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São Tomé & PríncipePermanent residenceLast checked October 17, 2026

Permanent residence certificate

certificado de residência permanente

Under Law 5/2008, a foreigner who has held a temporary residence certificate for at least five consecutive years can get a permanent residence certificate. In the last five years they must not have been sentenced to prison terms totalling more than one year, and they must show knowledge of Portuguese. The permanent certificate has no time limit, but the residence card must be renewed every five years.

See requirements ↓

Life in São Tomé & Príncipe

Money

3

Currency

São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra

STN

São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra

Cost of living

68

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

—

Income tax (national)

Official rates, 2025 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Foreigners who have lived legally in São Tomé and Príncipe on temporary residence for at least five consecutive years.

Eligibility

  • Five years of temporary residence

    You need to have held a temporary residence certificate for at least five consecutive years.

    • Legal basis: art. 53(1)(a)
    Official wording

    Held a temporary residence certificate for at least five consecutive years (art. 53(1)(a)).

  • Criminal record

    You must not have prison sentences totalling more than one year during your last five years of residence.

    • Legal basis: art. 53(1)(b)
    Official wording

    No prison sentences totalling more than one (1) year during the last five years of residence (art. 53(1)(b)).

  • Portuguese

    Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language (art. 53(1)(c)).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Document checklistTemporary residence certificates covering five consecutive years
  • FeesPermanent residence certificate fee
  • Steps to applyKeep a temporary residence certificate for five consecutive years, renewing it e

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  • 3 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 3 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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