Moving to Sao Tome and Principe from Saint Lucia

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What to Expect

Considering a move from Saint Lucia to Sao Tome and Principe? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from Saint Lucia to Sao Tome and Principe, and you’d need to navigate life in Portuguese. You’ll also switch from driving on the left to the right.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Sao Tome and Principe compared to Saint Lucia.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

LC
36.7
ST
3.2
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

LC
8.9
ST
11.7

Saint Lucia generally does better on safety, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in homicide rate.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2023

annual government + private spending per person

LC
$1,228
ST
$355
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

affects wait times and access to care

LC
6.5
ST
4.9

Saint Lucia generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

LC
20.0
ST
85.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

LC
1.7t
ST
0.6t

Saint Lucia generally does better on environment, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

LC
10.8
ST
2.0
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

LC
14.3%
ST
1.9%

Saint Lucia generally does better on infrastructure, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

LC
11.1%
ST
14.2%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

LC
$22,700
ST
$5,500

Saint Lucia performs better than Sao Tome and Principe across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

LC
79.0 yrs
ST
67.1 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

LC
12.0
ST
44.4

Saint Lucia generally does better on family life, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in education spending.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between Saint Lucia and Sao Tome and Principe. To live, work, or study long-term in Sao Tome and Principe, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Sao Tome and Principe's immigration authority.

Saint Lucia passport

Saint Lucia passport holder visiting Sao Tome and Principe

Visa Online (e-Visa)
Saint Lucia passport holders need to apply for an e-Visa before travelling to Sao Tome and Principe.
Sao Tome and Principe passport

Sao Tome and Principe passport holder visiting Saint Lucia

Visa on Arrival
Sao Tome and Principe passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Saint Lucia.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Sao Tome and Principe?

Connectivity is usually fine (Sao Tome and Principe: 2.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Sao Tome and Principe offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Sao Tome and Principe safe for expats?

Saint Lucia generally does better on safety, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in homicide rate. The homicide rate in Sao Tome and Principe is 3.2 per 100,000 people, compared to 36.7 in Saint Lucia.

How is healthcare in Sao Tome and Principe compared to Saint Lucia?

Saint Lucia generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 4.9 doctors per 10,000 people in Sao Tome and Principe, compared to 6.5 in Saint Lucia. Sao Tome and Principe scores 59 on the WHO universal health coverage index (Saint Lucia: 77).

What language do they speak in Sao Tome and Principe?

The official language in Sao Tome and Principe is Portuguese. In Saint Lucia, the official language is English.

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At a Glance

LC ST
Population 167,122 217,164
Currency East Caribbean Dollar (EC$) São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD)
Languages English Portuguese
Driving side Left Right
Calling code +1758 +239
Time zones 1 1