Representation
Company representation in São Tomé: address, office and dealing with government bodies
You can open a company in São Tomé without moving there. But after that you need someone on the ground: to collect a letter from the tax office, take documents to a ministry or answer the bank's question about a payment. Here are the formats of local presence and what each one gives you.
Who needs it
- A foreign company entering the market, bidding in a tender or looking for partners.
- An exporter or importer that needs a local agent for customs and certificates (see our article on exports).
- An investor with an Investment Code project: reports, approvals, licences.
- An owner of a local company who lives abroad.
Three formats of presence
| Format | What is included | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual office | Registered address, receiving and forwarding mail | Companies without permanent operations on the island |
| Office with a manager | Address, workspace, manager, basic support | Companies starting to operate in the market |
| Full representation | Office, manager, reporting, permanent local representative | Projects in regular contact with banks and government bodies |
In every format MARSF registers the representation legally, keeps in touch with the bank and government bodies and reports everything that arrives at the company's address. The MARSF office is in Madre de Deus (Água Grande district) in the capital, São Tomé.
Dealing with government bodies
In São Tomé much is done in person: applications must be filed, approvals obtained and replies collected on the spot. A representative takes care of:
- preparing and filing documents;
- following approvals and negotiations with ministries and agencies;
- obtaining licences and permits;
- promoting the project with the relevant authorities.
Our CEO, Euclides Martins, was responsible for liaison with the Government of São Tomé at the QIR agency for many years, so we know where to go and in what order.
The company bank account
- The country has a Central Bank (BCSTP) and five commercial banks: BISTP, Afriland First Bank, Ecobank, GTI Bank and BGFI Bank.
- Accounts can be held in euros, dollars, CFA francs and dobras.
- Every transfer goes through compliance — an invoice or contract is attached to the payment.
- In our experience, incoming transfers take up to 48 hours and outgoing ones a week or more, because of checks and currency conversion.
- Online banking is available, but a local bank's debit card usually works only within the country.
MARSF helps open the account and answers the bank's queries while you are abroad. How to open the company itself is covered in company formation. If you are joining a ready-made project, see our article on investment projects.
About the author
Euclides Martins is the CEO of MARSF Serviços, with more than 13 years of experience in São Tomé and Príncipe. He previously served as Lead Communications Specialist at the national implementation unit of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (Quadro Integrado Reforçado, the WTO-linked Aid for Trade programme), where he was also responsible for liaison with the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Let’s discuss your project
Tell us what your company needs in São Tomé, and we will suggest the right format — from a registered address to a permanent local representative.
Discuss representation →Read next
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment in 2026: Real Costs, Timeline and Pitfalls →How to Set Up a Company in São Tomé and Príncipe: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Investors →Residence Permit in São Tomé and Príncipe: Grounds, Documents and the Path to Permanent Residence →Taxes and Profit Repatriation in São Tomé and Príncipe: What Investors Need to Know →Exporting from São Tomé and Príncipe in 2026: Cocoa, Coffee, Pepper — Markets, Documents and Incentives →This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Laws and fees may change — check the current terms before you decide.
