São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

​Frequently asked questions

• How to get São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?

  In April 2025 São Tomé and Príncipe introduced a Citizenship by Investment program – investors make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund and get São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.

• What are the benefits of the São Tomé and Príncipe passport?

  A São Tomé and Príncipe passport allows visa-free travelling to 71 destinations, including Singapore and South African countries.

  Also, investors are drawn by the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program’s:

  • competitive pricing — the minimum investment is $90,000, this is lower than in other countries with citizenship-by-investment programs;
  • fast processing timeline — applications are processed in 2 months, this makes São Tomé and Príncipe one of the fastest CBI.
• Who is eligible for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?

  An adult investor with legal income and no criminal record. 

  A spouse, children up to 30, parents, and grandparents can get São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship with the investor.

• What are the required documents to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?

  To apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, you’ll need to submit the following:

  • completed application form;
  • certified copy of a valid passport;
  • marital status documentation;
  • criminal record certificate from;
  • proof of funds documents;
  • medical documents.
• How much do I need to invest to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?

  $90,000 — a minimum donation to the National Transformation Fund for a single applicant. For a family of 2—4 people, the required donation is $95,000. The entry costs significantly lower than in most African and Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs.

  Other costs are applications and issue fees. For example, for one investor the total costs will be $97,750. For a family of 2—4 people — $105,000.

• How long does the application process take?

  Most applications are processed in 2 months provided all documents are submitted correctly. This makes São Tomé and Príncipe one of the faster CBI jurisdictions.

• Can I include my family in the citizenship application?

  Yes. Eligible dependents include:

  • spouse;
  • children — up to 30 years inclusive, unmarried, financially dependent on the main applicant;
  • parents, grandparents of the investor and spouse — over 55 years old.

  Relatives also can join after the applicant has received approval from the CBI unit. To do so, they must pay an application fee of $500 (or $5,000 for a spouse), as well as a contribution of $10,000 for the spouse’s newborn children and $5,000 for other relatives.

• Is there a residency or visit requirement?

  No. Current regulations do not require physical presence in São Tomé and Príncipe at any point during the process or after.

• Does São Tomé and Príncipe allow dual citizenship?

  Yes. Applicants may retain their existing nationality unless restricted by their home country’s laws.

• Will my citizenship be hereditary?

  Yes. Once granted, citizenship can be passed to future generations under the country’s nationality laws.

• What language is used during the application process?

  Portuguese is the official language in Sao Tome and Principe, but agents process applications in English, and all investor-facing materials are available in English.