Your Trusted Partner for Recruitment in São Tomé and Príncipe'

To better fulfill your recruitment needs, we at Remote People are here to help you find top talent in Sao Tome and Principe more effectively than recruiting on your own. Our team understands the local language, customs, and the intricacies of the São Toméans talent market, giving you a significant advantage in securing the right candidates.

We know where to advertise your job openings to ensure maximum exposure and attract the best talent. Additionally, we assist in designing competitive, locally-appropriate compensation packages that not only appeal to top candidates but also help you optimize costs. 

Get in touch with us to navigate Sao Tome and Principe‘s recruitment landscape with confidence and ease.

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São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island country in Central Africa with an estimated population of 236,000. The country’s current moderate GDP growth is 0.9% in 2024. In this relatively stable phase in terms of GDP, the country, albeit small, is expected to continue to see strong demand for skilled labor across most industries.

Talent acquisition in the nation can be challenging. Although the overall unemployment rate is around 9.2% and youth unemployment is around 8.6%, this also means that there is a base of workers from which to choose, but finding the right match for the right job can be difficult. Given that the country’s economic activity is mainly in agriculture and tourism, and beginning to see development and growth in energy and services, any business looking to expand would need to have a clearly defined recruitment plan.

Due to the small size and remote geographical location, hiring for a business in São Tomé and Príncipe can present additional challenges. Many companies tend to hire locally, while foreign labor is also brought in for specialist roles when required. Connections and market understanding would be crucial for recruitment in this setting. This is why partnering with a reputable recruitment agency like Remote People can be a wise decision.

Recruitment Services in São Tomé and Príncipe

Executive Search

Executive search in São Tomé and Príncipe is a service that needs to be carried out by someone who has extensive knowledge of the local business environment, the companies and the nature of their senior leaders.

Executive search services in São Tomé and Príncipe are particularly aimed at finding candidates with the requisite cultural intelligence to lead within the cultural context of the country. As such, a thorough executive search is a mix of standard talent assessment, while also looking for those who are suited to working in emerging markets, often with fewer resources but with a level of performance that would be expected of those with greater access to these resources.

The range of duties and the nature of work within São Tomé and Príncipe mean that senior management candidates are also required to be able to work with smaller teams and talent networks.

Recruiting Expats in São Tomé and Príncipe

Employment of foreign nationals in São Tomé and Príncipe is dependent on work visas and other related regulations. Every non-citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe or the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) who is employed in the country must hold a valid work permit prior to beginning employment. Most positions will also require obtaining the proper entry visa, which must be changed to a work visa with the approval of the Ministry of Labor and the local immigration authorities.

In most cases, employers will have to demonstrate that they could not find someone with the required skills locally. This is why it is in the employer’s best interest to try recruiting locally in São Tomé and Príncipe first before having to go through the work visa application process.

Obtaining a work visa and permit can take time. There are many steps in the process of documentation, government approvals and local officials to coordinate. Recruitment partners like Remote People can streamline the work visa and permit process and help prepare the necessary documentation, aligning with requirements and liaising directly with local governments.

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Overview of São Tomé and Príncipe's Workforce

The labour market is typical for a Small Island Developing State, with a total population of about 236,000 people. The working population is largely concentrated in traditional areas, with nearly 50% in agriculture and 35% in services.

Industries that employ the most workers are the traditional ones, such as cocoa processing and palm oil production, a large public service sector and an emerging tourism sector. The government is working to diversify the economy to generate more employment opportunities. This action has identified a growing skills gap in the management of tourism businesses, general business development and technology.

The World Bank reports that real GDP growth has strengthened, having increased from 0.3% in 2023 to an estimated 0.9% in 2024, mainly due to a recovery in tourism and electricity generation.

Overview of São Tomé and Príncipe's Recruitment Landscape

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation with an estimated population of around 236,000. As such, the country’s labor market is relatively small. In many fields, demand outstrips supply for skilled workers and professionals. There is, therefore, some competition for high-quality candidates, and companies must offer a competitive package (salary, benefits and opportunity for career progression) to attract and retain the best employees.

Strong demand is also present in traditional sectors such as agriculture, tourism and fishing, as well as newer sectors such as oil and gas, public administration, and support services. Education levels are relatively high for a basic level, but more limited for specialisms (e.g., high-end engineering, complex financial services, and technology ).

Due to the small size and dispersal of the economy, recruitment tends to rely heavily on local connections, reputation and word-of-mouth. Formal recruitment (using agencies) is only really effective for recruiting within the capital, São Tomé. For very remote areas or specialist roles, the employer will need to rely on personal networks, international experience, or NGO/investment programme assistance.

Recruitment Season in São Tomé and Príncipe

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the peak seasons for hiring the most people are influenced by the country’s agricultural cycles and tourism seasons. This phase, in many cases, is defined by the end of harvest, when many companies make an evaluation and give more weight to the decision to hire new people.

In addition, the time of entry of fresh graduates is a good opportunity, as it involves the end of training for both São Toméans and those who have returned from studying abroad. This is the time when the candidates enter the job market with updated skills and experience of working in a different culture and environment.

Jobs related to tourism are seasonal and temporary, so they are mostly created before the opening of the peak tourist season. Thus, transport, hospitality and tourist services companies are the ones that make the most movement when it comes to major recruitments.

Major Job Portals and Recruitment Platforms in São Tomé and Príncipe

Online job search and recruitment tools are not yet fully developed in São Tomé and Príncipe. Job search boards are in their initial stages. However, due to a lack of internet connection and the smallness of the market, online recruitment is very limited.

Professional networks remain the leading channels for both job searches and recruitment processes. Referrals and personal contacts remain by far the most effective means of recruitment in a country where business is very much centered around a close-knit elite.

International job platforms like LinkedIn sometimes have job listings in São Tomé and Príncipe, but such roles are less common than locally sourced roles. Jobs that require rare skills or foreign experience are among the most likely to be advertised in this manner.

Labor Laws and Employment Regulations in São Tomé and Príncipe

Who Can Legally Hire in São Tomé and Príncipe?

São Toméan legal entities with the right to hire employees are:

  • Local companies: Local private limited companies or public limited companies, established under the São Toméan law and with full juridical capacity.
  • Branch of a foreign company: A company established abroad and registered in São Tomé and Príncipe as a branch.
  • Representative office: A limited-function office that has the capacity to hire employees to represent it for market research, liaison, or administrative purposes.

Establishing a company in São Tomé and Príncipe is costly and time-consuming, which is why many foreign companies use Employer of Record (EOR) services. An EOR enables international companies to hire local talent quickly and in a compliant manner without establishing a local entity.

This approach allows for legal compliance and testing the market, and it eliminates the high set-up costs of a subsidiary.

Work Requirements for Employees 

The minimum age of employment in São Tomé and Príncipe is 14 for light work and 18 for full work. Persons younger than 12 years old cannot be employed in any capacity. The country’s law also prohibits the use of “employees under 18 years of age for work which may in any way harm their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, intellectual or social development.”

The foreign worker must have the right work permit for the position to be filled. The requirements for work permits are different according to the applicant’s nationality and the position of the job. Foreigners who are nationals of a member state of ECCAS enjoy a more favorable regime than other foreign nationals.

The employer will have to go through the steps of document verifications and compliance checks of each employee to ensure they meet the legal requirements to work.

Employment Contracts

Employment in São Tomé and Príncipe must be agreed in a written contract that clearly states the work description, salary, work hours, vacation, and termination conditions. The contract must also adhere to the local labor laws of the country.

Contract types can be:

  • Fixed term: A limited time of employment or project to be completed
  • Indefinite term: Ongoing and continuous without a pre-determined end
  • Part-time: Fewer hours than full-time employment and benefits scaled accordingly

Probation periods, which are typically 3-6 months, must be stated at employment start, normally granting the employee easier terms of termination and a reduced notice period. Once the probationary period has elapsed, an employee has all the protection under the labor law.

Working Hours

Standard work hours in São Tomé and Príncipe are typically 40 hours per week. Overtime regulations govern compensation for work more than the standard hours, ensuring fair treatment of employees. Work performed more than 40 hours per week or 8 hours per day must be compensated at a higher rate.

Minimum Wage

The minimum wage in São Tomé and Príncipe is STN 2,500 per month as of June 2022. This is approximately $119.7 USD per month as of April 2025.

Annual Leave

In São Tomé and Príncipe, the minimum paid annual leave is usually 22 working days a year, after one year of continuous service. Annual leave can be increased by law or contract and can start with an accrual of one year, starting at six months of service.

In addition to annual leave, there is paid leave for official public holidays. The government issues public holidays each year

Sick Leave

Employees are entitled to paid sick leave if unable to work due to illness or injury. A medical certificate from an approved health care provider will normally be required as evidence.

The employer normally pays for the first period of sick leave. Employees may be entitled to social security benefits (Subsídio de Doença) for longer absences if they have paid the necessary contributions and provided the required paperwork.

Maternity Leave

The period of paid maternity leave in São Tomé and Príncipe for a pregnant employee is 60 days. Leave can be taken before and after the birth. Sao Tome and Principe does not have statutory paternity leave, though individual arrangements may in some cases provide for a few days’ leave for fathers

Benefits of Partnering with a Recruitment Agency in São Tomé and Príncipe

There are a lot of benefits to using local recruitment agencies. These benefits include:

  • Access to cultural knowledge of local business practices and workplace expectations, which can help with employee retention
  • Compliance expertise to ensure companies meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal issues
  • Access to a high-quality candidate network and connections with talent that isn’t on job boards.

How to Choose a São Tomé and Príncipe Recruitment Agency

Choosing the right agency for the business needs is important and may depend on various factors like experience and reputation. The ideal recruitment agency should have a good understanding of the local job market, use the latest recruitment tools, and be transparent in its services.

Important factors to consider include:

  • Track Record & Reputation: Look at past performance, client testimonials, and industry specialization
  • Local Market Knowledge: Opt for agencies with a strong local network
  • Use of Technology: Evaluate the agency’s use of modern tools for efficient candidate matching and communication
  • Transparency: Ensure clear communication of processes, fees, and timelines to avoid unexpected charges

Recruit Top Talent in São Tomé and Príncipe with Our Recruitment Expertise

Remote People helps companies hire in São Tomé and Príncipe. We have a deep local understanding and an international network. We can source candidates both locally and globally, in case of specialized talent shortage in the country.

We take care of screening, local regulations compliance, onboarding support, and any other process needed to grow your business in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Recruitment Coverage in Africa
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NamibiaNigerNigeria
Republic of the CongoSao Tome and PrincipeSeychelles
South AfricaTanzaniaTogo
TunisiaZambiaZimbabwe

Ready to recruit top talent from São Tomé and Príncipe? Remote People can help.

Contact us today to discuss your global recruitment needs and learn important details on how we can assist you in accomplishing your business objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main challenges include a limited local talent network, competition for qualified candidates, and balancing local hiring with foreign expertise requirements.

Personal networks are very important due to the small size of the country. This makes relationship-building important for recruitment success.

The work permit process can take several weeks to months, depending on the nationality of the employee and job category. Planning for the complete processing/approval timeline is advised.