🇸🇹São Tomé and Príncipe Visa for Chinese Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Visto de Residência (Residence Visa - general)

Authorizes a foreign national to enter São Tomé and Príncipe in order to apply for a residence certificate (certificado de residência); the umbrella category covering all long-stay purposes.

Legal basis: Artigo 33.º, Lei 5/2008. The residence visa is valid for two entries and lets the holder remain 2 months (60 days) in order to request the residence certificate that governs the long-term stay. It may be granted for dependent work, independent work, family reunification, study, volunteering, professional training, research activity, or highly-qualified activity (specific sub-categories are covered by their own entries below). Applied online via the SMF eCidadão system (Autorização para Fixação de Residência). Documents: travel document valid 1+ year, criminal-record certificate, proof of adequate housing, means of subsistence (min. €100/day). Fees not published online; paid at border or by bank transfer to SMF's BISTP account. General enquiries: (+239) 2222098 or direccaosmf@gmail.com.

Visto de Residência para Exercício de Actividade Profissional Subordinada (Residence Visa - Employed Work)

For foreign nationals coming to work under an employment contract for an employer in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Legal basis: Artigo 35.º, Lei 5/2008; eCidadão residence category 'Actividade Profissional Subordinada'. Residence visa valid for two entries and 2 months' stay to obtain the residence certificate that then authorises the work stay. Requires an employment contract, criminal-record certificate, proof of housing and means of subsistence (min. €100/day). Fees not published online; paid at border or by bank transfer to SMF's BISTP account.

Visto de Residência para Exercício de Actividade Profissional Independente (Residence Visa - Self-Employed / Investor)

For foreign nationals establishing self-employment, a business, or an investment operation in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Legal basis: Artigo 36.º, Lei 5/2008; eCidadão residence category 'Actividade Profissional Independente'. Granted to a foreigner who has carried out an investment operation or will exercise an independent professional activity. Residence visa valid for two entries and 2 months' stay to obtain the residence certificate. Distinct from the citizenship-by-investment programme (tracked under cbi). Fees not published online; paid at border or by bank transfer to SMF's BISTP account.

Visto de Residência para Actividade de Investigação ou Altamente Qualificada (Residence Visa - Research / Highly-Qualified Activity)

For researchers and highly-qualified professionals coming to carry out scientific research or a highly-qualified activity in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Legal basis: Artigo 37.º, Lei 5/2008. Residence visa for foreigners engaged in scientific research or a highly-qualified activity. Statutory category defined in the Regime Jurídico; not separately listed in the eCidadão online category menu (apply under the residence-authorisation flow). Residence visa valid for two entries and 2 months' stay to obtain the residence certificate. Fees not published online.

Visto de Residência para Estudo, Intercâmbio de Estudantes, Estágio Profissional ou Voluntariado (Residence Visa - Study / Exchange / Internship / Volunteering)

For foreign nationals admitted for studies, a secondary-school student-exchange programme, a professional internship, or volunteering.

Legal basis: Artigo 38.º, Lei 5/2008; eCidadão residence category 'Estudo, Intercâmbio de Estudantes e Estágio Profissional' (also covers voluntariado/volunteering). Residence visa valid for two entries and 2 months' stay to obtain the residence certificate. Requires proof of enrolment/acceptance, criminal-record certificate, proof of housing and means of subsistence (min. €100/day). Fees not published online; paid at border or by bank transfer to SMF's BISTP account.

Visto de Residência para Efeitos de Reagrupamento Familiar (Residence Visa - Family Reunification)

For family members joining a foreign national or citizen legally resident in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Legal basis: Artigo 39.º, Lei 5/2008; eCidadão residence category 'Reagrupamento Familiar'. Granted where a resident's family member seeks to join them. Residence visa valid for two entries and 2 months' stay to obtain the residence certificate. Requires proof of family relationship, criminal-record certificate, proof of housing and means of subsistence (min. €100/day). Fees not published online; paid at border or by bank transfer to SMF's BISTP account.

Isenção de Visto - Passaporte Diplomático/Serviço (Diplomatic/Service Passport Exemption)

Visa-free entry for holders of diplomatic and service passports from CPLP member states and countries with bilateral diplomatic agreements.

Presidential Decree n. 21/2002 (20 December 2002) ratifies CPLP agreement suppressing visas for diplomatic and service passports among CPLP member states (Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Timor-Leste). China diplomatic, service, and public-affairs passport holders also receive 30-day visa-free entry under bilateral agreement (Decree n. 09/2017, in force 2018-02-03). South Africa diplomatic/service passport agreement was approved November 2024. Duration for CPLP diplomatic/service passports not specified in available official sources.