Program
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by InvestmentNew
New
Program Overview
Minimum Contribution
$90,000 National Transformation Fund Contribution
Minimum Investment
N/A Real Estate
Time to Citizenship
Approx. 5-6 Months
Visa-free Access
93+ Countries
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Requirements
In 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe introduced its Citizenship by Investment Program, making it one of the most recent additions to the global investment migration market.
Applicants contribute to the country’s National Transformation Fund, which supports long-term national priorities such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, education, infrastructure, and social development.
This initiative provides a straightforward, fast-track route to second citizenship while actively supporting the sustainable growth of one of Africa’s most peaceful island nations.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be in good health
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Pass due diligence checks (interview may be requested in rare cases)
- Provide proof of a legitimate source of funds
- Provide the required medical certificate
Eligible Dependents
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children up to age 30, subject to the programme’s dependency requirements
- Parents or grandparents aged 55+, subject to the programme’s dependency requirements
Nationality Restrictions
- Eligibility may be restricted for nationals of jurisdictions designated by the Government under applicable sanctions, security or judicial-cooperation rules. Confirm the current exclusion list at the time of application.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Benefits
Visa-Free Travel
Visa-free access to 93+ countries.
Guaranteed by Law
The program is established under the Citizenship Act and has been officially backed by the government since 2025.
Fast and Straightforward Process
Average decision time of about 2 months, followed by approximately 3-4 months for the post-approval passport stage.
No Visit or Residency Requirements
Applicants are not required to visit or reside in São Tomé and Príncipe to obtain or maintain their citizenship.
Inclusive Family Policy
Citizenship can be extended to your spouse, children up to age 30, and parents or grandparents over 55.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
São Tomé and Príncipe permits multiple nationality. Applicants should also confirm the rules of their existing nationality.
Tax Residence Is Separate from Citizenship
Citizenship alone does not determine tax residence. Tax treatment depends on residence status, income source and the individual’s circumstances.
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE | Citizenship by Investment
Legal Basis in São Tomé and Príncipe
The programme is governed by São Tomé and Príncipe Nationality Law No. 7/2022, as amended, together with Decree-Law No. 07/2025 of 1 August 2025, which approved the Regulation of Nationality by Investment or Donation.
Costs of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
Single Applicant
$90,000
Family of 2-4
$95,000
Each Additional Qualifying Dependant
$5,000
Due Diligence & Processing Fee
$5,000 per application
Citizenship Documents
$750 per applicant
Spouse
$10,000
Each Other Qualifying Dependant
$5,000
Newborn child up to 1 Year
$500
Post-Approval Inclusion Submission Fee
$5,000 per request
Benefactor Due Diligence Fee
$5,000
Application Process For São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
Application Process
Approx. 5-6 Months
- Step 1Appoint a licensed Marketing Agent and prepare the application documents.
- Step 2Submit the complete electronic application and pay the US$5,000 due-diligence/processing fee.
- Step 3The CIU completes preliminary review and comprehensive due diligence. Additional information or an interview may be requested.
- Step 4After the statutory prior opinion, the CIU Director issues the approval or refusal decision.
- Step 5If approved, pay the National Transformation Fund contribution within 90 days.
- Step 6Complete the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance.
- Step 7The CIU sends the file to the Central Registry for transcription and registration.
- Step 8Citizenship documents, National ID and passport are issued after registration.
PORTUGAL | RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT
READY TO APPLY?
Visa-free Countries for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
VISA-FREE, VISA-ON ARRIVAL, AND EVISA COUNTRIES
93+ Countries
Visa-free access (26 countries & territories)
- Bahamas
- Benin
- Costa Rica
- Dominica
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Jamaica
- Kosovo
- Malaysia
- Micronesia
- Nicaragua
- Palestine
- Panama
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Zambia
Visa on arrival (25 countries & territories)
- Bangladesh
- Bolivia
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde
- Comoros
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
- Jordan
- Laos
- Macao
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nepal
- Palau
- Saint Lucia
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Tuvalu
eVisa access (48 countries & territories)
- Albania
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahrain
- Bhutan
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Colombia
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Cuba
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Georgia
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kyrgyzstan
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Mauritania
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Nigeria
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Qatar
- Russia
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Syria
- Thailand
- Togo
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
Visa required (99 countries & territories)
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Central African Republic
- Chile
- China
- Congo
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Myanmar
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Niger
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Sudan
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Tajikistan
- Tonga
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vatican City
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Download brochure
Content
- São Tomé and Príncipe Country Profile
- Benefits of the Program
- Investment Requirements
- Investment Process
Length
4 pages
Language
English & Arabic
size
1 mb
ABOUT SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
CAPITAL
São Tomé
TOTAL AREA
1,001 km²
POPULATION
233,100
LANGUAGE(S)
Portuguese
CURRENCY
São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = STN 21
GDP – PER CAPITA (2025)
$3,570
GDP – TOTAL (2025)
$860 million
About São Tomé and Príncipe
The islands of São Tomé and Príncipe are among Africa’s most untouched treasures, set in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of Central Africa.
Known for their pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rare biodiversity, the islands offer a unique combination of natural beauty and political stability.
Often called the “African Galápagos,” São Tomé and Príncipe provides a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks, cocoa plantations, and turquoise waters.
Its culture blends African and European influences, with Portuguese as the official language and a vibrant mix of traditions shaping local life.
The economy is supported by eco-tourism, cocoa production, agriculture, and renewable energy projects, while the government is increasingly committed to sustainable development.
This focus makes the country not only an attractive place to live but also a meaningful destination for investment.
With a population of just over 200,000 people, São Tomé and Príncipe offers safety, tranquility, and accessibility.
Citizens enjoy visa-free access to several regions, and the country maintains strong international partnerships, benefiting from its favorable tax environment and global connectivity.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a full member of the United Nations, African Union, Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and the World Bank, reflecting its international standing.
The islands’ charm lies in their balance: a peaceful small-nation lifestyle with the advantages of global mobility. For investors and families, São Tomé and Príncipe is a path to both opportunity and serenity.
Where is São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small two-island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. It lies close to the equator, about 250 km (155 miles) from the coast of Gabon, making it one of the most naturally rich and biodiverse countries in the region.
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE | Citizenship by Investment
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