São Tomé and Príncipe Expat Guide: Language & Cost of Living

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.

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.

Additional Notes:

• Imported goods can cost 20–40% more than in Europe.
• Local produce and seafood are cheaper than neighboring African countries.

Basic healthcare is available locally; advanced treatment usually requires travel to Portugal or South Africa.

Public Sector

• Access: Free for citizens, but mainly limited to primary care.
• Costs: Patients often pay upfront for drugs, tests, and treatments, though children under five and pregnant women may be exempt.
• Funding: Supported by government budgets, donor aid (notably Portugal and China), and revolving funds.
• Limitations: Weak infrastructure, shortages of medicines, and limited specialist services. District facilities focus mainly on basic care.

Private Sector

• Access: Concentrated in São Tomé city, requiring out-of-pocket payment or private insurance.
• Funding: Entirely patient-paid.
• Benefits: Faster access and slightly better standards (e.g., trauma care at Gnóstica Medical Center), but still constrained by national resource shortages.

Limited international schools; most education in Portuguese; higher education often abroad.

• Primary/Secondary schools: Mix of public (Portuguese curriculum) and private.
• Languages: Mainly Portuguese, limited English and French in private schools.
• International schools: Few options, mostly in São Tomé city.
• Higher education: Most students study in Portugal or other EU countries.

Our recommendations:

• Consider bilingual private schools for children.
• Plan for university abroad if local options are insufficient.

Relaxed “leve-leve” pace, eco-tourism, seafood cuisine, safe and friendly environment.

• Pace of life: “Leve-leve” meaning calm and unhurried.
• Tourism: Beaches, diving, eco-lodges, and cocoa tours.
• Cuisine: Emphasis on seafood, tropical fruits, and local cocoa products.
• Safety: Low crime rates (, friendly community interactions.
• Culture: Portuguese influence mixed with local traditions; numerous festivals throughout the year.

• Expats: Prefer peaceful environment, friendly locals, and opportunities for business relocation.
• Digital nomads: Reliable internet in urban areas, relaxed lifestyle, and cost-effective living.
• Retirees: Warm tropical climate, affordable local goods, and safe communities.

Citizenship is available through the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, requiring a minimum donation of $90,000 to the National Development Fund. Processing typically takes around 6 weeks.

Eligibility:

• Main applicant: 18+ years old, good health, legal standing, and clean criminal record
• Family members: spouse, dependent children up to 30, parents over 55

Key Benefits:

• Fast processing (~6 weeks)
• No residency requirement
• Visa-free access to 60+ countries
• Favorable tax regime

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!