Your Partner for Business and Investment
Request a ConsultationA São Tomé Based Partner for Your Next Move
MARSF Serviços is a São Tomé based advisory team helping investors, founders, and individuals register companies, secure investment representation, and navigate residence and citizenship pathways — with local knowledge and a straightforward process.
Founder and CEO Euclides Martins has worked in São Tomé and Príncipe for more than 13 years. He previously served as Lead Communications Specialist at the national unit of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (Quadro Integrado Reforçado, WTO/EIF), responsible for liaison with the Government.
Founder and CEO Euclides Martins has worked in São Tomé and Príncipe for more than 13 years. He previously served as Lead Communications Specialist at the national unit of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (Quadro Integrado Reforçado, WTO/EIF), responsible for liaison with the Government.
Services
Four routes to get your company, your investment, or your residence set up in São Tomé and Príncipe.
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Business EntryCompany registration, licensing, and local representation to get your business legally trading in São Tomé and Príncipe. -
Investment & RepresentationIntroductions, liaison, and ongoing representation for investors and companies operating or expanding into São Tomé and Príncipe. -
Operations & Special PermitsLicensing, permits, and day-to-day regulatory support to keep your operations compliant and running smoothly in São Tomé and Príncipe. -
Residence & CitizenshipGuidance through residence permits and citizenship pathways in São Tomé and Príncipe, tailored to your personal and family situation.
Why Clients Trust MARSF
Discretion is our working standard. Your corporate information, personal documents and investment plans stay strictly confidential — a level of care that is still rare in São Tomé and across the region.
- Confidentiality by DefaultWe never publish or share client names, documents or deal terms. Once we receive your passport or company documents, we sign an NDA that covers them.
- Secure Handling of Corporate DataYour file is seen only by the team members working on your case. Documents travel through private channels and are used only for your application.
- Registered Local TeamA registered São Tomé company with hands-on experience in business, investment and immigration procedures.
- Transparent PricingClear package pricing with no hidden fees — you know the full cost and scope before any work begins.
Track Record in São Tomé
Results we can share without naming a single client.
- 50+clients served
- 10+years of team experience in São Tomé
- 6passports obtained through citizenship by investment
- 10+residence permits for clients and their families
Our Process
Consultation
We discuss your goals — company setup, investment, or residence — and map out the right path for your situation.
Document Preparation
We gather the required documents, verify compliance details, and prepare your registration filing.
Registration & Filing
We file with the commercial registry and handle all official submissions on your behalf.
Ongoing Support
We stay by your side for renewals, compliance, and any follow-up matters that come up.
Our Projects
Roça Viva Heritage & Cacau Experience
An advisory mandate we're proud of: supporting an international investor evaluating the potential rehabilitation of a heritage plantation (roça) in São Tomé into an agro-tourism and cacao experience destination — covering regulatory research, stakeholder mapping, and investment structuring.
Timeline: 2 months of analysis
Timeline: 2 months of analysis
Investment Case
Premium Oceanfront Resort Development
We prepared the investment presentation and partnership structure for the holder of a 90+ ha land concession with ~600 m of ocean frontage: a premium low-density resort concept (35–57 units in Phase 1 — villas, boutique apartments and club amenities), SPV-based models for investor participation and a phased roadmap to 2030. The project name, the client and the exact location are not disclosed — the engagement is covered by an NDA.
Timeline: 2 months to the investor presentation
Timeline: 2 months to the investor presentation
Simple, Transparent Pricing
Three ways to work with us — from a one-time company launch to ongoing representation and support.
Company Launch
One-time company registration and setup
From €850
- Registered agent, commercial registry filing, and local representative included.
Investment Analytics
Market entry data and investment representation
From €1,000
- Market entry research, investor introductions, and ongoing representation.
Residence & Operations
Residence permits, citizenship, licenses, and permits
By mandate
- Application preparation, submission, and follow-up with the authorities.
- Operating licenses, special permits, and ongoing regulatory compliance support.
Free Guide: São Tomé Investment & Residency Overview 2026
8 pages on company set-up, taxes, banking, residence and citizenship — plus the seven mistakes that delay foreign investors most often. Leave your email and the PDF opens instantly.
Your email stays confidential and is never shared with third parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
- What type of company can a foreigner set up in São Tomé and Príncipe?Most clients choose a limited liability company (Lda), including a single-member one (unipessoal), or a joint-stock company (SA). A foreigner can own 100% of the company; no local partner is needed. Minimum share capital: unipessoal — STN 20,000 (≈ €820), Lda — STN 150,000 (≈ €6,100), SA — STN 350,000 (≈ €14,300).
- Do I need a local director or a local address?Under the general rules a foreigner can be the director, and there is no residency requirement. A registered office in São Tomé is mandatory, and we provide it.
- How long does registration take?Companies are registered at the one-stop shop (Guiché Único para Empresas), usually within 2–5 working days of a complete filing. If your activity needs a licence, the authority replies within 15 working days.
- What documents will I need?For individuals: a passport and proof of address. For a corporate shareholder: its constitutional documents and a board resolution to set up the subsidiary. Foreign-language documents are translated into Portuguese. We send the exact list after a short briefing.
- Does setting up a company give me residence?No, registering a company does not by itself grant residence. A residence permit is issued by the migration service on a separate ground: employment in the company, investment or family reunification. We choose the right ground and prepare the file.
- How does citizenship by investment work?The programme runs under Decree-Law No. 07/2025 and opened in August 2025. The contribution to the state fund starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant and USD 95,000 for a family of up to four; each additional family member adds USD 5,000. You do not need to visit or live in the country. Processing takes from a few weeks to a few months. The programme is new and its rules may change, so we check the current terms before filing.
- Can I keep my current citizenship? Where can I travel with the passport?São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship. Also check whether your own country allows dual citizenship. The passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 90 countries.
- Can my family be included?Yes. The application can include your spouse (or a de facto partner, with proof of cohabitation) and children under 18. A child who turns 18 after the application is filed can still be included, up to age 19. Other relatives, including parents, cannot be included and need their own application.
- Can a foreigner buy land or property?Yes, with limits. Under Land Law No. 3/91 a foreigner may hold rights to only one plot of state land of up to 2 hectares; larger areas are possible only for an approved investment project. The State grants land by concession, lease, aforamento (long-term use for an annual fee), surface right (at least 50 years for urban land) or sale. In practice, state land is most often granted by concession. Buildings and apartments can be bought. Before any deal we check the plot's status and the seller's title.
- Can I open a bank account and send profits abroad?Yes. Accounts are opened at a local bank, including for foreign-owned companies. The Investment Code guarantees the transfer of profits and dividends abroad for registered investments, processed through the Central Bank (BCSTP). Opening an account usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. The dobra is pegged to the euro at STN 24.5 = €1.
- What taxes does a company pay?Corporate income tax is 25%. VAT has been 15% since June 2023, with a reduced rate of 7.5%. Investments of €50,000 or more can qualify for tax incentives under the Investment Code.
- Can everything be done remotely? Which languages do you work in?Yes, you do not have to travel. We act under a notarised power of attorney and explain how to issue it in your country. We work in English, Portuguese and Russian.
- How much do your services cost and how can I pay?Fees are fixed in advance; see the Pricing section. Government fees and translations are paid separately, and we quote them before work starts. The payment method and currency are agreed in the contract.
- How do you protect my information?We use your data only for your project and do not share it with third parties unless required; see our Privacy Policy. On request we sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before you send documents.
- What happens if documents are missing or the application is refused?If something is missing, we tell you exactly what before filing. If an application is refused, we explain why and propose how to reapply. Refund terms are set out in the contract before work starts.
GET IN TOUCH
Let's Talk About Your Project
Tell us what you need, and we'll get back to you with next steps — usually within one business day.
© 2026 MARSF Serviços, Lda. All rights reserved.
NIF 517006823 · Commercial Registry (Guiché Único) No. 100797/2024
Madre de Deus, Água Grande, São Tomé and Príncipe
Privacy Policy
NIF 517006823 · Commercial Registry (Guiché Único) No. 100797/2024
Madre de Deus, Água Grande, São Tomé and Príncipe
Privacy Policy