Digital Nomad & Residency - Sao Tome and Principe

São Tomé and Príncipe has not enacted a specific digital-nomad or remote-work visa instrument; no such category appears in official government records or the UN Migration Network's policy repository for the country.

Law No. 5/2008 expressly lists independent professional activity as a permissible basis for a residence visa. Applicants must prove sufficient funds or foreign investment and, where relevant, professional qualifications — a route that in practice remote workers can use.

Stays beyond 90 days require a temporary residence permit (one year, renewable annually). After five years of continuous lawful residence an applicant may seek a permanent residence permit, valid for five years and renewable.

Enacted under Decree-Law No. 07/2025, the CIP grants full citizenship within approximately 60–90 days via a non-refundable USD 90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund. No physical residence in the country is required before or after the grant.

Foreign nationals may obtain a tourist or business e-Visa for stays up to 30 days through the official online platform. Residence visas for independent work or other long-stay categories must be applied for at an STP embassy or consulate.

The Serviço de Migração e Fronteiras (SMF) under the Ministry of Interior administers residence permits and work authorisations; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (mne.gov.st) handles consular issuance of entry and residence visas.