This information is derived from the State Department's Office of Investment Affairs' 2015 Investment Climate Statement. Any questions on the ICS can be directed to EB-ICS-DL@state.gov
Last Published: 6/15/2016

WTO/TRIMS

Sao Tome has not notified the WTO of any measures that are inconsistent with Trade Related Investment Measures (TRIMs) requirements.
 

Investment Incentives

In accordance with the 2007 Investment Code, investments above USD 250,000 are eligible for benefits and guarantees, including fiscal incentives.  Examples include the use of state-owned buildings and/or land for the duration of investment projects, and the provision of administrative services to facilitate the process of obtaining access to state-owned buildings and land.


Research and Development

There is no known obstacle to U.S. firm participation in government financed and/or subsidized research and development programs.


Performance Requirements

STP has no specific performance requirements as a condition for establishing, maintaining, or expanding investment.  There are no requirements for investors to buy local products, to export a certain percentage of output, or to invest in a specific geographical area.  There is no blanket requirement that nationals own shares in foreign investments in STP.  The visa application process is straightforward and transparent and visas or work permits are usually easy to obtain.  Nevertheless, Sao Tomean Embassies and Consulates worldwide at which such applications can be processed are scarce.  STP recently began accepting online visa applications, but the new system does not work smoothly.  In 2015, STP lifted visa requirements for U.S. and EU citizens for stays of up to 15 days.  

For information on submitting an online visa application, see www.smf.st/inicio/html.

Data Storage

There is no known forced localization requirement and no known requirement for foreign IT providers to turn over source code.

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More Information

Sao Tome and Principe Economic Development and Investment Law