Moving to New Caledonia from Sao Tome and Principe

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What to Expect

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

If you moved from Sao Tome and Principe to New Caledonia, and you’d need to navigate life in French.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in New Caledonia compared to Sao Tome and Principe.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2011

per 100,000 people per year

ST
3.2
NC
3.1

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Sao Tome and Principe across all safety metrics.

What about the environment?

CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

ST
0.6t
NC
17.1t

Sao Tome and Principe performs better than New Caledonia across all environment metrics.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people World Bank, 2024

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

ST
3.0
NC
19.4
Internet access World Bank, 2024

share of households with internet

ST
59.1%
NC
82.0%

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Sao Tome and Principe across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate World Bank, 2025

percentage of the labour force without work

ST
9.1%
NC
11.2%
GDP per capita World Bank, 2025

a broad measure of economic output per person

ST
$4,084
NC
$29,213

New Caledonia generally does better on employment & economy, though Sao Tome and Principe leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy World Bank, 2024

average years of life at birth

ST
69.9 yrs
NC
78.9 yrs
Infant mortality World Bank, 2024

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

ST
9.2
NC
5.0

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Sao Tome and Principe across all family life metrics.

Sources: World Bank (2017–2025), The World Factbook (2008–2021), United Nations SDG Indicators (2009–2011). How we calculate this

Visitor Visa Requirements

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

Sao Tome and Principe passport

Sao Tome and Principe passport holder visiting New Caledonia

Visa Required
Sao Tome and Principe passport holders need a visa to enter New Caledonia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from New Caledonia?

Connectivity is usually fine (New Caledonia: 19.4 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does New Caledonia offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is New Caledonia safe for expats?

New Caledonia performs significantly better than Sao Tome and Principe across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in New Caledonia is 3.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 3.2 in Sao Tome and Principe.

What language do they speak in New Caledonia?

The official language in New Caledonia is French. In Sao Tome and Principe, the official language is Portuguese.

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At a Glance

ST NC
Population 240,254 295,333
Currency São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STD) CFP Franc (CFPF)
Languages Portuguese French
Driving side Right Right
Calling code +239 +687
Time zones 1 1