São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment 2026: Cost, Requirements & Process

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is an official government initiative launched in September 2025 that allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship through a minimum contribution of US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund.

As of 2026, the program is fully active and offers a fast, affordable, and straightforward route to a second passport, with no residency or physical presence requirements before or after approval.

Applications must be submitted through licensed marketing agents, such as Global Citizen Solutions, who guide applicants through the process from initial assessment to final approval.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Key Takeaways

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to obtain citizenship through a minimum contribution of US$90,000.

There are no residency or physical presence requirements, and the entire application process can be completed remotely.

Citizenship is typically granted within 4 to 10 weeks, making it one of the faster CBI programs available.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good character, and pass due diligence, including providing a clean criminal record.

The program allows family inclusion, including spouses or partners, dependent children up to 30, and parents or grandparents over 55.

Applications must be submitted through a licensed marketing agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions.

The program is gaining interest as a cost-effective alternative to more established citizenship by investment options.

The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 60 destinations worldwide.

As a licensed marketing agent, Global Citizen Solutions has direct insight into the program’s early performance.

• First CBI passport officially issued, confirming full end-to-end execution
• Average processing time: 2.5 months, with ongoing efforts to consistently achieve processing times under two months.
• Fastest recorded approval: 4 weeks
• Total approvals to date: 27
• Top nationalities served: Germany, India, Russia, China, and Nigeria (accounting for approximately 80% of applications processed)

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) is an official government program launched in September 2025 that allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making a minimum contribution of US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund.

The program provides a direct route to citizenship with no residency or relocation requirements. Applications are processed through licensed marketing agents, including Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), and are subject to strict due diligence checks.

Additionally, citizenship is granted only after approval in principle and the successful completion of due diligence, meaning no money is lost. The program also allows family inclusion, meaning spouses, dependent children, and eligible parents can be included in a single application.

Who should consider São Tomé and Príncipe CBI in 2026?

The São Tomé and Príncipe CBI program is best suited for investors prioritizing affordability and speed over global mobility. The program is best for:

• Budget-conscious investors
• Fast-track second passport seekers
• Individuals looking to diversify their global mobility and investment portfolio

Global Citizen Solutions can help you assess whether the São Tomé and Príncipe CBI program aligns with your long-term goals, compare it with alternative citizenship and residency options, and guide you through every stage of the application process, from initial eligibility checks to final approval.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program offers a fast and affordable pathway to a second passport, with minimal requirements and a straightforward application process.

1. Direct citizenship with no residency requirements: Applicants receive citizenship after approval, with no need to live in or visit the country before or after the process.
2. Fast processing times: Citizenship is typically granted within 4–10 weeks, making it one of the quicker citizenship by investment programs available.
3. Affordable entry point: With a minimum contribution of US$90,000, the program is one of the most affordable options for obtaining a second citizenship.
4. Dual citizenship allowed: Applicants can retain their current nationality while holding São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.
5. Family inclusion: Applications can include spouses or de facto partners, dependent children up to age 30, and parents or grandparents aged 55 and above.
6. Hereditary citizenship: Citizenship can be passed on to future generations, providing long-term security for families.
7. Global mobility: The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 60 destinations worldwide.
8. Access to CPLP countries: Citizenship may facilitate mobility and residency opportunities within Portuguese-speaking countries through the CPLP framework, depending on local regulations.

Overall, the São Tomé and Príncipe CBI program is particularly attractive for investors seeking a cost-effective and efficient alternative to more established citizenship by investment programs.

To qualify for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Main applicant requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be of good character
• Provide a clean criminal record
• Demonstrate that investment funds come from lawful and verifiable sources
• Successfully pass due diligence checks
• Submit all required civil documentation

Family eligibility:

• Spouses or de facto partners may be included
• Dependent children (up to age 30) may be included
• Dependent parents or grandparents (aged 55 and above) may be included

Additional conditions:

• There are no language or education requirements
• No residency or physical presence is required
• The entire application process can be completed remotely

Applicants must submit a set of standard due diligence and supporting documents to apply for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.

These typically include:

• Valid passports and identification documents for the main applicant and all dependents
• Certified copies of birth and marriage certificates (where applicable)
• Police clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived in the past five years
• Proof of lawful source of funds, including supporting financial documents and recent bank statements
• A medical certificate confirming good health
• Completed government application forms

One notable advantage is that the São Tomé and Príncipe program does not require an interview, allowing the entire process to be completed remotely.

All documents must be submitted through a licensed marketing agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions, as part of the application process.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program offers a single, straightforward investment route, with a minimum contribution starting from US$90,000.

Applicants are required to make a government-approved, non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which supports key infrastructure projects and national development priorities across São Tomé and Príncipe.

The program follows an approval-first model, meaning the contribution is only paid after the applicant receives approval in principle.

Contribution options: 

• US$90,000 — for a single applicant 
• US$95,000 — for a family of 2 to 4 members 
• US$5,000 — for each additional family member 

São Tomé and Príncipe CBI Fees

These São Tomé and Príncipe CBI fees include the following government and processing charges:

• US$5,000 — one-time submission fee (per application)
• US$5,000 — financial sponsor fee (if applicable)
• US$750 — citizenship documents fee (passport, national ID, and citizenship certificate) per applicant

Total estimated cost

In most cases, applicants should budget approximately US$95,000 to US$105,000, depending on family size and applicable fees.

Important notes: The contribution to the National Transformation Fund and the US$5,000 submission fee are both non-refundable. The program uses an approval-first system, meaning you only make the contribution after receiving Approval in Principle. If an applicant does not pass due diligence, the contribution is never requested, so no further money is lost. 

The application process under the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program is meant to be simple and efficient.

This is an overview of the six-step application process:

1. Choose a licensed marketing agent: The applicant selects an authorized agent, such as Global Citizen Solutions, who prepares and submits the application to the relevant authorities.
2. Collect and submit documents: All required identity, civil, financial, and compliance documents are gathered and submitted along with the US$5,000 non-refundable submission fee.
3. Government due diligence: The Citizenship Investment Unit conducts background checks, verifies documentation, and confirms the legal source of funds.
4. Approval in principle: Once due diligence is successfully completed, the applicant receives approval in principle, confirming eligibility for citizenship.
5. Make the required contribution: After approval, the applicant pays the qualifying contribution to the National Transformation Fund and settles any remaining government fees.
6. Citizenship and passport issuance: Following payment, the applicant takes an oath of allegiance, after which citizenship certificates, national ID cards, and passports are issued.

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program is built to be fast. Public information shows that most decisions are made about six weeks after all documents are submitted. Official guidelines state that the full processing time can take up to two months. 

São Tomé and Príncipe uses a residence-based tax system, meaning you are only taxed if you actually live there and meet the tax residency rules. Getting citizenship through the investment program does not make you a tax resident and does not create any tax obligations by itself.  

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on income earned inside São Tomé and Príncipe. Tax residency is usually established by spending more than 183 days in the country each year or having your main home or economic ties there. If you do not relocate, you do not become a tax resident.  

Tax rates: Personal, Corporate, and Capital Gains 

• Personal income tax is charged at progressive rates up to about 25%. 
• Corporate income tax is set at a flat 25%. 
• There is no separate capital gains tax for individuals; most gains on movable property are not taxed. 
• Inheritance Tax: There is no inheritance tax in São Tomé and Príncipe. Only basic registration or administrative fees may apply when transferring assets. 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program is best suited for investors prioritizing affordability and speed over global mobility.

With a minimum investment of US$90,000 and processing times of around two months, it is one of the most affordable investment citizenship programs available. However, the passport offers more limited visa-free access compared to more established programs in the Caribbean.

For investors seeking a low-cost second citizenship with a straightforward and efficient application process, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a practical alternative to more expensive programs.