São Tomé and Príncipe launches $90,000 citizenship program

São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched its citizenship by investment program on August 1st, 2025. The program is regulated by Decree-Law No. 07/2025, which sets out the legal framework and procedures.

The first applications will be accepted in September 2025. The processing time is estimated at 6 weeks under the newly established Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU).

Who qualifies for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

To qualify for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment, investors must meet certain criteria:

• be at least 18 years old;

• have no criminal record or active sanctions;

• prove the lawful origin of their funds.

Citizenship may be extended to the investor’s close family members: a spouse, unmarried children under 30, and parents over 55.

Investors are not obliged to visit or live in São Tomé and Príncipe to obtain citizenship. The country imposes no residency, language, or interview requirements.

Investment requirements

The minimum investment threshold is $90,000 for a single applicant. A family of two to four members must contribute $95,000. For each additional dependent, the investor pays an extra $5,000.

Applicants who wish to add family members after the initial approval may do so by paying:

• $10,000 for a spouse;

• $5,000 for other qualifying dependents;

• $500 for a newborn child.

A donation to the National Transformation Fund is currently the only investment option available. The fund will direct contributions into key national priorities, including renewable energy projects, housing, education, and broader infrastructure development.

Additional expenses

The main applicant pays a submission fee of $5,000, regardless of family size.

Once the application has been approved, the investor is required to pay government service fees for each person: $350 for a passport, $150 for a national ID card, and $250 for a certificate of registration.

Location

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, west of Central Africa. It is the continent’s second smallest and second least populous sovereign state after Seychelles.

Population

The current population of São Tomé and Príncipe is 240,800 as of August 2025. By comparison, Vanuatu has 336,000 citizens. The Caribbean states are less populous: St Kitts and Nevis has 48,000 people, Grenada 126,000, and St Lucia 184,000.

Like São Tomé and Príncipe, these island nations also offer citizenship by investment.

Vanuatu citizenship has long been regarded as one of the most affordable and fastest citizenship by investment programs in the world. With São Tomé and Príncipe entering the market, investors now have another low-cost option to consider.

Investment requirements

The minimum investment for Vanuatu citizenship is $130,000 for a single applicant and $180,000 for a family of four.

São Tomé and Príncipe offers a lower entry point, with investment threshold starting at $90,000 for a single applicant and $95,000 for a family of up to four.

In São Tomé and Príncipe, citizenship is available only through a non-refundable contribution.

Vanuatu provides an additional option: investors can purchase shares in the CNO Future Fund with a minimum investment of $157,000. After 5 years, investors may return at least $50,000.

Processing time

Vanuatu citizenship is typically granted within 2 to 4 months. By contrast, approvals in São Tomé and Príncipe are expected to take 6 months or more.

Family eligibility

In Vanuatu, dependants can include a spouse, children up to 25 years old, and parents above 50.

São Tomé and Príncipe allows a spouse, unmarried children up to 30 years old, and parents over 55.

Travel benefits

A Vanuatu passport allows visa-free travel to 107 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong. São Tomé and Príncipe offers access to 61 countries, such as South Africa and Indonesia.

Citizens of both countries, however, must obtain visas to enter the European Union and the United Kingdom.