Sào Tomé is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, just off the west coast part of Africa.
As a business environment, the country’s (STP) investment priorities are:
- Agriculture
- Fisheries
- Tourism
- Infrastructure
- Hub function
Owing to the above-stated priorities, a continued democratic and peaceful environment, and a high literacy rate, Sào Tomé is evolving as a fast-growing economy.
Company Structures
The law of Sào Tomé E Principe on companies identifies four types of companies, of which three are prevalent in the country. These include
- Limited liability (sociedade por quotas)
- Joint stock corporation (sociedade anonima)
- Single-member private limited company (Sociedade unipessoal)
Limited liability (sociedade por quotas)
Limited liability in the country has two members (individuals or companies). It is formed to incorporate or include establishments or enterprises that are of small or medium size.
There are requirements necessary to establish a limited liability company in Sào Tomé, and in the capital, the capital of a Sociedade por quotas amount to the minimum amount of 150,000 New Dobras. This will enable the smooth running of the enterprise.
Joint stock corporation (sociedade anonima)
A company that is a joint-stock corporation, has at least a minimum of ten shareholders (individuals or companies).
Companies that offer share capital to the public for subscription are public joint-stock corporations, or companies, where the share capital is privately held, are private joint-stock corporations.
These companies are required by the Sào Tomé E Principe to have a minimum capital of 350,000 New Dobras. Though companies that are active in some sectors are given a different minimum requirement.
Single-member private limited company (Sociedade unipessoal)
A single-member private limited company is also almost like a sole proprietorship. Though basically, it is a limited liability company, it is established by one member or a sole member, this could either be an individual or a legal entity.
The share capital is held by only the sole member, therefore the directions and the decision-making of the company are being handled by this individual who can also be seen as the owner of the single-member private limited company.
The Sào Tomé E Principe ensures that the minimum capital of such type of company is 20,000 New Dobras. The sole proprietor takes responsibility for all this.
