Living in Sao Tome
What it really costs to live in Sao Tome, what you can earn, the visas that get you in, and the taxes you'll pay — for Sao Tome and Principe, updated 2026. Sao Tome lies in Middle Africa. Sao Tome and Principe's capital is São Tomé. The main language is Portuguese.
Cost of Living in Sao Tome
Full Monthly Breakdown for Sao Tome
What You Can Earn in Sao Tome and Principe
Typical gross annual salaries in Sao Tome and Principe by sector (entry · median · senior). Sao Tome pay usually sits around the national median.
| Sector | Entry | Median | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| it | €10 000 | €14 000 | €19 500 |
| retail | €4 500 | €6 500 | €9 000 |
| finance | €8 500 | €12 000 | €17 000 |
| education | €6 500 | €9 000 | €12 500 |
| healthcare | €7 500 | €11 000 | €15 500 |
| engineering | €9 000 | €13 000 | €18 000 |
| hospitality | €5 000 | €7 000 | €10 000 |
| construction | €6 000 | €8 500 | €12 000 |
Living in Sao Tome: Safety, Health & Climate
Sao Tome shares Sao Tome and Principe's wider quality-of-life profile. Sao Tome has a tropical climate. Here is what daily life looks like on the things that matter most when you relocate.
Visa Routes to Sao Tome and Principe
Affording Sao Tome is only half the question — you also need a visa that lets you stay in Sao Tome and Principe. The main routes:
- A job offer is normally required for the main work route.
- Permanent residence after about 5 years.
- Citizenship after ~5 years — dual nationality allowed.
- Investment route from about €90 000 (USD).
Taxes in Sao Tome and Principe
Top marginal rate 8%, VAT 15%.
Settling into Sao Tome
- Foreigners can open a local bank account in Sao Tome and Principe.
- Budget around €800 for first-month setup in Sao Tome.
- Regulated professions needing credential recognition: Medicine, Law, Engineering.
Get Your Sao Tome and Principe Emigration Report
Personalised visa options, costs and a 90-day plan for Sao Tome and Principe.
Get Essential Report — €5or start the free assessmentSao Tome FAQ
How much does it cost to live in Sao Tome?
A single person in central Sao Tome should budget about €715/month, roughly €645 outside the centre. A family of four needs around €1 700/month.
Can I get a visa to live in Sao Tome and Principe?
Yes — the main route usually needs a job offer, with permanent residence reachable in about 5 years. See the full Sao Tome and Principe visa comparison for the route that fits you.
Sources: salaries, taxes, safety, healthcare and visa data from World Bank, OECD, the Global Peace Index and official government portals. Cost-of-living figures are community-sourced benchmarks — a guide, not a quote. Last reviewed 2026-05.
Related: Sao Tome and Principe Guide · Visa Comparison · All Countries