São Tomé and Príncipe Launches a New US$90,000 CBI Program

São Tomé and Príncipe has officially launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, giving foreign nationals the opportunity to acquire citizenship through a US$90,000 contribution.

The program became legally effective on August 1, 2025, and applications will begin in the first week of September.

The program operates under a public-private partnership model and will be processed through a newly established Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU), headquartered in Dubai.

Key Features of the Program

Submission Fee

US$5,000 per application (flat, regardless of family size)

Donation (after Approval in Principle)

• Single applicant: US$90,000
• Family of 2–4: US$95,000 total
• Each additional dependent: US$5,000

Post-Approval Government Fees (per person)

• Passport issuance: US$350
• National ID: US$150
• Certificate of Registration: US$250

Processing Time

• Around six weeks from submission to approval

Eligible Dependents

• Spouse
• Children up to age 30 (unmarried and financially dependent)
• Parents aged 55 and over

Future Additions to the Family

• Newborns and new spouses can be added later for an additional fee

There are no interviews or residency requirements, and most nationalities are eligible, only North Korea is excluded.

What Makes São Tomé and Príncipe Worth Considering

Set in the Gulf of Guinea, São Tomé and Príncipe is one of Africa’s smallest countries, but it’s full of quiet appeal. A former Portuguese colony, it offers a peaceful, tropical lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Beyond the scenery, São Tomé is serious about development. The government is heavily investing in renewable energy, infrastructure, and eco-tourism, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability.

You also get:

• Visa-free and visa on arrival access to 57 countries
• A welcoming approach to foreigners
• Low crime, clean air, and a growing international interest in its future

Economic Impact and National Vision

All contributions from the CBI program will be directed into a National Transformation Fund, with the flagship project being a nationwide renewable energy infrastructure initiative.

This project will enable São Tomé to become one of the few countries in the world to operate fully on clean energy.

Subsequent investments will support:

• Affordable housing
• Education
• Road development
• Local entrepreneurship and small businesses

The program is a tool to drive foreign direct investment, create local jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth.

The Next Steps

As a new entrant to the global investment migration landscape, São Tomé and Príncipe’s CBI program reflects a modern, streamlined approach rooted in both efficiency and inclusivity. Though the legal framework is now in place, some operational details are still being finalized.