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ABOUT
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
São Tomé and Príncipe is a two-island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, part of the volcanic chain in Central Africa. It lies astride the Equator, just west of Gabon and mainland Equatorial Guinea. Its central position off the coast of West Africa makes it a natural hub for regional maritime trade, fisheries, and a potential gateway for investment and access to key emerging markets across the African continent.
ABOUT THE CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE
With a favorable tax regime, Portuguese speaking countries community benefits, visa-free access to 60+ countries, and a fast, transparent application process, São-Tomė and Príncipe citizenship attracts investors from around the world.
São Tomé and Príncipe launched its Citizenship by Investment program in 2025 with the aim of strengthening environmental protection, stimulating economic growth, and attracting foreign investment.
The program offers one of the fastest and most affordable routes to citizenship, with a passport obtainable in as little as one to two months.
There are no residency requirements, no obligation to renounce the original citizenship, and no language or history tests. Investors may also include their spouse, children, and parents in the application.
The program offers one of the fastest and most affordable routes to citizenship, with a passport obtainable in as little as one to two months.
To obtain citizenship, the investor makes a non-refundable contribution starting at $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. The proceeds from this fund will be allocated toward the development of key national infrastructure projects, including: Renewable Energy Initiatives, Eco-Tourism Development, Education and Infrastructure.
There are no residency requirements, no obligation to renounce the original citizenship, and no language or history tests. Investors may also include their spouse, children, and parents in the application.
Family members—such as a spouse, children, and parents—can be included in the application along with the main investor or later in the future.
Citizenship is hereditary, meaning future children and grandchildren can inherit citizenship without any additional investment.
Citizenship is hereditary, meaning future children and grandchildren can inherit citizenship without any additional investment.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
Holding second citizenship enables effective diversification of currency and national risks, and opens up additional opportunities for international investments.
FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES
São Tomé and Príncipe offers favorable tax environment for investors and businesses.
TAX-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
São Tomé and Príncipe is a proud member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).
Citizenship grants access to special residency, study, and work opportunities in member states such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
Citizenship grants access to special residency, study, and work opportunities in member states such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
CPLP MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
A second passport is a strategic asset and your personal "Plan B"—providing protection for both your capital and personal safety in cases of political or economic instability, or threats to life in your country of residence.
A STRATEGIC BACKUP PLAN
A São Tomé and Príncipe passport grants visa-free access to over 60 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong.
GLOBAL MOBILITY
São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship, and information about citizenship recipients is not disclosed.
CONFIDENTIALITY
SIMPLE AND FAST PROCESS FOR OBTAINING SECOND CITIZENSHIP
The application and citizenship process takes 1-2 months.
All document submissions are handled remotely, and the mandatory interview with the investor can also be conducted online.
There is no requirement to visit the island, nor is there a language or cultural knowledge exam.
All document submissions are handled remotely, and the mandatory interview with the investor can also be conducted online.
There is no requirement to visit the island, nor is there a language or cultural knowledge exam.
VISA-FREE COUNTRIES AND VISAS BENEFITS FOR
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE PASSPORT
SÃO TOMÉ AND PRÍNCIPE PASSPORT
Special conditions for Portugues-speaking countries
CPLP Countries
30+ eVisa/eTA countries
30+ eVisa/eTA countries
Jordan, Mauritius and other countries
30+ Visa-on-Arrival countries
Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries
20+ Visa-Free countries
Why everyone chooses us
Citizenship by Investment Professionals is one of the leading international immigration law companies. Headquartered in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis and Port Vila, Vanuatu CBI Professionals operates a global network spanning London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Lagos
We are an official licensed agent for several Pacific and West Indies Governments including Federation of St Kitts & Nevis, Republic of Vanuatu, Republic of Nauru and Kingdom of Tonga. Since 2010 we create and promote initiatives that support economic and social development of the countries we represent. CBI Professionals works closely with Pacific and Caribbean Governments and private sector, representing and facilitating outreach through our international offices, promoting citizenship programs and offering solutions for international investors.
CBI Professionals also acts as:
- A link to ensure uninterrupted communication between our jurisdictions and key geographic centers of the world.
- An information resource for tourism, property investment and travel related enquiries.
- A resource for researching investment opportunities and bilateral trade.
- An administrative resource to support the citizenship application process.
/Non-refundable investments/
DONATION TO GOVERNMENT FUND
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Contribution from 90,000 $
INVESTMENT OPTION 1
Contribution to the National Transformation Fund
Investor makes a non-refundable, one-time contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which is allocated for economic growth and environmental protection. The contribution is non-refundable and does not generate any income.
Option benefits:
Investor makes a non-refundable, one-time contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which is allocated for economic growth and environmental protection. The contribution is non-refundable and does not generate any income.
Option benefits:
- It is a straightforward investment route so timelines are swift and efficient.
- The funds strengthen the country's economy and improve the standard of living for its citizens.
Why everyone chooses us
Citizenship by Investment Professionals is one of the leading international immigration law companies. Headquartered in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis and Port Vila, Vanuatu CBI Professionals operates a global network spanning London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Lagos
We are an official licensed agent for several Pacific and West Indies Governments including Federation of St Kitts & Nevis, Republic of Vanuatu, Republic of Nauru and Kingdom of Tonga. Since 2010 we create and promote initiatives that support economic and social development of the countries we represent. CBI Professionals works closely with Pacific and Caribbean Governments and private sector, representing and facilitating outreach through our international offices, promoting citizenship programs and offering solutions for international investors.
REQUIREMENTS AND ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS
CBI Professionals also acts as:
- A link to ensure uninterrupted communication between our jurisdictions and key geographic centers of the world.
- An information resource for tourism, property investment and travel related enquiries.
- A resource for researching investment opportunities and bilateral trade.
- An administrative resource to support the citizenship application process.
- Main applicant: Must be at least 18 years old, have no serious illnesses and criminal record, successfully pass a Due Diligence check, and provide proof of a legitimate source of income.
- Spouse: Only a monogamous and opposite-sex marriage qualifies for inclusion in the program.
- Children: Up to 30 years old, children of the Main Applicant or their spouse. Children aged 18 to 30 must be unmarried and financially dependent on the Main Applicant.
- Parents and Grandparents: Parents and grandparents of the Main Applicant or their spouse aged 55 or over.
- Addition of family members in the future: Permitted.
- Citizenship to descendants: Inheritable.
- Language proficiency requirement: Not required.
- Personal presence for application submission: Not required.
- Interview: Not required.
- Taking the oath: Not required.
- Submission of biometrics: Required in person.
- Residency in São-Tomé and Príncipe: Not required.
- International passport.
- Second Identification Document (National ID, Driver’s license, Residence ID or similar).
- Birth certificate.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Marriage certificate.
- Personal Bank reference letter.
- Proof of Source of Funds.
Changes in life circumstances, such as the birth of a child or marriage, permit the Main Applicant who obtained citizenship by investment in São Tomé and Príncipe to add new family members not included in the primary application. The following fees will apply:
- Adding spouse: 10,000 $
- Adding child: 5,000 $
- Adding parent or grandparent: 5,000 $
- Citizenship Document Fee: 750 $ per family member.
- Submission Fee: 5,000 $ per request, regardless of the number of dependents added at the same time.
Why everyone chooses us
Citizenship by Investment Professionals is one of the leading international immigration law companies. Headquartered in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis and Port Vila, Vanuatu CBI Professionals operates a global network spanning London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Lagos
We are an official licensed agent for several Pacific and West Indies Governments including Federation of St Kitts & Nevis, Republic of Vanuatu, Republic of Nauru and Kingdom of Tonga. Since 2010 we create and promote initiatives that support economic and social development of the countries we represent. CBI Professionals works closely with Pacific and Caribbean Governments and private sector, representing and facilitating outreach through our international offices, promoting citizenship programs and offering solutions for international investors.
CBI Professionals also acts as:
- A link to ensure uninterrupted communication between our jurisdictions and key geographic centers of the world.
- An information resource for tourism, property investment and travel related enquiries.
- A resource for researching investment opportunities and bilateral trade.
- An administrative resource to support the citizenship application process.
THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT SÃo TOMÉ aND PRÍNCIPE
INVESTMENT SELECTION AND ONBOARDING
- Our specialist will help you choose the most suitable investment program based on your goals, family composition, and budget. We will calculate the exact investment amount and provide a list of required documents and conditions.
- Our compliance specialist will perform a preliminary screening of your documents to identify any potential grounds for rejection. This reduces the risk of denial during the citizenship-by-investment process and, if necessary, allows for adjustment of the selected program.
- In case of a positive outcome, we proceed with signing the agreement; otherwise, we will assist you in selecting an alternative investment program.
Timeline: 1–3 business days.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
PREPARATION OF APPLICATION
- Applicants should familiarize themselves with the list of required documents. All required documents must be included in the application package for processing.
- Application forms must be signed.
Timeline: Dependent on Applicant’s document preparation.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
Submission of Application and Payment
- As Licensed Agent our company will submit Application documents to the CIU authorities. (Applicants cannot submit Citizenship Applications directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), all applications must be handled and submitted to the CIU by a registered Licensed Agent.)
- After the CIU reviews the documents and only upon completion, it will issue the Submission Invoice.
- The Submission Invoice must be paid promptly.
- Upon receipt of the funds, the CIU will issue Payment Receipt and the Application Submission Confirmation Letter.
Timeline: N/A.
Payment: At this stage, a payment of Submission fee in amount of 5,000 $ is required.
Commissioning of Due Diligence Reports
- After receipt of all required documents, fees and authorizations, the CIU will commission due diligence reports on the applicants.
- The CIU will send the due diligence recommendation to the Ministry and Cabinet.
- The Cabinet will make a decision on the Application and notifies the CIU.
Timeline: Up to 3 weeks.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
Decision on Application
- CIU will issue the decision on the Application (Approval in Principle Letter or Rejection Letter) to our company as the Licensed Agent, and we will notify the Applicant accordingly.
- If the Application is approved-in-principle, the CIU will issue second invoice, containing the applicable Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees.
Timeline: 2 days.
Post-approval Requirements Fulfilment
- If the Application is approved-in-principle, the Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees must be settled to the CIU within 90 days.
- The Oath of Allegiance and Passport Application Forms for all applicants must be submitted concurrently with the Donation payment.
- Upon receipt of the funds, the CIU issues the Receipt, initiates the issuance of the Certificate of Registration, and applies for São Toméan National ID and Passport
Timeline: Dependent on Applicant’s Payment Schedule.
Payment: At this stage, a payment of Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees based on family composition are required.
Citizenship Documents Issuance and Handover
- The CIU will handover all original Citizenship Documents to our company as the Licensed Agent.
- We will organize the delivery of the Documents to the Applicant.
Timeline: N/A.
THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT SÃo TOMÉ aND PRÍNCIPE
INVESTMENT SELECTION AND ONBOARDING
- Our specialist will help you choose the most suitable investment program based on your goals, family composition, and budget. We will calculate the exact investment amount and provide a list of required documents and conditions.
- Our compliance specialist will perform a preliminary screening of your documents to identify any potential grounds for rejection. This reduces the risk of denial during the citizenship-by-investment process and, if necessary, allows for adjustment of the selected program.
- In case of a positive outcome, we proceed with signing the agreement; otherwise, we will assist you in selecting an alternative investment program.
Timeline: 1–3 business days.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
PREPARATION OF APPLICATION
- Applicants should familiarize themselves with the list of required documents. All required documents must be included in the application package for processing.
- Application forms must be signed.
Timeline: Dependent on Applicant’s document preparation.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
Submission of Application and Payment
- As Licensed Agent our company will submit Application documents to the CIU authorities. (Applicants cannot submit Citizenship Applications directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), all applications must be handled and submitted to the CIU by a registered Licensed Agent.)
- After the CIU reviews the documents and only upon completion, it will issue the Submission Invoice.
- The Submission Invoice must be paid promptly.
- Upon receipt of the funds, the CIU will issue Payment Receipt and the Application Submission Confirmation Letter.
Timeline: N/A.
Payment: At this stage, a payment of Submission fee in amount of 5,000 $ is required.
Commissioning of Due Diligence Reports
- After receipt of all required documents, fees and authorizations, the CIU will commission due diligence reports on the applicants.
- The CIU will send the due diligence recommendation to the Ministry and Cabinet.
- The Cabinet will make a decision on the Application and notifies the CIU.
Timeline: Up to 3 weeks.
Payment: No payment is required at this stage.
Decision on Application
- CIU will issue the decision on the Application (Approval in Principle Letter or Rejection Letter) to our company as the Licensed Agent, and we will notify the Applicant accordingly.
- If the Application is approved-in-principle, the CIU will issue second invoice, containing the applicable Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees.
Timeline: 2 days.
Post-approval Requirements Fulfilment
- If the Application is approved-in-principle, the Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees must be settled to the CIU within 90 days.
- The Oath of Allegiance and Passport Application Forms for all applicants must be submitted concurrently with the Donation payment.
- Upon receipt of the funds, the CIU issues the Receipt, initiates the issuance of the Certificate of Registration, and applies for São Toméan National ID and Passport
Timeline: Dependent on Applicant’s Payment Schedule.
Payment: At this stage, a payment of Donation amount and Citizenship Document fees based on family composition are required.
Citizenship Documents Issuance and Handover
- The CIU will handover all original Citizenship Documents to our company as the Licensed Agent.
- We will organize the delivery of the Documents to the Applicant.
Timeline: N/A.
FAQ
- No, this is not permitted. Only an Licensed Agent is permitted to submit an application on the investor's behalf. The Agent is responsible for submitting the investor's documents to the relevant authorities.
- We are a Licensed Agent authorized by the São Tomé and Príncipe Government, so by working with us, you’re on the fastest path to obtaining São-Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.
Yes, obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe investment citizenship is relatively straightforward. Applicants are only required to contribute to the country's economy and submit necessary documents and biometric data. There is no requirement to pass language tests, citizenship exams, or to live in the country for a set number of years.
For the current program, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a Citizenship by Investment program primarily through a non-refundable contribution to its National Transformation Fund.
- The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program offers a fast-track process, with most investors obtaining citizenship within 1 to 2 months. There are no language tests or interviews, simplifying the application.
- The required investment starts at just 90,000 $, making it one of the more accessible options compared to other citizenship-by-investment programs.
- A São Tomé and Príncipe passport grants visa-free access to over 60 countries, offers tax optimization opportunities, and serves as a strong backup plan ("Plan B") for global mobility and security.
- São Tomé and Príncipe is a proud member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). Citizenship grants access to special residency, study, and work opportunities in member states such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
The CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) is an international forum of 9 nations, including Portugal and Brazil, promoting cultural, economic, and political cooperation.
The primary benefit is the CPLP Mobility Agreement. This grants citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe simplified access to special work, study, and residency permits in member states such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
The primary benefit is the CPLP Mobility Agreement. This grants citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe simplified access to special work, study, and residency permits in member states such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
São Tomé and Príncipe does not require renunciation of your original citizenship. Applicants are not obligated to renounce their original citizenship if their home country also allows dual citizenship.
Yes, it is possible. New family members can be added to the application at any time in the future, though this will incur some additional costs.
Yes, São Tomé and Príncipe grants lifetime citizenship with the ability to pass it down to descendants.
Yes, the Application can be sponsored. However, a due diligence fee for the benefactor will apply of USD 5,000, and the benefactor must provide the required documentation.
Citizens of all countries are eligible to apply, except individuals holding citizenship of North Korea.
Stateless persons are also eligible for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
Stateless persons are also eligible for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
In addition to a São Tomé and Príncipe passport, each applicant who obtains citizenship through investment will also receive a Citizenship Certificate and National ID.
The São Tomé and Príncipe passport is issued for 7 years for adults and for 3 years for minors under the age of 16.
Renewal can be completed at any São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy, specifically in Beijing, Brussels, and Lisbon, or directly at the CIU office in Dubai.
Renewal can be completed at any São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy, specifically in Beijing, Brussels, and Lisbon, or directly at the CIU office in Dubai.
São Tomé and Príncipe offers favorable tax environment for investors and businesses.
Yes, after obtaining citizenship, you can change your name or surname. By law, such a change must be reflected in the documents of all countries where you hold current citizenship.
To apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, the following documents are required:
- Passport and second ID from the country of residence
- Birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Bank Reference Letter
- Proof of source of funds
Visiting São Tomé and Príncipe is not required. The application can be submitted remotely, and the Citizenship Certificate, Passport and National ID for each applicant will be delivered through our company.
Anyone, regardless of age, can apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship. However, the following requirements must be met for a family application:
Children under 30 years old
Parents or grandparents of Principle applicant or their spouse over 55 years old
Stateless persons and individuals who have been rejected from a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program are also eligible for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
- The main applicant must be over 18 year old, with no criminal record, no serious medical conditions, and the required investment amount.
- The main applicant may include the following family members in the application:
Children under 30 years old
Parents or grandparents of Principle applicant or their spouse over 55 years old
Stateless persons and individuals who have been rejected from a Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program are also eligible for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
No, São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship is granted in strict confidentiality, and the information is not disclosed to third parties. Additionally, tax information is not subject to disclosure.