São Tomé CBI Program Receives 98 Applications Since Launch

São Tomé and Príncipe has received 98 applications from 27 nationalities since launching its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in September 2025. Authorities issued the first passport in January 2026.

Applicant Nationalities

Russian applicants represent the largest share with 22 submissions, followed by China and Germany. These three nationalities account for 55 percent of total applications received to date.

India and Nigeria round out the top five markets. Smaller application volumes were recorded from additional European, Middle Eastern, and African jurisdictions, as well as the United States and Latin America.

Processing Status

Authorities have approved 27 applications, with an average processing time of approximately 2.5 months. One file was approved in four weeks, indicating a range in processing timelines.

Seventy-one applications remain under review, while 36 are awaiting formal submission through marketing agents