé and Príncipe offers basic care, but remains far below French standards, particularly for emergencies and specialties.
Public Healthcare System: Minimal but Functional for Basic Care
The archipelago has two hospitals and about thirty primary care facilities: health centers, health posts, and community posts. The main facility is the Dr. Ayres de Menezes Central Hospital in São Tomé city, with 50 to 70 doctors on record, including two doctors and four nurses per emergency shift.
Health coverage is theoretically universal for citizens, and about 70% of the population lives less than an hour’s walk from a facility. The healthcare quality index is rated at 45/100, health coverage at 60/100: adequate for simple conditions, insufficient for serious cases. The weaknesses are well identified:
More than half of households suffer from frequent medication shortages, which compounds the lack of modern equipment and specialists outside the capital.
On the island of Príncipe, Santo António Hospital only handles basic care; anything beyond that requires a transfer to São Tomé, and then possibly abroad.
Role of Private Clinics and Medical Evacuations
There are about fifteen small private clinics in São Tomé, offering consultations and minor procedures. There is no real private hospital with a full operating theater and intensive care, which severely limits local treatment options for expatriates.
Medical evacuations are frequent, mostly to Portugal (due to language and cooperation agreements), but also to Gabon, Angola, or even Europe or South Africa depending on the nature of the emergency. For citizens, a public system may cover some costs. For a foreigner, everything depends on insurance or personal funds.
A medical evacuation flight from São Tomé to Lisbon takes about 7 hours, not including organization time. Domestic flights to Príncipe, about 45 minutes, can be canceled due to weather and operate only six days a week.
Health Insurance: Essential for a French Person
For a French expatriate, the conclusion is clear: it is essential to take out international health coverage that includes evacuation/repatriation cover. The public system is neither free for foreigners nor suitable for serious cases. Possible insurance options include:
– insurance provided by the local employer (sometimes limited),
– an international policy with major insurers (Cigna, Allianz, Bupa, etc.),
– a supplementary health plan for basic care locally, combined with evacuation coverage.
Expatriates often live with a hybrid strategy:
– using public facilities or private clinics for minor issues (infections, simple wounds, benign illnesses),
– traveling abroad as soon as a serious diagnosis is suspected or confirmed.
For French people with medical history, you must seriously consider the limited access to certain medications, and sometimes plan for personal stocks or prescriptions brought from Europe.
The emergency ambulance number listed is 222 22 22, but response times and quality of care cannot be compared to French SAMU standards.
Step 8: Schooling and Options for Children
São Tomé and Príncipe is not currently a family expatriation destination structured around a network of international schools like those found in Lisbon or Casablanca. Options are limited and heavily influenced by the Portuguese language.
Local and Private School System in Portuguese
Compulsory education covers only four years of primary school. Secondary education exists, but its quality is considered uneven. All formal education is in Portuguese. Several private schools, especially in São Tomé city, follow the national curriculum or the Portuguese program, which may suit Portuguese-speaking families or very young children.
Among the identified institutions:
Schools offering programs in Portuguese, from primary to secondary, with various options.
Portuguese school from 1st cycle to secondary (12th grade), with science, economics, and humanities tracks.
Private school supervised by APRENDE, based on the Portuguese 1st cycle (1st to 4th grade).
Private school in Portuguese with possible support for non-Portuguese speakers.
Tuition fees are rarely published online; you need to contact the schools directly for amounts and to check availability.
English-Language Offerings and International Programs
A few initiatives present themselves as “international”, with some courses taught in English:
– International School of São Tomé and Príncipe (ISSP): a private school that claims to offer a multicultural environment, education from kindergarten to secondary with pedagogy inspired by the International Baccalaureate (IB) and a predominantly English-speaking focus,
– Escola Internacional de Santo António (EISA) in Príncipe: a private school in English, combining several foreign curricula to prepare students for further studies abroad.
No school in the country is officially IB-labeled, accredited by the AEFE, or strictly follows recognized British or American programs. Moreover, their small size and dependence on private funding make them vulnerable.
Strategies for French Families
In practice, most foreign families with middle/high school-aged children adopt one of the following solutions:
– distance learning with a French, British, or North American program (CNED or accredited online schools), which requires a very strong commitment from parents,
– enrollment in a local or Portuguese school for the early years, combined with online supplements to maintain French level,
– sending teenagers to boarding school abroad (Portugal, France, South Africa…), while the family remains in São Tomé.
An overall budget of €1,700 to €2,700 per month for a family of two children is often cited, but it can skyrocket once international school fees and regular trips to Europe are added.
Step 9: Working, Starting a Business, Investing
For a French person who wants to settle by working or starting a business, São Tomé and Príncipe theoretically offers a fairly open framework for foreign capital, with the possibility of owning 100% of the capital of most companies.
Starting a Business: Role of the Guiché Único (GUE) and APCI
Business creation is centralized through the Guiché Único Empresarial (GUE), managed by the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APCI), under the Ministry of Planning, Finance, and Blue Economy.
The main steps are as follows:
Starting a company in Portugal involves several steps: choosing the legal form (Lda, SA, etc.), checking the name at the commercial registry, drafting the articles of association in Portuguese, depositing the share capital in a professional bank account, registering the company, obtaining the NIF, registering with social security (INSS) if hiring, sector-specific licenses (commerce, tourism…), and publishing the incorporation notice in the Diário da República or a national newspaper.
Processing times are relatively short on paper: 3 to 5 days for a standard registration, 24 hours for an expedited procedure at a higher cost. In practice, the total duration depends on the preparation of the file, the translation of foreign documents into Portuguese (with notarization), and any back-and-forth with the administration.
Registration fees at the GUE vary depending on the legal form:
| Type of Company | Indicative Time | Standard GUE Cost (STN) | Urgent GUE Cost (STN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LLC (Lda) or small company | 3–5 days | ~4,000 – 6,000 | ~5,700 – 8,700 |
| SA (joint-stock company) | 3–5 days | ~15,000 | ~22,000 |
To these amounts add notary fees, any publication costs, and lawyer’s fees.
Minimum Capital and Foreign Control
The minimum capital depends on the form:
– Lda (limited liability company): approximately 20,000 STN (just under 900 USD),
– SA (public limited company): around 350,000 STN (about 15,000 USD),
– some sources mention higher minimum capitals for larger companies.
The legislation in principle allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, with exceptions concerning strategic areas such as defense or central banking. However, micro-enterprises and some small businesses are reserved for nationals or companies with majority São Toméan capital.
To obtain tax breaks or customs advantages, the project must be submitted to APCI with a minimum investment of €50,000.
Corporate Taxation
The standard corporate income tax rate is 25%, with possible reduced rates in certain development zones or for agriculture (e.g., 10% in special zones and 15% for agricultural activities, according to available information). The standard VAT is generally announced at 15%, with a reduced rate of 7.5% for some essential goods.
On a practical level, the company must:
– file a declaration of start of activity at least 15 days before the actual start,
– keep regular accounts, sometimes with an audit requirement depending on size,
– file its annual accounts with the commercial registry (especially for SA or companies exceeding certain thresholds),
– declare and pay VAT monthly or quarterly,
– handle payroll withholding taxes (IRPS and INSS) and remit them to the tax authorities and INSS.
For a French person wishing to start a business locally, the administrative burden is real, but it is based on law inspired by Portuguese law, making it relatively familiar to a French-speaking jurist familiar with Romano-Germanic systems.
In Practice: Settlement Timeline for a French Person
By combining all these steps, a realistic settlement schedule might look like this:
– Months –3 to –1:
– reconnaissance (or at least thorough research),
– contact with a local lawyer, a potential real estate agent, a French tax specialist,
– initial exchange with schools and an international health insurer,
– preparation of the residence visa application.
– Month 0:
– obtaining the residence visa at the consulate,
– arrival in São Tomé and Príncipe in temporary accommodation (2 to 4 weeks),
– filing the NIF application at the Direção dos Impostos,
– first bank appointments, property viewings.
During the first month, you need to receive the NIF if timelines are favorable, open a local bank account, sign a lease after land due diligence, file the residence certificate application with the SMF, and register with social security if you are a salaried employee.
– Months 2 to 3:
– obtaining the residence certificate,
– finalizing school enrollments (if applicable),
– setting up the company structure or signing the final employment contract,
– adjusting the tax strategy (based on the projected number of days spent locally).
This schedule assumes a certain administrative fluidity; in reality, each step can be delayed by unforeseen events, requests for additional documents, translation delays, or bank transfers.
Conclusion: For Which Profile Is São Tomé and Príncipe Suitable?
São Tomé and Príncipe remains a niche destination for the French today. There are about thirty French nationals living there year-round. It is neither an African “mini-Dubai” nor a new tropical Lisbon, but rather a human-scale country, with:
– moderate taxation,
– a decent cost of living for those who can adapt,
– a heavy and very paper-based bureaucracy,
– a complex land system,
– limited infrastructure in healthcare and international education.
The country will suit you better: the climate, culture, and economic opportunities.
Three profiles are targeted: singles or couples without children, ready to live simply, possibly teleworking; niche entrepreneurs able to patiently build projects in tourism, specialized agriculture, or services; healthy retirees with solid international health insurance and a high tolerance for the unexpected.
For a French family with school-age children, the project is possible but requires heavy logistics: distance learning, regular trips abroad, a substantial housing and health budget, and a clear acceptance of the limits regarding medical emergencies.
São Tomé and Príncipe is not an El Dorado, but for those who prepare seriously, accept its administrative slowness and infrastructure fragility, the archipelago can offer a unique living environment, between sea, forest, and tropical mildness, far from overcrowded major capitals.
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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.
