São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation in Central Africa with around 240,000 residents. Its cost-effective citizenship-by-investment program offers visa-free access to 60+ countries, fast processing, and family inclusion without minimum residency requirements.
At the same time, the country is becoming increasingly popular as a place to live, especially among retirees, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs, drawn by low living costs, safe communities, and a relaxed lifestyle.
In this guide, we explore São Tomé and Príncipe’s key facts, cost of living, healthcare, education, lifestyle, and who can benefit most from relocation or investment.
São Tomé and Príncipe is located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa, about 250 km from Gabon. The islands sit almost directly on the equator, giving them a year-round tropical climate and making them one of the most biodiverse and ecologically pristine destinations in the Atlantic.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | São Tomé |
| Population | ~240,000 |
| Official Language | Portuguese |
| Currency | São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN), pegged to EUR: 1 EUR ≈ 24,700 STN (as of September 2025) |
| Climate | Tropical, humid, 25–28°C year-round |
| Time Zone | GMT |
| Area | 1,001 km² (São Tomé) + 142 km² (Príncipe) |
São Tomé and Príncipe carries a deep Portuguese heritage that remains visible in the country’s culture, architecture, and language. Discovered by Portuguese explorers in the late 15th century, the islands remained under Portuguese colonial rule for nearly 500 years, serving as a strategic outpost and later as an important center for sugar, coffee, and cocoa production. To this day, Portuguese is the official language, reflecting centuries of cultural exchange, while colonial-era churches, forts, and plantation houses continue to shape much of the islands’ architectural landscape.
The movement for independence gained momentum in the 1960s, in line with broader African decolonization. After Portugal’s Carnation Revolution in 1974, negotiations advanced quickly, and São Tomé and Príncipe declared independence on July 12, 1975. The country adopted a one-party socialist system at first, led by the Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe (MLSTP).
In the early 1990s, São Tomé and Príncipe transitioned to a multi-party democracy, one of the first African nations to do so peacefully. Since then, it has maintained a relatively stable political environment, with regular elections and a reputation as one of the most democratic countries in Africa.
Moderate cost of living: $1,250–$1,900/month for a couple, cheaper than Europe but higher than many African countries for imports.
Local products like cocoa, bananas, and fish are inexpensive, while imported goods, electronics, and luxury items are costly. Housing and transportation remain affordable for expats. Safety and environmental quality contribute to a high standard of living.
| Expense | São Tomé | Portugal | Nigeria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (3-bedroom city apartment) | $650 | $1,200–$2,500 | $500–$800 |
| Utilities (for a family) | $70 | $250 | $100–$200 |
| Groceries | $250-300 | $400–$600 | $250–$350 |
| Transport (one-way ticket) | $1.25 | $2.34 | $50–$100 |
Additional Notes:
Basic healthcare is available locally; advanced treatment usually requires travel to Portugal or South Africa.
Limited international schools; most education in Portuguese; higher education often abroad.
Our recommendations:
Relaxed “leve-leve” pace, eco-tourism, seafood cuisine, safe and friendly environment.
Citizenship is available through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, requiring a minimum donation of $90,000 to the National Development Fund. The minimum due diligence period is about 2 months, with total processing typically taking 4–6 months.
Eligibility:
Key Benefits:
| Submission fee | $5,000 |
| Donation – single applicant | $90,000 |
| Donation – family (2–4 members) | $95,000 |
| Additional dependents | $5,000 per dependent |
| Newborn inclusion (after citizenship is obtained by the entire family) | $500 |
| Passport fee | $350 per person |
| National ID | $150 per person |
| Certificate of registration | $250 per person |
São Tomé and Príncipe combines natural beauty, low population density, and investment-friendly programs. Expats and investors benefit from relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, eco-tourism, and strategic positioning in Africa. For retirees and digital nomads, the islands offer tranquility and affordability, while the citizenship-by-investment program enables global mobility.
Take advantage of one of the world’s most affordable citizenship-by-investment programs and secure visa-free travel to over 60 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong. As one of the first licensed agents of the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship program, Astons provides full legal support and step-by-step guidance. Begin your journey to a stronger, safer future today!
Learn more
Request a Free Consultation
Contact us to secure your citizenship efficiently, optimize tax exposure, and expand your global mobility and business opportunities.
Send a RequestAuthor
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
Suzanna Uzakova is an international specialist and a leading expert at the company in the field of investment immigration.
Learn more about the authorShare
Related Articles
schedule a Meeting
Let’s Discuss the Details
Our expert will create a tailored solution based on your needs within 24 hours.
Susanna Uzakova
Senior Citizenship & Residency Advisor
Your Data is Protected
Your information is handled under strict privacy policies.
+44 207 043 6026 
+357 252 30233 
+971 454 01311 
+902 129 008 710 
+302 112 340 656 
+1 (888) 2033901 
6-minute read 
998 views 
Share 
