Sao Tome and Principe vs Japan
Tax Rate Comparison
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Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
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Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
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🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe — Sao Tome & Principe Tax System
Sao Tome and Principe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with progressive income tax up to 25%. IVA (VAT) is 15%. The economy has long been dominated by cocoa exports and foreign aid. Offshore oil potential (Joint Development Zone with Nigeria) has not yet materialized in significant production. The country joined the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative).
🇯🇵 Japan — Prefectural & Municipal Inhabitant Tax
Japan's 47 prefectures levy inhabitant tax (住民税) at a flat 10% on top of national income tax — 4% prefectural + 6% municipal. A reconstruction special income tax of 2.1% of national tax applies through 2037. Property acquisition tax and fixed asset tax (1.4% of assessed value) are levied locally. Large cities impose additional taxes on large businesses.
Sao Tome and Principe vs Japan: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇯🇵 Japan has a higher top income tax rate (0–25% vs 5–45%). 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Sao Tome and Principe has a higher consumption tax (15% vs 8–10%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇸🇹 Sao Tome and Principe offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 30.62%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇯🇵 Japan taxes investment gains at a lower rate (20.315% vs 25%), benefiting investors.