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

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program is an official government initiative launched in August 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 under Decree-Law No. 07/2025 and offers a fast, affordable, and straightforward route to a second passport, with no residency or physical presence requirements before or after approval.

The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe signed an exclusive ten-year management contract with Dubai-based firm Passport Legacy, with applications submitted through licensed marketing agents, such as Global Citizen Solutions. Applicants are guided through the entire 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 was introduced under Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025.

A minimum non-refundable donation of $90,000 is required for single applicants and $95,000 for families of four, excluding submission and document fees.

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 fastest CBI programs available.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, of good character, pass due diligence checks, and the application must be submitted through a licensed agent.

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

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

The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides access to over 90 destinations either without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with electronic visas.

All nationalities can apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, except citizens of North Korea.

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

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

The program’s legal foundation is outlined in Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025, which describes a direct route to citizenship for investors, with no residency or relocation requirements. Applications are processed through licensed marketing agents, including Global Citizen Solutions.

They are subject to strict due diligence checks by the government’s sole Citizenship Unit, Passport Legacy, which holds a ten-year exclusive management agreement. 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. Constitutionally, both natural-born and economic citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe have equal rights. However, CPLP-based access to Portugual is determined by the Portuguese government.

São Tomé and Príncipe began issuing passports in January 2026, with 27 officially documented government-reviewed approvals.

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. Restricted nationals eligible: North Korea is the only restricted nationality, allowing citizens from all other countries excluded by Caribbean programs to qualify for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.

Passport strength and mobility advantages

• Global Passport Index ranking: The São Tomé and Príncipe passport ranks 139th in the Global Citizens Solutions Global Passport Index.
• Strategic visa free access: São Tomé and Príncipe passport visa free countries comprise 98 destinations (24 without a visa, 18 with a visa on arrival, and 56 with an eTA or eVisa). Key destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR China), Colombia, Ghana, and Caribbean countries.
• Access to CPLP countries: A São Tomé and Príncipe passport may facilitate mobility and residency opportunities in Portugal, potentially opening access to the European Union. The CPLP framework also offers preferential visa treatment to citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe in member nations, such as Brazil.
• AfCFTA access: São Tomé and Príncipe is a founding AU member, providing passport holders with easier business access across African markets.

Investors should note that the UK, the USA, and the European Union require São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders to apply for a visa. However, the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program is particularly attractive to investors seeking a cost-effective, efficient alternative to more established 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: Single applicant 
• US$95,000: Family of 2 to 4 members 
• US$5,000: Each additional family member 

Other 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$250: Certificate of registration fee
• US$350: Passport issuance fee
• US$150: National ID card fee

Total estimated cost

In most cases, applicants should budget approximately US$95,750 as a single applicant and US$103,000 if applying as a family of four.

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 that obtaining citizenship through the investment program does not make you a tax resident or create any tax obligations on its own. Tax residency in São Tomé and Príncipe is established after spending more than 183 days in the country.

Non-resident status: While residents are taxed on their worldwide income, non-resident São Tomé and Príncipe citizens are taxed only on income earned in São Tomé and Príncipe. Citizenship alone does not trigger tax obligations. For investors who opt to reside in São Tomé and Príncipe, the maximum personal income tax rate is 25 percent. Capital gains, inheritance, and wealth are not taxes.

Investors establishing business operations in São Tomé and Príncipe are subject to a flat corporate income tax rate of 25 percent on taxable profits.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s only double-taxation treaty is signed with Portugal, which has been in effect since 2017. Under United States citizenship-based taxation, US citizens may be subject to US tax obligations regardless of obtaining a second citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe.

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 Caribbean citizenship programs.

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.