São Tomé and Príncipe launches $90,000 citizenship program
São Tomé and Príncipe has launched a citizenship by investment program, opening a new $90,000 route to second citizenship for global investors. The first applications will be accepted in September 2025.
Immigrant Invest lawyers reviewed the São Tomé and Príncipe CIP and outlined its key details.
São Tomé and Príncipe launches $90,000 citizenship program
New citizenship by investment program explained
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).
Elena Ruda,
Chief Development Officer at Immigrant Invest
The Citizenship Investment Unit of São Tomé and Príncipe is based in Dubai. It operates as the industry’s first public-private partnership. The government has appointed a Dubai company to manage technical operations and promote the program internationally under a 10-year agreement.
To strengthen its regional presence, São Tomé and Príncipe also plans to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi and a consulate-general in Dubai.
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.
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.
What investors should know about São Tomé and Príncipe
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.
São Tomé and Príncipe is located near the equator and has a warm tropical climate all year round
Vanuatu vs São Tomé and Príncipe second citizenship
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.
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