Social Security Contributions in Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe operates a mandatory social security system administered by the Instituto Nacional de Seguranca Social (INSS). Both employees and employers must contribute to the system, which provides retirement pensions, disability benefits, and survivor benefits.

Overview of INSS

The INSS manages several benefit programs:

Contribution Rates (2026)

Contributions are calculated as a percentage of the employee's gross monthly salary, subject to a maximum monthly ceiling of Db 500,000.

Employee Contributions (Total: 4%)

Employer Contributions (Total: 8%)

Registration

All employers must register with the INSS. Registration requires:

Monthly Declarations

Employers must submit monthly contribution declarations to the INSS, detailing:

Declarations and payments are due by the 15th day of the following month.

Social Security Benefits

Retirement Pension

Disability Benefits

Survivor Benefits

International Social Security

Sao Tome and Principe has limited bilateral social security agreements. Employees seconded to Sao Tome and Principe from countries with agreements may be exempt from INSS contributions for a limited period.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

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