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São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe (officially the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe) is an island nation in Central Africa, located on an archipelago of the same name in the Gulf of Guinea, in the Atlantic Ocean.

The country has a tropical oceanic climate with year-round temperatures averaging between +26°C and +30°C. There are two main seasons: the dry season (June to August) and the rainy season (October to May). The islands are located directly on the Equator.

Foreign nationals may purchase real estate in São Tomé and Príncipe. The ability to acquire land depends on the land category, ownership structure and applicable legislation. A legal review of both the property and its documentation is strongly recommended before any purchase. Our team can assist throughout the entire acquisition process.

Visa requirements depend on the traveller's nationality. Entry rules vary from country to country, so it is recommended to verify the latest requirements for your passport before travelling.

Portuguese is the official language. English and French are also spoken by some people in the tourism and business sectors, although Portuguese remains the primary language of daily communication.

The official currency is the São Tomé and Príncipe dobra. Euros are accepted in some hotels, tourism businesses and private transactions, but the national currency remains the primary means of payment.

Residency allows foreign nationals to live legally in São Tomé and Príncipe, open bank accounts, establish long-term residence, conduct business in accordance with local legislation and access various public and private services.

After the legally required period of residence, applicants may become eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalisation.

São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the more competitive tax environments in the region. Corporate income tax is 25%, while personal income tax ranges from 10% to 25% under a progressive scale. Property taxes are relatively low, VAT is 15%, and qualifying investment projects may benefit from tax incentives of up to 10 years under the Investment Code.

The country continues to develop its infrastructure, including 4G mobile coverage, the ACE submarine fibre-optic cable connecting the islands with Europe, broadband internet, banks, hospitals, schools and an international airport. New hotels, restaurants and supermarkets continue to open as tourism grows.

The country has a population of approximately 204,000 people, around 65% of whom are under the age of 25. Portuguese is the official language. Crime levels are relatively low, and São Tomé and Príncipe is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the region. The local population is generally welcoming toward foreign visitors and residents.

The most convenient route from Europe is via Lisbon with direct TAP Air Portugal flights, taking approximately 6–7 hours and operating several times per week. Alternative connections are available through Luanda (Angola), Accra (Ghana) and Libreville (Gabon). Total travel time from Lisbon is typically around 6–7 hours on direct flights.