São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: The Ultimate Guide

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment (CBI) officially started in September 2025. It allows investors to gain citizenship by making a contribution of at least US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. The program gives a direct path to citizenship with no residency requirements before or after approval. Citizenship is granted on the basis of the required contribution and successful completion of due diligence. 

This article will cover every important detail about the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program, from the eligibility, required documents, costs application process and more.  

Here’s what to expect:  

• What is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program? 
• Eligibility Requirements for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment 
• São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Benefits 
• Citizenship by Investment in São Tomé and Príncipe Investment Criteria 
• Required Documents for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Program 
• São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Application Process 
• São Tomé and Príncipe CBI Processing Time 
• São Tomé and Príncipe CBI Fees 
• Taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) was launched in September 2025. It allows investors to get citizenship by making a minimum contribution of US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. The program offers a direct path to citizenship, without the requirement to move to the country. All applications must go through licensed marketing agents, and Global Citizen Solutions (GCS) is GCS is one of the official licensed agents.   

Additionally, citizenship is given after the required contribution is made and the due diligence checks are passed meaning no money is lost. The citizenship program also allows for family inclusion, such as spouses, children, and parents, who can be included in the same application if they meet the rules. 

• Must be at least 18 years old. 
• Applicants of good character. 
• Must provide a clean criminal record. 
• Must show that the required contribution comes from lawful and verifiable funds. 
• All applicants undergo due diligence checks. 
• Must submit civil documentation as required by the authorities. 
• Spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents can be included if they meet dependency criteria. 
• There are no language tests, education requirements, and all application can be processed remotely so there are no minimum stay requirements. 

São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, known for its political stability and peaceful environment.  

• Direct citizenship: Applicants receive São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship immediately, and a second passport with no residency requirements before or after approval. 
• Dual citizenship allowed: You can keep your current nationality while holding São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship. The São Tomé and Príncipe passport currently ranks 139th on our Guide Passport Ranking Index and provides access to 93 countries either visa free or visa on arrival.  
• Hereditary citizenship: Citizenship can be passed down to future generations, providing long-term security for your family. 
• Family inclusion: Eligible family members can be included, such as spouses or de facto partners, children up to 30 years old, and parents aged 55 and above. 
• Access to CPLP countries: Citizenship gives easier entry, residence, and work opportunities in Portuguese-speaking countries through the CPLP mobility framework. 
• Affordable investment: One of the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs, starting at a minimum donation of US$90,000. 
• Transparent process: Clear and predictable due diligence and application procedures. 
• Fast processing: Citizenship can be granted in about 2 months, making it one of the quickest programs available. 

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program offers one simple investment route through a government-approved contribution. All funds go to the National Transformation Fund, which supports major infrastructure and development projects across the country. 

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 

Applicants must show they can make the required investment and provide all documents needed for the application. This usually includes: 

• Valid passports and ID documents for the main applicant and all dependents 
• Certified copies of birth certificates and marriage certificates (if applicable) 
• Police clearance certificates from every country lived in over the past five years 
• Proof that the investment funds come from legal and verified sources, along with recent bank statements 
• A medical certificate confirming good health 
• All government-required application forms 

One notable point is that São Tomé does not require interviews, unlike some Caribbean citizenship by investment programs that recently added interviews due to international policy changes. 

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 full application to the government. 
2. Collect and submit documents: All identity, civil, financial, and compliance documents are gathered and submitted along with the $5,000 non-refundable submission fee. 
3. Government due diligence: The Citizenship Investment Unit reviews the application, conducts background checks, and verifies the legal source of funds. 
4. Approval in principle: If due diligence is passed, the applicant receives an Approval in Principle confirming they are eligible 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: Once payment is confirmed, the applicant swears an oath of allegiance. Citizenship certificates, national ID cards, and passports are then issued. 

The 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. 

These extra due diligence and government processing fees apply to each application: 

• US$5,000 — One-time submission fee (per application) 
• US$5,000 — Financial sponsor fee, if required 
• US$750 — Citizenship documents fee (citizenship certificate, passport, and national ID) per applicant 

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. 

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.