International hiring solutions
Hiring in Sao Tome and Principe
Compliantly hire and pay employees in Sao Tome and Principe.
No in-country entity needed.
Hiring in São Tomé and Príncipe presents a unique opportunity and set of challenges for global organizations. This small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa, boasts a distinctive job market shaped by its tropical location and rich cultural heritage. São Tomé and Príncipe’s job market is characterized by a blend of local traditions, colonial history, and emerging economic prospects.
Understanding the local hiring landscape in São Tomé and Príncipe is crucial for global organizations looking to establish a presence or expand their operations in this picturesque yet relatively undiscovered destination.
Common challenges when recruiting in Sao Tome and Principe
Hiring in São Tomé and Príncipe comes with its own set of challenges, largely due to its unique location, cultural factors, and economic landscape. However, with the right strategies and services, these challenges can be overcome to build a successful workforce in this enchanting island nation.
Limited talent pool: São Tomé and Príncipe is a relatively small country with a limited population. Finding highly specialized talent can be challenging, particularly for niche industries. Consider establishing partnerships or remote work arrangements with international experts to supplement the local talent pool.
Language barriers: Portuguese is the official language, which can pose communication challenges for organizations that do not have Portuguese-speaking staff. Invest in language training programs to bridge the communication gap. Bilingual candidates can also be actively sought after.
Work ethic: Work culture in São Tomé and Príncipe may differ from what international organizations are accustomed to, potentially leading to productivity issues. Train staff in cultural sensitivity to understand and respect local work customs and habits.
Breedj offers a range of services tailored to help global organizations navigate São Tomé and Príncipe’s hiring landscape. From talent acquisition to compliance, Breedj provides invaluable support to streamline the hiring process. Their expertise ensures that international organizations can hire compliantly, overcome challenges, and thrive in São Tomé and Príncipe’s unique business environment.
Sao Tome and Principe's workforce profile
São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, boasts a unique workforce with distinct characteristics that global organizations should consider when hiring in this picturesque but economically developing country.
Education levels: São Tomé and Príncipe has made strides in improving its education system, with a focus on basic education. However, higher education opportunities remain limited, and many locals seek further education abroad. International organizations looking for specialized skills may find a relatively smaller pool of highly educated professionals within the country.
Language skills: Portuguese is the official language of São Tomé and Príncipe. Proficiency in Portuguese is essential for conducting business and communication within the country. International organizations should prioritize hiring candidates with strong Portuguese language skills or invest in language training programs.
Specialization: São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy primarily relies on agriculture, fisheries, and emerging oil-related industries. Therefore, the local workforce often has skills and experience in these sectors. For international organizations in other industries, finding specialized talent can be a challenge. Cross-training and upskilling programs may be necessary to align the workforce with specific industry needs.
Impact on hiring decisions: Understanding São Tomé and Príncipe’s workforce profile is crucial for international organizations. It highlights the importance of language proficiency and the need for investing in education and skills development programs. It also underscores the significance of cross-cultural sensitivity when working with a relatively small and close-knit community of professionals.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s unique workforce profile presents both opportunities and challenges for international organizations. Adapting hiring strategies to align with the local context and investing in skills development can help organizations thrive in this idyllic island nation.
Country fact sheet
São Tomé and Príncipe dobra (STN)
São Tomé
219,000 (2021)
Central Africa
GMT+0
Portuguese
Compliance guaranteed
Breedj's local employment expertise in Sao Tome and Principe
By partnering with Breedj, you can eliminate the need to establish an in-country entity, and thus, saving valuable time and resources while benefiting from our local expertise to guarantee full compliance for your business operations.
Our platform has been designed to seamlessly take care of every aspect of the local employment environment, while you focus on your core operations.
Employment contracts
We handle employment contracts for both global employees and contractors.
Guaranteed compliance
Breedj ensures full compliance with your workers' local labor laws.
Global payroll
Our platform ensures accurate and timely international salary payments.
Legal expertise
Leverage Breedj's extensive expertise to navigate diverse employment laws.
Tax & contributions
Breedj handles tax & mandatory contributions as required by local labor laws.
Multiple currencies
Your workers are paid in their local currency, directly to their bank account.
Public holidays in Sao Tome and Principe
São Tomé and Príncipe observes several public holidays throughout the year, and businesses operating in the country should be aware of these dates to plan their operations and understand potential disruptions. Here is a list of official public holidays in São Tomé and Príncipe:
- New Year’s Day (Dia de Ano Novo) – January 1st
- Heroes’ Day (Dia dos Heróis Nacionais) – February 3rd
- Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador) – May 1st
- Independence Day (Dia da Independência) – July 12th
- Sao Tomé Day (Dia de São Tomé) – July 6th
- Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora) – August 15th
- All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos) – November 1st
- All Souls’ Day (Dia de Finados) – November 2nd
- Christmas Day (Dia de Natal) – December 25th
Please note that these dates may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s essential to check the official holiday calendar for the most up-to-date information. On these holidays, government offices, banks, and many businesses are typically closed. Understanding these holidays can help organizations plan their operations, meetings, and workforce management effectively in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Labor regulations
20 days
15 days
12 weeks
2 to 5 days
Up to 3 months
Choose an EOR platform with a sustainable vision.
Become part of a collective effort to shape a more sustainable world and directly contribute to the United Nations Development Goals (SDGs).
Sao Tome and Principe labor market trends
São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, has a unique labor market characterized by its small population and primarily agrarian economy. Understanding the current labor market trends is crucial for businesses operating in this tropical paradise.
Agriculture dominates the labor market: Agriculture remains the backbone of São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy, employing a significant portion of the population. Cocoa and coffee production are the primary agricultural activities, and these sectors offer employment opportunities for a substantial portion of the workforce.
Tourism on the rise: The tourism sector has been growing steadily in recent years. São Tomé and Príncipe’s stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and biodiversity are attracting tourists, leading to increased demand for hospitality and service-related jobs. This trend presents opportunities for locals and expatriates with relevant skills.
Skills gap challenges: Despite the growing tourism sector, São Tomé and Príncipe faces a skills gap in certain industries. Businesses seeking specialized talent may need to look beyond the local workforce or invest in training and development programs.
Limited industrialization: The country’s industrial sector is relatively small, limiting opportunities in manufacturing and heavy industries. However, there are efforts to promote economic diversification and encourage foreign investment, which could lead to job creation in these sectors.
Youth unemployment: São Tomé and Príncipe grapples with youth unemployment, a common challenge in many developing nations. Strategies aimed at addressing this issue include education and vocational training programs to equip the youth with skills relevant to the evolving labor market.
Foreign investment: The government of São Tomé and Príncipe is actively seeking foreign investment to stimulate economic growth. Companies entering the market should consider collaborations with local entities and actively engage with government initiatives to harness opportunities.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s labor market is evolving, with agriculture and tourism as key drivers of employment. Understanding the country’s unique economic landscape and workforce dynamics is essential for businesses looking to operate successfully in this picturesque nation. Addressing skills gaps and youth unemployment will be vital for the sustainable development of the labor market in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Breedj's platform
54 countries
Africa
Supports multiple currencies
Onboard workers in less than 24 hours
Testimonials
What they say about Breedj
Breedj streamlined our global hiring process, making it easy to find and pay remote talents. Our team loves how the platform handles payments and compliance.
Global expansion simplified
Confidently expand to Sao Tome and Principe
Breedj stands out as the preferred global employment solutions provider for several reasons, offering organizations a competitive edge with a range of scalable global employment solutions.
Cost effective
Drastically reduce administrative and overhead costs related to managing global employees.
100% compliant
Stay up to date with the ever changing global legislations, policies and local labor laws.
Peace of mind
Get direct access to our global employment experts to mitigate legal risks and penalties.
Fast-track market entry
Bypass the complexities associated with establishing a branch office or in-country.
Help emerging countries
Encourage growth and uplift lesser served regions by giving a job to talented remote professionals.
Support United Nations development goals
Directly support at least four sustainable development goals, simply by using our platform.