Summary
In January 2026, São Tomé and Príncipe introduced new rules for applicants seeking a passport by investment.
The government has simplified the procedure. Investment requirements remain unchanged: an investor must make a contribution of at least $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund.
Zlata Erlach, Director of the Austrian office of Immigrant Invest, commented on the updates.
São Tomé and Príncipe only began accepting applications from investors recently, in late 2025. The programme authority may periodically update requirements to streamline the process and reduce processing times.
At present, São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the fastest routes to second citizenship with lower investment thresholds than Caribbean programmes or Vanuatu. The minimum investment starts at $90,000.
1. New rules for family members
Citizenship can now be granted not only to a spouse but also to an opposite-sex partner, provided cohabitation can be proven. Acceptable evidence includes:
- confirmation of a joint bank account;
- a child’s birth certificate;
- documents proving joint property ownership or utility bills.
Children born after the application is submitted but before approval may also be included. For a family of four, the contribution is $95,000. Each additional family member requires an extra $5,000.
After approval, the investor may add any family members. A child under one year of age requires an additional payment of $500.
2. Reduced photo requirements
Photographs no longer need to be notarised. A high-quality JPEG file is sufficient for the citizenship application.
3. Approved list of sponsor documents
If an application is submitted with a sponsor, the following documents are required:
- proof of identity;
- confirmation of the source of funds;
- a bank letter confirming an active account;
- a police clearance certificate;
- proof of residential address;
- an affidavit or statement of financial support for the applicant.
Previously, the country had not specified requirements for sponsored applications.
4. Application forms updated
From February 16th, 2026, the Investment Citizenship Centre accepts only application forms version V1/2026. Applications submitted on outdated forms are not processed.
Zlata Erlach,
Head of the Austrian office
Immigrant Invest works exclusively with current application forms. We assist investors with document collection and do not process outdated forms.
5. Updated address requirements
Proof of Address must be issued no earlier than six months before submission and must include the applicant’s full name and address. If the property is not registered in the applicant’s name, an explanatory statement from the owner is required.
How to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?
The minimum investment is $90,000. The applicant makes a non-refundable contribution to a government fund and pays a $5,000 application fee.
Applicant requirements. Citizenship is available to investors aged 18 or over with no criminal record and no serious medical conditions. Eligible family members receive passports together with the investor, including:
- spouse or partner;
- children up to and including 30 years of age;
- parents, grandparents aged 55 and over.
The passport is issued within as little as two months. The entire procedure is conducted remotely: no travel to the country and no examinations are required.
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