The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Department has updated the timeframes for processing applications and issuing documents.
Lyle Julien, an investment migration expert at Immigrant Invest, commented on the changes.
What has changed
São Tomé and Príncipe has published an official memorandum dated June 29th, 2026, on extending the application processing time to 4+ months[1]Source: Official Memorandum “General Program Update — Processing Timelines”, June 29th, 2026.
Reasons for the increased timeframes:
- growth in the number of applications from investors;
- strengthened Due Diligence checks;
- document checks by several government authorities.
Previously, São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship was issued within 2+ months. The country competed with Vanuatu and Nauru, where applications were processed within 1—4 months.
Passport issuance time increased to 12 weeks
After successfully passing Due Diligence, the investor makes an investment contribution, and the application is then submitted for final approval. This takes around 12 weeks.
Final stages of obtaining citizenship:
- Making the investment contribution.
- Approval of the decision to grant citizenship by the Council of Ministers of São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Signing of the Naturalisation Act by the President of São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Registration of the investor with the civil registry and notary authorities.
- Obtaining a birth certificate and a naturalisation certificate.
- Obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe ID card and passport.
Decision-making time remains the same
The decision on a citizenship application is made based on the results of Due Diligence checks and takes around 2 months.
The investor does not need to travel to the country to submit documents: the entire process is completed remotely through a licensed agent.
Lyle Julien,
Investment programmes expert
The country’s government is already taking steps to reduce application processing times. These include strengthening coordination between government bodies, increasing administrative support in departments, and reviewing procedural requirements.
São Tomé and Príncipe programme continues to change
São Tomé and Príncipe is developing its citizenship by investment programme in compliance with high standards of international compliance. Immigrant Invest experts inform clients about the current rules for obtaining a passport in the country.
The minimum investment has not changed yet and remains $90,000. The application processing fee is $5,000.
Citizenship is available to investors over 18 with no criminal record and no serious illnesses. The investor’s parents and grandparents must be not only over 55, but also financially dependent on the main applicant.
The issuance of passports to children over 18 has been suspended until updated rules for determining financial dependence are published.
Trusted by 10,000+ investors
