SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE

CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program, introduced by the Government of the São Tomé and Príncipe in August 1st 2025, offers foreign investors the opportunity to acquire irrevocable citizenship without interview and residency requirements or the need to renounce their current nationality. São Tomé and Príncipe, a small country in Africa, is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and several international organizations, including the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. The country is also an observer to the World Trade Organization.

CITIZENSHIP INVEST IS
GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZED

Citizenship Invest is officially authorized by São Tomé and Príncipe to process citizenship and passport applications. The company has a proven track record
of success, having processed a high volume of citizenship cases for various governments over the years. It has helped families and individuals from more than 85 countries acquire Citizenship by Investment.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program is governed by Decree Law No. 07/2025 Regulation of Nationality by Investment or Donation, published in the Diário da República on August 1, 2025. The government has introduced a six-week processing timeline and created a Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). This unit will be overseen by STP Service Advisory, a newly established public-private entity based in the United Arab Emirates, which will handle citizenship applications under government oversight.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

SIMPLE PROCESS
AFFORDABLE PLAN B

Experience one of the most affordable Citizenship by Investment programs in the world with São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment.

Secure Investment
The investment is only payable after receiving São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, not before.

Family Benefits
Spouse and Dependent children up to 30 years old, Parents 55 years and above included in one application.

Your future family members can also obtain citizenship by descent. Dual Citizenship and Privacy
You can keep your current citizenship(s) without renouncing them.

There's no notification to your home country regarding your new São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment.

Minimum Application Requirements
There are no physical residency requirements, and you can apply immediately

No need for an interview, language test, education, or management experience.
GLOBAL MOBILITY
EASE OF TRAVEL

Enhance your global mobility with convenient travel options, including e-visas to the UAE and Qatar and simplified visa applications when needed, providing a valuable asset for international travel, business, and cultural exchange.

Sao Tome Principe passport holders can travel visa-free/eVisa to 93 countries including South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore

WEALTH PROTECTION
Tax and Financial Advantages

Citizens enjoy zero tax on wealth and inheritance, with opportunities for legal tax restructuring, global diversification, estate planning, business expansion, political risk mitigation, and enhanced privacy protection.

Non-residents only pay tax on income they earn from sources within São Tomé and Príncipe.

SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE PASSPORT VISA FREE COUNTRIES

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship offers Visa-Free/eVisa to 99 countries including South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore

99
COUNTRIES

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship offers Visa-Free/eVisa to 99 countries including South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore

AMERICAS
  • Bolivia*
    Colombia*
    Costa Rica
    Ecuador
    El Salvador
    Guatemala
    Guyana*
    Haiti
    Honduras
    Nicaragua
    Panama
    Suriname*
EUROPE
  • Albania*
    Georgia*
    Kosovo
    Moldova*
ASIA
  • Bangladesh
    Bhutan*
    Cambodia*
    Hong Kong
    Indonesia*
    Iran*
    Israel*
    Jordan*
    Kazakhstan*
    Kyrgyzstan*
    Laos*
    Malaysia
    Maldives
    Mongolia*
    Nepal*
    Pakistan*
    Philippines
    Singapore
    South Korea*
    Sri Lanka**
    Syria*
    Thailand*
    Timor-Leste
    Vietnam*
AFRICA
  • Angola
    Benin
    Botswana*
    Burkina Faso*
    Burundi
    Cameroon*
    Cape Verde
    Comoros
    DR Congo*
    Egypt
    Equatorial Guinea*
    Ethiopia*
    Gabon*
    Gambia
    Ghana
    Guinea*
    Guinea-Bissau
    Ivory Coast**
    Kenya
    Lesotho*
    Liberia*
    Malawi*
    Mauritania*
    Mauritius
    Mozambique*
    Namibia*
    Nigeria*
    Rwanda
    Seychelles**
    Sierra Leone
    South Africa
    South Sudan*
    Tanzania*
    Togo*
    Uganda*
    Zambia
    Zimbabwe*
OCEANIA
  • Australia*
    Cook Islands
    Micronesia
    Niue
    Palau
    Samoa
    Tuvalu
CARIBBEAN
  • Anguilla*
    Antigua and Barbuda*
    Bahamas
    Barbados
    Cuba*
    Dominica
    Montserrat*
    Saint Kitts and Nevis*
    Saint Lucia
    Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Middle East
  • Bahrain*
    Oman*
    Palestine
    Qatar*
    United Arab Emirates*

The list of countries is subject to variations depending on each government's policy and so is access to these countries. *eVisa access **eTA

INVESTMENT TYPE AND COSTS

Investors may obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the São Tomé and Príncipe National Transformation Fund.

DONATION

NON-REFUNDABLE CONTRIBUTION

The São Tomé and Príncipe National Transformation Fund supports vital development projects, including renewable energy infrastructure, housing, education, and nationwide socioeconomic and infrastructure improvements such as road construction.

  • Single Applicant US$ 90,000
  • Family of Two to Four US$ 95,000
  • Any Additional Dependent US$ 5,000

GOVERNMENT FEES

SUBMISSION AND PASSPORT FEES

In addition to making a financial contribution, there are additional government fees to be paid.

  • Submission Fees US$ 5,000
  • Passport Fees US$ 350
  • Certificate of Registration US$ 250

OTHER COSTS

In addition to the required investment, there are other costs for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program which are Citizenship Invest professional fees, documents certifications when applicable, courier fees, and other small disbursements. If you wish to receive a detailed quotation outlining all costs, please contact us.

DUE DILIGENCE
AND BACKGROUND CHECKS

Applicable to all investment options

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Unit (CBIU) conducts thorough due diligence on all applicants to ensure that only reputable individuals and families obtain the citizenship. The government appoints a preferred due diligence agency to conduct international and local background checks using sources like Interpol, World-Check, and other government agencies.

DUE DILIGENCE FEES
  • Per Application US$ 5,000

INVESTMENT SECURITY

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program has successfully attracted applicants from around the world. Investment funds are secure, as they are only payable once the citizenship application is approved by the government. Through this program, Citizenship Invest is helping hundreds of families transform their lives.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE

  • WEEK
    1-2

    Pre-screening and Document Submission

    The process begins with CI pre-screening your passport for government pre-approval to ensure a smooth and efficient application. Once cleared, the client pays the retainer fees to initiate the application.


    With CI’s expert guidance, all required documents are collected for government processing. After the application file is complete, CI submits it to the government on your behalf.


    At this stage, the Government Processing Fees, Due Diligence fees, and CI’s submission invoice become payable.


     


    WEEK
    1-2

  • MONTH
    1

    Government Due Diligence and Approval

    The Government conducts a thorough Due Diligence review of your citizenship application. Based on the findings, a decision is issued.


    Once approved, you will then receive an invitation to proceed with the required donation or investment.


    MONTH
    1

  • MONTH
    2

    Receiving Citizenship and Final Payment

    Once the donation is made to the government and the funds are cleared, you will receive your citizenship certificates and passports.


    At this final stage, the remaining balance of the professional fee is settled.


    MONTH
    2

The estimated time to receive citizenship approval depends on the due diligence processing time and the specific case

DOWNLOAD
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE CITIZENSHIP BROCHURE

CONTENT
  • Program Overview
  • Citizenship Law
  • Benefits Of The Program
  • Applicants Qualification
  • Investment requirements
  • Application Fees
  • Document Checklist
  • List of countries Visa free and on arrival
DOWNLOAD

15 pages 700Kb

Eligibility requirements

AGE

The applicant must be at least 18 years old.

GOOD CHARACTER

The applicant must have a clean criminal record and a good reputation.

HEALTH

The applicant must be in good health and provide a medical certificate to prove it.

TRUSTWORTHINESS

The applicant must provide evidence of the source of funds used for the investment, have no previous visa rejection from a country with which Vanuatu has a visa-free agreement, and have no travel restrictions or sanctions imposed by international organisations.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Citizenship Invest facilitates a smooth and efficient process for obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport. Our dedicated Document Collection Specialist minimizes the documentation burden by streamlining the application process. When necessary, we are also able to secure required documents on your behalf, with minimal involvement from your side. Please note that the requirements outlined below serve as general guidelines, our team will assess your individual case and provide a customized checklist tailored to your specific circumstances.

  • Application forms.
  • Certified copy of all passports held.
  • Certified copy of Photo Identity Card.
  • An original excerpt of the complete birth record or a certified copy of the full birth certificate with MOFA attestation (i.e., a birth document that includes your parent’s information or a household register, family book, or similar).
  • Personal CV with Education and Employment History (Main App + Spouse).
  • An original police record from the applicant’s country of birth, country of citizenship, country of residence (if different), and any country where the applicant has resided for at least one (1) year in the previous ten (10) years, for each applicant sixteen (16) years and older.
  • One original bank reference letter from an internationally recognised bank that is not older than six months.
  • One original Employment letter.
  • Certified copy of university/college diplomas
  • Proof of residence (original utility bill/copy of valid tenancy contract)
  • Original Medical Certificate.
  • Eight (8) Original passport-size photos.
  • Original excerpt of marriage record or certified copy of marriage certificates with MOFA attestation (if applicable).
  • Certified copy of divorce documents with MOFA attestation (if applicable)

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions
Citizenship by Investment in São Tomé and Príncipe is a government-approved program that grants citizenship and passport to eligible individuals and their families in exchange for an investment that supports national development.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment program offers a fast, straightforward path to a second passport with family inclusion, global mobility, alternative residency rights, and strategic wealth protection through legal tax and financial benefits.
The major criterion is that you make a qualifying financial contribution to São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy of at least USD 90,000. Other prerequisites include passing a background check and being in good health and character.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant, with family packages from USD 95,000, plus government fees including submission, passport issuance, and registration.
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment can be obtained in as little as 1-2 months through a streamlined approval process.
Yes, the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program allows you to include your spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, and parents aged 55 and above in a single application.
Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship acquired through investment is permanent and can be passed down to future generations.
Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment can be obtained without visiting or residing in the country. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is based in the United Arab Emirates, making the process more efficient.
No, São Tomé and Príncipe allows its nationals to hold dual citizenship without any restrictions.

CONTACT AN ADVISOR

TESTIMONIALS

Poorya B.
11:27 12 Apr 25
Truly enjoyed the process and facilitating the work for us.I advise them strongly.Thanks Zana for his support locally
Fatima F.
10:29 05 Mar 25
Citizenship Invest, and especially Wissam and Julie, have truly been life-changing for me. They helped me get a new citizenship in such a short time, making the entire process unbelievably smooth and hassle-free. I can’t express how grateful I am for their professionalism, dedication, and genuine care. Julie handled everything with such expertise, and was incredibly supportive throughout.The entire team at CI is amazing—efficient, trustworthy, and truly invested in helping their clients. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for expert guidance!
Azeem A. N.
09:10 27 Jan 25
I had a fantastic experience with the advisors Farzona and Melanie in Citizenship Invest Dubai office. They provided excellent support in securing Antigua and Barbuda citizenship for my family of 4. We received our passports in November 2024 within period of almost 8 months. But the team was available throughout the process for guidance and support. Thank you Farzona and Melanie.
Mohammed M.
06:58 23 Dec 24
Highly rated citizenship program services by this professionals additionally Mr.Tausif . Great work with timely updates and follow backs .
Murtaza K.
11:40 16 Dec 24
I must admire the professionalism and knowledge of Mr. Touseef Khan for helping me with my decision. It was seamless process and received great support from Mr Touseef and the entire CI team. Highly recommend them for professionalim and transparency.
V
11:19 06 Nov 24
I would like to highlight the high level of professionalism of this team. I especially appreciate the work of the department head, Farzona. The file for obtaining a Grenada passport was prepared in the shortest possible time, and there was not a single question during the entire audit process. I have had experience working with other teams, and IC definitely stands out in a positive way.
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