São Tomé and Príncipe clarified the rules of its citizenship by investment programme in a memorandum dated April 10th, 2026[1]. Zlata Erlach, Director of the Austrian office of Immigrant Invest, commented on the updates.
Identity verification via video call
One of the key changes is the transition to remote biometric identification. Investors can now verify their identity via video call in the presence of a notary from São Tomé and Príncipe, without travelling to overseas centres.
Lyle Julien,
Investment programmes expert
The new procedure introduces online identity verification with the participation of government authorities. This reduces document preparation time and lowers administrative costs for applicants.
Restrictions for applicants with multiple citizenship
Applications from individuals who already hold three or more foreign citizenships have been suspended. The reason is that current national legislation in São Tomé and Príncipe does not allow granting citizenship to such applicants.
The situation is expected to change after the relevant amendments are introduced. Until then, applications from this category of investors will not be processed.
How to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?
The minimum investment is $90,000. The applicant makes a non-refundable contribution to a state 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;
- parents, grandparents aged 55 and over.
The passport is issued within as little as two months. The investor does not need to travel to the country or pass exams. Identity verification for passport issuance is conducted via video call in the presence of a notary from São Tomé and Príncipe.
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