Countries
Sao Tome and Principe: visas, tax & cost of living
Sao Tome and Principe: honest, sourced estimates on entry rules, the digital nomad visa, tax residency and the cost of living, tailored to your passport.
United KingdomSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a United Kingdom passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
The UK decides residence with its Statutory Residence Test (days in the UK plus your ties). As a non-resident you are usually taxed only on UK income; where one exists, a double-tax treaty with the destination decides who taxes what.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · GOV.UK: tax on foreign income · HMRC: double-taxation treaties
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
United StatesSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a United States passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever you live, so you keep filing US returns abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the foreign tax credit are what stop you being taxed twice.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · IRS: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion · IRS: tax treaties
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
IndiaSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a India passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
India taxes residents on worldwide income; your status depends on the days you spend in India (broadly 182 or more in the year). As a non-resident (NRI) you are taxed only on Indian-source income, and the relevant double-tax treaty allocates the rest.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Income Tax Department, India · India: Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
GermanySao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Germany passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
Germany taxes residents on worldwide income; you become resident through a home available to you (Wohnsitz) or a habitual abode of more than six months. As a non-resident you are usually taxed only on German-source income, and where one exists a double-tax treaty with the destination decides who taxes what.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt) · Germany: double-taxation agreements (BMF)
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
FranceSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a France passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
France taxes you on your worldwide income if your tax home (domicile fiscal) stays there, broadly when your household, main home, main job or main economic interests are in France, so moving abroad alone may not end it. Once you genuinely settle elsewhere you are usually taxed only on French-source income, and tax treaties typically prevent paying twice through an exemption or a foreign tax credit, but treat any figures as estimates and check your situation.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · impots.gouv.fr - Residents de France · impots.gouv.fr - Les conventions internationales
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
SpainSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Spain passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
If Spain still counts as your tax home (roughly 183+ days in the country in a year, or your main base of life and income sits there), Spain taxes your worldwide income at IRPF rates, so what you earn abroad usually counts too. The sting is softened by double-tax treaties and a foreign-tax credit, plus the Article 7.p exemption that can shelter work done abroad up to around 60,100 euros a year, but treat every figure as an estimate and check your own case before you file.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Agencia Tributaria: persona fisica residente en Espana · Agencia Tributaria: obtencion de rentas extranjeras, reglas generales
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
ItalySao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Italy passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
Italy generally treats you as a tax resident if for most of the year (roughly 183 days or more) your home, family or registration ties are here, and residents are taxed on worldwide income wherever they live. The relief is usually a foreign tax credit for tax already paid abroad, often shaped by Italy's double-taxation treaties, so the same income should not be taxed twice.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Agenzia delle Entrate — Residence for tax purposes · Agenzia delle Entrate — Bilateral agreements to prevent double taxation
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
CanadaSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Canada passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to 15 days. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
Canada taxes you on residency, not on holding the passport, so as long as the CRA still treats you as a resident (kept home, family or strong ties) you generally owe Canadian tax on your worldwide income. The relief is usually a foreign tax credit for tax you already paid abroad, often topped up by a tax treaty, though the exact amounts are only estimates until you check your own case.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Canada Revenue Agency, Determining your residency status · Department of Finance Canada, Tax treaties in force
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
AustraliaSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Australia passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
If you stay an Australian resident for tax purposes, Australia generally taxes your worldwide income wherever you live, with residency turned on the moment your real home and ties are here (a continuous stay of roughly 6 months can be enough). To soften double tax, you can usually claim a Foreign Income Tax Offset for tax already paid abroad, capped at the Australian tax on that income, and treaties may help too, so treat these figures as estimates and check your own case.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Australian Taxation Office — Australian resident for tax purposes · Australian Taxation Office — International tax agreements (tax treaties)
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
BrazilSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Brazil passport
- VisitEasyVisa-free entry
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
Visa-free for up to short stays. Travel on a passport valid for your whole stay, with a return or onward ticket and proof you can support yourself.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
If Brazil still counts you as tax-resident, usually triggered by a permanent visa, a temporary visa plus a job, or roughly 183 days in the country within any 12 months, the Receita Federal taxes your worldwide income, so you keep filing the annual return wherever you live. The relief is real but partial: tax paid abroad can normally be credited against what you owe in Brazil under a treaty or recognised reciprocity, so most people are not taxed twice on the same income.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Receita Federal — Acordos para evitar a dupla tributação · Receita Federal — Imposto sobre a Renda da Pessoa Física (IRPF)
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
MexicoSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Mexico passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
Mexico taxes you on your worldwide income once you count as a tax resident, which usually means your main home or your center of life is here (very roughly, spending more than about 183 days a year can tip the balance). The good news is the SAT lets you credit foreign income tax you already paid, and Mexico's double-taxation treaties mean the same money should not normally be taxed twice.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · SAT - Servicio de Administracion Tributaria · SAT - Tratados en Materia Fiscal (para evitar la doble tributacion)
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
PhilippinesSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Philippines passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
If you stay a resident citizen, the Philippines taxes your worldwide income, but once you genuinely live and work abroad you usually count as a non-resident citizen and are taxed only on income from Philippine sources. The exact line depends on how long you are out and your ties back home, so treat these as estimates, and a foreign tax credit can offset tax already paid abroad.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · BIR - Taxation of Foreign Source Income · BIR - Taxation of Non-Residents
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
NigeriaSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Nigeria passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
If Nigeria still counts you as resident, roughly 183 or more days in the country in a year, or you keep a home, habitual abode or close family and economic ties there, you are generally taxed on your worldwide income, not just what you earn in Nigeria. There is usually a foreign tax credit, and Nigeria's tax treaties, so tax you already paid abroad can typically be set against your Nigerian bill, but treat these figures as estimates and check the current rules before you file.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) · FIRS - Tax Treaties and Related Matters
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
VietnamSao Tome and Principe
Your move to Sao Tome and Principe on a Vietnam passport
- VisitMediumVisa required in advance
- NomadHardDifficult, indirect route
- RelocateHardLimited residence routes
Visiting
You need an e-visa. Apply online before you travel and carry the approval. It is usually quick, but leave a few days of buffer.
Passport validity:Estimated six months of passport validity is commonly expected; your passport should stay valid for your whole stay.
At the border:Visa-free entry for many nationalities (including EU and US passport holders) for up to 15 days, with an e-Visa for others; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a risk country, and an arrival fee of around 20 euros is payable.
Working remotely
No dedicated nomad visa; the usual route is a standard residence permit.
Tax and residency
You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.(estimate)
Vietnam treats you as a tax resident once you spend roughly 183 days there in a calendar year (or any rolling 12 months) or keep a permanent home, and residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates of around 5% to 35%; there is no foreign-earned-income exclusion, but Vietnam's tax treaties and a foreign tax credit usually stop the same income being taxed twice.
Practical
Currency:STN. Cost of living:mid.
Healthcare:Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
Driving:Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
Sources: Visa policy of Sao Tome and Principe (overview) · UK FCDO entry requirements for Sao Tome and Principe · US State Department travel advisory for Sao Tome and Principe · Tax administration in Sao Tome and Principe (BRITACOM) · General Department of Taxation (Tong cuc Thue) · GDT - Agreements for Avoidance of Double Taxation
Estimates, not advice. Confirm with the official sources before you act.
Frequently asked questions
- Sao Tome and Principe: is there a digital nomad visa?
- No dedicated digital nomad visa; most people use a standard residence permit instead.
- Sao Tome and Principe: when do you become a tax resident?
- You are generally treated as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in the country in a year, after which worldwide income is taxable; non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Sao Tome and Principe. Figures are estimates, confirm current rules before relying on them.
- Sao Tome and Principe: what is the cost of living?
- The cost of living is moderate and the local currency is the STN. Treat any figures as estimates.
- Sao Tome and Principe: do you need health insurance?
- Public and private medical care is paid and often requires cash or proof of insurance up front, so travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for foreigners.
- Sao Tome and Principe: can you drive on a foreign licence?
- Visitors can drive on a valid foreign licence accompanied by an International Driving Permit for short stays.
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