Doing Business with São Tomé and Príncipe

A comprehensive guide to doing business, exporting, investing, and manufacturing in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Foreign Direct Investment with the International Trade Council / Company Incorporation / Company Formation

Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (APCI)

Tel: +239 222 2642
Email: [email protected]
Web: apci.gov.st

National Chamber of Commerce

Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Services

Tel: +239 222 1409
Email: [email protected]

Ministry of Economy Information from the International Trade Council - a Peak-body - international chamber of commerce

Ministry of Finance and Economy, Albania

Tel: +239 222 1083
Email: mfcea@financas.gov.st
Web: financas.gov.st

  • Type of Government: Semi-presidential republic
  • Population: Approximately 220,000
  • GDP: Around $500 million USD
  • Corporate Tax Rate: 25%
  • Personal Income Tax Rate: Progressive rates up to 30%
  • Major Exports: Cocoa, coffee, palm oil, fish
  • Major Imports: Machinery, foodstuffs, petroleum products, manufactured goods

 

Exporting goods to SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

  1. Research Market Requirements

    • Understand SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe’s import regulations and product standards.
  2. Identify Your Product’s HS Code

    • Determine the Harmonized System (HS) code for tariff and regulation details.
  3. Prepare Documentation

    • Gather necessary export documents: commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and bill of lading.
  4. Check Tariff and Non-Tariff Barriers

    • Verify any tariffs and ensure compliance with non-tariff measures.
  5. Select a Reliable Freight Forwarder

    • Choose a logistics provider experienced in shipping to SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe.
  6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Regulations

    • Ensure your products meet local labeling and packaging standards.
  7. Arrange for Insurance

    • Secure insurance to cover potential shipping risks.
  8. Submit Customs Declaration

    • Work with your freight forwarder to submit the necessary customs declaration.
  9. Pay Applicable Duties and Taxes

    • Calculate and pay any required import duties and taxes.
  10. Track and Confirm Delivery

    • Monitor the shipment to ensure it reaches the destination safely.

Key Contacts

Importing goods into SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Research Import Regulations

    • Familiarize yourself with SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe’s import laws and product-specific regulations.
  2. Obtain Necessary Licenses

    • Determine if your products require special import licenses or permits.
  3. Classify Your Goods

    • Identify the Harmonized System (HS) code for your products to understand tariffs and duties.
  4. Prepare Documentation

    • Gather required documents: commercial invoice, bill of lading, packing list, and certificate of origin.
  5. Choose a Customs Broker

    • Hire a licensed customs broker to assist with the import process.
  6. Comply with Labeling and Packaging Standards

    • Ensure products meet local labeling and packaging requirements.
  7. Submit Customs Declaration

    • File a customs declaration with the Customs Directorate of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe.
  8. Pay Duties and Taxes

    • Calculate and pay any applicable import duties and taxes.
  9. Arrange for Transportation and Delivery

    • Coordinate with a logistics provider to transport goods to their final destination.
  10. Track and Confirm Receipt

    • Monitor shipment progress and confirm delivery upon arrival.

Key Contacts

Incorporating a company in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Choose a Business Structure

    • Decide on the type of company, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
  2. Reserve a Company Name

    • Ensure the company name is unique and reserve it with the Commercial Registry.
  3. Prepare Incorporation Documents

    • Draft the Articles of Incorporation and other necessary documents.
  4. Submit Incorporation Documents

    • File the documents with the Commercial Registry and pay the registration fee.
  5. Obtain a Tax Identification Number (NIF)

    • Register for the NIF with the tax authorities.
  6. Open a Bank Account

    • Open a corporate bank account to deposit initial capital.
  7. Register for Social Security

    • Enroll employees in the social security system.
  8. Obtain Business Licenses

    • Apply for any required business licenses specific to your industry.

Costs

  • Registration Fee: Varies depending on the type and size of the company.

Key Contacts

  • Chamber of Commerce of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe
  • Commercial Registry
    • Contact through local government offices for detailed procedures.

Setting up a manufacturing plant in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Conduct a Feasibility Study

    • Analyze market demand, location, and resource availability.
  2. Choose a Business Structure

    • Decide on the type of business entity, such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
  3. Register the Company

    • Register your business with the Commercial Registry.
  4. Secure Financing

    • Arrange funding through loans or investors.
  5. Select a Location

    • Choose an industrial area with access to infrastructure and resources.
  6. Obtain Necessary Permits and Licenses

    • Apply for construction permits, environmental clearances, and industry-specific licenses.
  7. Design and Construct the Facility

    • Hire architects and contractors to design and build the plant.
  8. Purchase and Install Equipment

    • Acquire machinery and ensure it meets safety and operational standards.
  9. Hire and Train Employees

    • Recruit skilled workers and provide necessary training.
  10. Set Up Supply Chain and Distribution

    • Establish relationships with suppliers and distributors.

Key Contacts

  • Chamber of Commerce of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe
  • Ministry of Industry and Commerce
    • Contact through local government offices for detailed procedures.

Registering a trademark in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1. Conduct a Trademark Search

    • Ensure your trademark is unique by searching existing trademarks in the registry.
  2. Prepare Your Application

    • Gather necessary details, including trademark design and the list of goods/services.
  3. Submit the Application

    • File your application with the Intellectual Property Office.
  4. Pay the Application Fee

    • Pay the required fees for trademark registration. Check with the office for current rates.
  5. Application Examination

    • The office will examine the application for compliance and potential conflicts.
  6. Publication for Opposition

    • If approved, the trademark is published for a period during which others can oppose it.
  7. Receive Registration Certificate

    • If no oppositions are filed, you receive the official trademark registration certificate.

Costs

  • Application Fee: Check with the Intellectual Property Office for up-to-date pricing.

Key Contacts

  • Intellectual Property Office of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe
    • Contact through local government offices for detailed procedures.
  • Chamber of Commerce of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe

Resolving commercial disputes in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide:

  1.   Consult Legal Counsel

    • Engage a lawyer experienced in commercial law for guidance.
  2. Attempt Negotiation

    • Try to resolve the dispute amicably through direct negotiation with the other party.
  3. Mediation

    • Consider mediation with a neutral third party to facilitate a resolution.
  4. Arbitration

    • Use arbitration for a binding resolution if both parties agree. This can be faster than court proceedings.
  5. Litigation

    • If other methods fail, file a lawsuit in the civil courts of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe. Prepare for a formal legal process.
  6. Enforcement of Judgments

    • Ensure the decision is enforced through the relevant authorities.

Costs

  • Legal Fees: Vary depending on the complexity and length of the dispute.
  • Court Fees: Required for litigation and depend on the case specifics.

Key Contacts

  • Chamber of Commerce of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe
  • Judiciary of SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe
    • Contact through local government offices for detailed procedures.

When considering business in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe, it’s important to understand various factors:

Social and Cultural Factors

  • Language: Portuguese is the official language and is used in business.
  • Business Etiquette: Formality and building personal relationships are valued. Meetings often start with informal conversation.

Political Factors

  • Government: Semi-presidential republic.
  • Stability: Generally stable political environment, with peaceful transitions of power.

Economic Factors

  • Currency: Dobra (STN).
  • Key Industries: Agriculture, fishing, tourism, and oil exploration.

Foreign Exchange

  • Exchange Rate: The dobra is pegged to the euro, providing some currency stability.

Rule of Law

  • Legal System: Based on civil law; efforts are ongoing to strengthen legal frameworks.
  • Intellectual Property: Protections are in place, but enforcement can be challenging.

Infrastructure

  • Transport: Developing road and port infrastructure; limited air connectivity.
  • Utilities: Electricity and water supply can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas.

Key Contacts

Our Members Include Leading Organizations in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe

Ask our Experts on Doing Business in/with SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe

If you’re looking to do business or invest in SÁ £o TomÁ © and PrÁ ­ncipe, we can provide expert guidance, market insights, and valuable connections to help you navigate the local landscape. Contact us today to discover how we can assist in making your venture a success.