São Tomé & Príncipe Expats in Colombia — 2026 Guide | CoVisas Colombia

Why Santomean Nationals Choose Colombia

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small Portuguese-speaking island nation in the Gulf of Guinea and a member of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries), has an international population accustomed to seeking opportunities abroad. As a Portuguese-speaking PALOP (African Country of Portuguese Official Language) nation with a growing tourism sector and a democratic tradition that stands as a model in the region, its nationals are well-prepared for life in a stable, cosmopolitan country. Colombia offers an exceptional combination of cultural vibrancy, economic opportunity, and geographic diversity that appeals strongly to Santomeans — particularly in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, where there are growing communities of Portuguese speakers.

Colombia's formal migration pathways, relatively low cost of living compared to European destinations, and warmer climate similar to São Tomé's tropical environment make it a compelling long-term option. The country's Visa M program offers several accessible routes for Santomean nationals with savings, pension income, or family ties in Colombia. Additionally, Colombia's status as the world's second most biodiverse country resonates with nationals from an island nation famous for its lush biodiversity and cocoa heritage.

Colombian Migrant Visa (Visa M) — Categories & Fees 2026

The Visa Migrante (Visa M) is Colombia's primary long-stay visa for non-nationals. It is valid for up to three years and is the gateway to permanent residency after five continuous years. Santomean nationals apply through the Colombian Embassy in Luanda, Angola.

SMMLV 2026 = COP 1,423,500/month. Study fee (USD 255) non-refundable, paid at application. Issuance fee (USD 232) paid only upon approval.

Mandatory Health Insurance in Colombia

Colombian law requires all Visa M holders to maintain continuous health coverage. Santomean nationals may enroll in a contributory EPS upon taking formal employment, or obtain a private health insurance policy that meets Migración Colombia's minimum coverage standards upon arrival. In São Tomé and Príncipe, the Hospital Dr. Ayres de Menezes is the main referral facility, supplemented by INSS (national social insurance) and limited private options. Medical evacuations from STP typically go to Libreville (Gabon) or Lisbon, as malaria remains endemic.

Given the absence of a bilateral health agreement between STP and Colombia, and the limited recognition of Santomean INSS contributions in the Colombian system, private health insurance is the standard and most practical compliance route for newly arriving nationals. CoVisas Colombia partners with leading Colombian insurers to provide compliant, cost-effective plans tailored to the needs of Lusophone African nationals.

Tax Residency in Colombia: No Double-Taxation Treaty with São Tomé and Príncipe

There is no Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation (CDI) between Colombia and São Tomé and Príncipe. Santomean nationals who become Colombian tax residents — by spending more than 183 days in Colombia in any 365-day period — become subject to Colombian income tax on their worldwide income at progressive rates up to 39%, without any formal offset mechanism for taxes paid in STP.

São Tomé and Príncipe's tax authority, the DGCI (Direção Geral das Contribuições e Impostos), administers a progressive IRPS (personal income tax) with rates up to 25%. The economy is primarily based on cocoa, palm oil, and fisheries, with the STN currency pegged to the euro. There is no capital gains tax and no inheritance tax in STP. Santomean nationals with business interests or income-generating assets in STP should consult an international tax advisor to manage potential dual-taxation exposure in the absence of a CDI framework.

Document Legalization for Colombia (Non-Hague Country)

São Tomé and Príncipe is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. All official documents from STP must therefore undergo a four-step authentication chain before they are accepted by Colombian authorities. Documents are issued in Portuguese and must be translated into Spanish.

1. Notarize or authenticate the document before the competent authority in São Tomé (notary, court registrar, or the issuing government body). The document must carry an original signature and official seal.
2. Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of São Tomé and Príncipe — the MoFA in São Tomé city must certify the signature and seal of the issuing authority.
3. Authentication by the Colombian Embassy in Luanda, Angola — the Embassy (accredited for STP) must then legalize the MoFA certification, confirming the document's validity for use in Colombia.
4. Certified Portuguese-to-Spanish translation — all documents must be translated into Spanish by a translator certified by the Colombian Superior Council of the Judicature (Consejo Superior de la Judicatura) or recognized by the Colombian Consulate.

Criminal Record Certificate (Registo Criminal)

For the Visa M application, Colombia requires a police clearance covering the past three years. Santomean nationals obtain their Registo Criminal from the Polícia Nacional of São Tomé and Príncipe or from the Ministry of Interior in São Tomé. Nationals residing abroad may request this through the STP Embassy in Lisbon. The certificate must then follow the four-step legalization process above, including Portuguese-to-Spanish translation.