São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Ultimate Guide 2026

São Tomé and Príncipe introduced its citizenship by investment program in 2025, with a $90,000 minimum contribution requirement that positions it as one of the most competitively priced second citizenship options.

By making a one-time contribution to the National Transformation Fund, the government channels funds to national development initiatives in green energy, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and sustainable tourism.

Designed to combine affordability with an efficient average processing time of five months and well-constructed due diligence measures, the program has quickly attracted international attention from forward-thinking investors.

Global Citizen Solutions is licensed by the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe to submit applications and has produced this guide to provide prospective applicants with a clear overview of the program, including who is eligible, the investment requirement, and the application process.

Key Details

The current estimated total cost for a single applicant, including government fees, is $95,750.

The current estimated total cost for a family of four, including government fees, is $103,000.

The program is structured around a single non-refundable payment option, which starts at $90,000.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport provides access to 99 destinations either without a visa, with a visa on arrival, or with electronic visas.

The program is one of only two offering economic citizenship in Africa.

The application procedure, from due diligence checks to final approval, takes an average of five months.

A spouse (married or de facto), children, parents, and grandparents are eligible to apply.

Its Citizenship Unit, headquartered in Dubai, UAE, serves as the main point of contact for applicants, without the need to visit São Tomé during the process.

São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship, but investors should note that applicants with three or more citizenships are currently ineligible.

According to the São Tomé and Príncipe government, applications that include family members are the most common type submitted under the program.

The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program was introduced in August 2025 as a legal pathway for offering international investors second citizenship in the country.

It’s a relatively smooth process: Investors work with a licensed agent to confirm their eligibility and submit their application. After passing background checks, they make the $90,000 non-refundable contribution and receive citizenship and a São Tomé and Príncipe passport.

The program appeals to a diverse set of individuals, from international entrepreneurs seeking more exposure to Africa to people who have difficulty obtaining a passport. Eligibility is extended to their family members for an additional donation.

Rather than operating from São Tomé, the program’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) is based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, offering applicants a central point of contact for any engagement with authorities if required.

São Tomé and Príncipe also established an embassy in Abu Dhabi in April 2026, expanding its diplomatic presence in the Gulf and strengthening its engagement with the region’s business and international investment community.

Value for money

Among all citizenship programs available, São Tomé and Príncipe offers the lowest overall cost, accounting for the minimum contribution and applicable fees. With contributions beginning at $90,000 for individuals and $95,000 for up to four applicants, and low fees by industry standards, it’s attractive to people who simply want a second passport as a contingency plan.

Neutral and inclusive criteria

While Caribbean countries exclude individuals of many nationalities from applying for their programs, São Tomé and Príncipe’s program is more inclusive, accepting a wider range of nationalities that would not otherwise qualify for a second citizenship through investment. At the same time, São Tomé and Príncipe widens its reach, but rigorous due diligence remains paramount, especially for certain nationalities.

A remote process

The program’s application procedure is entirely remote, without requiring a visit or language requirements. Furthermore, the Dubai-headquartered CIU provides a central point of contact and eliminates the need to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe, even if an in-person interaction with authorities is required.

Apply with family members

São Tomé and Príncipe has a broad criteria for eligible family members. Not only can the main applicant include their spouse, but those with a de facto partner also qualify. Other eligible dependents include children, parents, and grandparents.

Early-stage opportunities in Africa

Africa is increasingly being viewed as an early-stage opportunity for long-term investors. Across the continent, governments are investing in infrastructure, digitalization, and renewable energy, which is being fueled by rapid population growth and urbanization, and cross-border business is facilitated through regional cooperation agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area and the Special Development Zones.

As investment and business activity expand, many see African citizenship as a strategic way to get a foothold in a region with significant long-term potential. Investors looking at São Tomé and Príncipe’s program from a generational point of view can benefit from Africa’s larger role in the global economy over the coming decades.

Tax planning benefits

São Tomé and Príncipe offers a friendly tax environment for individuals. Non-resident individuals do not pay tax on income earned overseas or capital gains, wealth, or inheritance. The tax rate is progressive, with a maximum of 25%.

The country maintains a double tax treaty with Portugal, which reduces tax complications for residents of São Tomé and Príncipe and EU residents based in Portugal, while encouraging cross-border investment.

Broader global access

Some view São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment as a practical Plan B for unforeseen events, political turmoil, or instability, but it can also be useful for strengthening global mobility for many individuals.

Changes to visa policies are making travel more challenging for citizens of certain countries. For example, Nigerian passport holders aged 18 to 45 now face restrictions on some UAE visas. At the same time, Bangladeshi nationals also report obstacles when applying for visas in Gulf countries such as the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait.

For São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders, the country’s CPLP membership may open the door to residency or easier movement in other Portuguese-speaking countries.

The Global Passport Index reports that the São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides easier access to 99 countries, and holding one is a valid alternative for smoother visa applications and improved travel freedom.

Countries you can visit:

Possibility of holding dual citizenship

São Tomé and Príncipe’s citizenship law allows multiple citizenships, whether a foreign national pursuing São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship or a São Tomé and Príncipe national pursuing another. Investors can retain their original citizenship when applying, provided their country of citizenship allows it.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be eligible. A past criminal offense is not grounds for disqualification, but the applicant must not have been imprisoned for more than three years.

The applicant’s background, including criminal history, will be verified during the due diligence process. Most nationalities can apply for citizenship, but North Korean citizens are not eligible.

Family inclusion policy

Eligible family members are:

• Spouse or de facto partner
• Children under 18
• Children under 30 and financially dependent on the primary applicant
• Parents and grandparents over 55 and financially dependent on the primary applicant

Future additions

The program allows the primary investor to add family members to their application after citizenship has been approved, subject to the following fees:

• New spouse: $10,000, plus a $5,000 fee for resubmission
• Other dependents: $5,000 per dependent
• Newborn children: $500

Investors must make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF):

NTF contribution:

• Single applicant: $90,000 for a single applicant
• Family (up to four individuals): $95,000
• Additional dependents: $5,000 per dependent

Application and final fees: 

• Submission fee: $5,000 per application
• Certificate of registration: $250 per person
• Passport issuance: $350 per passport
• National ID card: $150 per ID card
• Financial sponsor: $5,000

Current total citizenship cost

The following documents are typically required:

• Valid passport
• National ID card
• Police clearance certificate
• Birth certificate
• Marriage or divorce certificate, or supporting documents for a stable partnership
• Medical certificate with HIV test results
• Proof of a residential address
• Work resume and professional references
• Financial documents for source of funds

Non-English documents must include a certified translation and an apostille/notarization where applicable.

1. Initial compliance review

Timeline: 1–2 days

Book a confidential preliminary review with a specialist at Global Citizen Solutions.

This initial due diligence assessment will identify any risk of disqualification. At this stage, only a valid passport is required, keeping the process simple and discreet.

With an official marketing license from the CIU, this approach mitigates the risks in the application. Investors can also assess whether it aligns with their goals before making a formal commitment.

2. Document preparation

Timeline: 2+ weeks

Once eligibility is verified, a dedicated legal advisor from Global Citizenship Solutions prepares a tailored document requirement list.

This step includes compiling the necessary documentation, such as:

• Passports
• Marriage certificates
• Police clearance certificates
• Bank statements

The advisory team also assists with completing application forms and sourcing supporting documents that the CIU requests. After a thorough review, the complete application is submitted to the CIU.

3. Due diligence review

Timeline: 2–5 months

The Dubai-based CIU thoroughly analyzes the application, including the main applicant’s profile and the family members included. There are no interview or language test requirements, which streamlines the process.

4. Application approval and investment

Timeline: Up to 1 month

After the due diligence process, the CIU informs Global Citizen Solutions of the application’s approval. The applicant is then informed to make the required contribution and pay the final fees.

5. Passport and national ID issuance

Timeline: 1 month (complete timeline averages 6 months) 

When the payment is made, and proof is sent to the CIU, they issue a certificate of registration. Applicants can expect to receive their passport and a National ID card about one month after approval.

Financially cautious investors and families: The program’s inexpensive cost structure positions it as the most affordable second citizenship for single investors and family units. A first-year report issued by the São Tomé and Príncipe government on 1 September 2026 showed that applications with multiple applicants were the most common type submitted under the program.

Limited-access passport holders: Individuals with week passports broaden their travel freedom through visa free or simplified access to countries in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia.

Early-stage investors: Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and investors looking to enter Africa’s rapidly growing markets find the most suitable pathway through São Tomé and Príncipe. They gain access to several regional agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Area and Special Development Zones.

Risk-conscious individuals: São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship as a plan B provides a reliable contingency plan at low cost for personal or family security.

Top nationalities

São Tomé and Príncipe’s citizenship program appeals to a range of international markets. Government statistics for the program’s first year showed that Chinese and Russian nationals accounted for over 50% of applicants, making these two nationalities the program’s applicant base.

Why it is chosen over other programs

Caribbean citizenship programs have dominated the industry for some years, but many investors are considering São Tomé and Príncipe for several reasons:

• The minimum investment is incomparable, with a $90,000 starting investment compared to the Caribbean’s $200,000 minimum threshold.
• While the Caribbean has a well-developed tourism industry, São Tomé and Príncipe provides early-stage investment opportunities in tourism and other growing industries on the African continent.
• Certain nationalities are largely banned from applying for Caribbean citizenship, whereas São Tomé and Príncipe serves as a valid option.

• Overall cost of citizenship: While a $90,000 contribution is the main requirement, other government fees amount to $6,000, excluding agent fees and extra costs, which increase when applying as a family.
• Dual citizenship restriction: São Tomé and Príncipe fully allows dual citizenship, but investors with three or more citizenships are ineligible for the program. Whether other countries of citizenship accept dual citizenship should also be verified.
• Using unlicensed agents: The CIU strictly requires applicants to apply through a licensed representative authorized by them. Using unlicensed agents increases the risk of rejection and losing invested funds.
• Visa free privileges: São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport is a valuable alternative but does not provide access without a visa to destinations like the United States, Canada, the UK, and countries in the Schengen Area.
• Approximate timeline: While the fastest approval recorded by the São Tomé and Príncipe government in 2026 was 26 days, applicants should generally expect the approval process to take about five months.

São Tomé and Principe is catching the eye of foreign nationals as a laid-back lifestyle destination and a place for the spirited tourists in Africa. Located in the Gulf of Guinea off Africa’s west coast, not only does it have natural beauty, but it’s also a haven for people who value an uncomplicated residency experience through its citizenship by investment program.

When walking around, the country presents a relaxed atmosphere, with a capital city that is both safe and easy to get around, even at night. According to Numbeo, the country ranks higher for safety and lower for crime than the United States, and its criminality score in the 2025 Organized Crime Index reinforces this, ranking above countries like Singapore and EU member states.

Outside the capital city, the islands are a jungle with dense rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and an incredible variety of wildlife. Pair with some of the world’s most pristine marine environments, it is well-suited for developing tourism businesses focused on diving and wildlife spotting. There are only a handful of high-end hotels, which also appeals to real estate developers.

São Tomé and Príncipe maintains ties with Portugal through the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and Lisbon is the only option for direct flights to the country outside the African continent.