Sao Tome and Principe
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Sao Tome and Principe.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Sao Tome and Principe welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Civil Law (Portuguese tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Agencia de Promocao de Investimentos de STP (API-STP)
- Registry website: https://www.api-stp.com
- Tax authority: Direccao dos Impostos (DI STP)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 25% - Source: CIT: 25% (Sao Tome DGI). VAT: 15%.
- VAT / sales tax: 15%
- Estimated formation timeline: 7-14 days - Via API-STP. Source: Ministry of Finance STP
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Sao Tome and Principe Tax Overview
25%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 25% (Sao Tome DGI). VAT: 15%.
15%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 25% (Sao Tome DGI). VAT: 15%.
Direccao dos Impostos (DI STP)
Tax Authority
https://www.financas.gov.st
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (Portuguese tradition)
Primary registry: Agencia de Promocao de Investimentos de STP (API-STP)
Tax rate: 25% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Sao Tome and Principe market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: STN fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.api-stp.com before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Sao Tome and Principe setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Sao Tome and Principe. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banco Internacional de Sao Tome (BISTP) | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Ecobank STP | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Agencia de Promocao de Investimentos de STP (API-STP) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direccao dos Impostos (DI STP). Rate: 25%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 15%. Verify threshold with Direccao dos Impostos (DI STP). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (Portuguese tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Sao Tome and Principe. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Sao Tome and Principe specialist
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