Updated 16 November 2025
16 September 2025 • The Citizenship by Investment Unit of the Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe opened an office in Dubai • Source
1 August 2025 • The Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe launched its citizenship by investment program • Source
Changes are monitored by Stepan Makarov Stepan Makarov

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea. Investors obtain the country’s passport to open accounts in foreign banks and create a Plan B for their entire family.

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

$90,000

Minimum investment

2+ months

Obtaining period

70+ countries

Visa-free

São Tomé and Príncipe has offered citizenship by investment since August 2025. Foreigners can obtain a passport by making a non–refundable contribution to a state fund.

Applicants are not required to demonstrate knowledge of the country’s language, culture, or history. There are also no residency requirements before or after obtaining the passport.

An investor’s family can obtain citizenship together with the main applicant; the application may include a spouse, children, and parents.

São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship. Investors may keep their original citizenship, as the country allows multiple nationalities.

7 benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

Fast process

An investor’s application is reviewed within six weeks. The procedure is fully remote and takes about two months to complete.

Low costs

The minimum investment is $90,000, making it one of the most affordable citizenship programs in the world. For comparison, Vanuatu requires $130,000, and Nauru requires $105,000.

Citizenship for the whole family

A spouse, children, and parents of the main applicant can obtain citizenship together with them. Relatives may also be added after the passport has been issued.

Fast‑track to Portuguese citizenship

as a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, São Tomé and Príncipe also gives investors access to Portugal’s expedited naturalisation route in 7 years instead of 10.

Access to banking services

Residents of São Tomé and Príncipe can open bank accounts, hold savings, and make international transfers.

Business opportunities

The country combines a strategic location with low labour costs. Entrepreneurs establish companies in green energy, logistics, and agribusiness.

No residence requirements

Investors are not required to visit São Tomé and Príncipe before or after obtaining citizenship. Knowledge of the national language, culture, or history is not required either.

70+ visa-free countries with a São Tomé and Príncipe passport

Asia

Bangladesh

East Timor

Iran

Vietnam

Cambodia

+8 countries

Laos

Nepal

Singapore

Sri Lanka

Philippines

Malaysia

Maldives

Hong Kong

Macau

America

Bahamas

Barbados

Bolivia

Costa Rica

Cuba

+9 countries

Dominica

El Salvador

Guatemala

Haiti

Honduras

Nicaragua

Panama

Saint Lucia

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Suriname

Ecuador

View all

Licensed agent

Participation in the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program is only possible through a licensed agent. The government licence of São Tomé and Príncipe confirms the professionalism of the Passportivity legal team and guarantees the success of your case.

With us, you can be confident in transparency, legality, and security at every stage of your journey towards new citizenship.

Requirements to apply for São Tomé and Príncipe

Over 18 years old
No criminal record
No serious illnesses
Not listed on sanctions lists
Has not been banned from entering countries with which São Tomé and Príncipe has a visa–free regime

Spouse

Up to 30 years old
Unmarried
Financially dependent on the main applicant

Over 55 years old

Investment options for obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

Option Non-refundable contribution — $90,000+
Details

The investment is transferred to the National Transformation Fund, which supports projects in renewable energy, education, and infrastructure.

If the application is submitted by a family of up to 4 people, the contribution amounts to $95,000. For the 5th and each additional family member, an extra $5,000 is charged.

Additional costs

$5,000
Application fee

$750+
Additional expenses and government fees

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Key documents to apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

  • Application for citizenship
  • Copies of passports of all applicants
  • Police clearance certificate from the country of citizenship and from any country of residence during the past five years
  • Tax declaration
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of source of income
  • Medical certificate of good health

How to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

A compliance specialist reviews the investor’s background to identify any potential obstacles to obtaining second citizenship in advance.

The check is confidential and only takes one day.

2.

Document collection

The investor gathers documents according to an individual list and submits the originals to the lawyers. They prepare the documents for submission, including translation, notarisation, and apostille.

3.

Application submission

The lawyers submit the application to the CIU, Citizenship by Investment and Donations Unit. The investor pays a $5,000 fee, regardless of the composition of the application.

4.

Due Diligence

The CIU conducts a background check, verifying the investor’s biography, sources of income, and criminal record.

5.

Investment transfer

Once the investor receives approval from the CIU, they transfer the funds to the National Transformation Fund. After payment is confirmed, the investor receives a naturalisation certificate.

6.

Passport issuance 🔥

The investor receives the passport. Citizenship status is permanent, but the passport must be renewed every five years.

Why choose us

1

Licensed agent

Passportivity is an official representative of the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program.

The firm is authorised to represent investors’ interests and operates strictly in accordance with the provisions set out in the Citizenship Act No. 7/2022 of March 10th, and Decree–Law No. 07/2025 of August 1st.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to citizenship with expert support

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

Reasons for refusal may include errors or missing documents, or unclear sources of income. Applicants under sanctions, with criminal records, or with serious health issues also face a higher risk of rejection.

No, investors are not required to visit São Tomé and Príncipe before or after obtaining citizenship. They do not take exams on the country’s culture or history, nor must they prove knowledge of the national language.

Yes, citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe may hold two or more passports. Investors can retain their original citizenship if it is permitted by the laws of their home country.

Holding São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship does not create tax obligations in the country. An investor becomes a tax resident only if they live on the islands for more than 183 days per year.

Personal income tax is charged progressively from 0 to 25%. Corporate income tax is 25% of profits, and entrepreneurs may qualify for allowances and deductions.

The Community of Portuguese Language Countries, CPLP, includes Portugal and eight nations that were formerly its colonies. Citizens of member states travel within the community visa‑free or under simplified visa procedures.

Citizens of Portuguese‑speaking countries may apply for a Portuguese passport under an accelerated process.

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe may use banking services within the country and can also apply to open accounts abroad. However, banks will verify the applicant’s background and the source of their funds.

Passportivity lawyer Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain São Tomé and Príncipe without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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