How to Get São Tomé Citizenship by Investment: 2026 Lawyer Guide

What is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme?

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund.

Established under Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025, the programme requires applicants to apply through a government-authorised agent. Each application goes through eligibility and due diligence checks before the relevant São Toméan authorities decide whether to approve it.

How much does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment cost?

The minimum contribution is USD 90,000 for a single applicant or USD 95,000 for a family of two to four. For each additional qualifying dependant, the contribution increases by USD 5,000.

There is also a USD 5,000 due diligence and processing fee per application, regardless of family size. Citizenship documents currently cost a further USD 750 per person. Other administrative and professional fees may apply.

Can family members be included in a São Tomé citizenship application?

A spouse or civil/de facto partner may be included, together with unmarried and financially dependent children up to the age of 30. Financially dependent parents and grandparents aged 55 or above may also qualify for inclusion.

Do applicants need to live in or travel to São Tomé and Príncipe?

Applicants are not required to reside in or visit São Tomé and Príncipe, either before or after obtaining citizenship. The programme also has no language requirement.

How long does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment take? Applications are typically processed within 2 to 3 months of submission for initial approval, and a total of 6-9 months to receive the passport. Processing times may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the documentation provided and any additional due diligence required.

What is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme?

São Tomé and Príncipe introduced its Citizenship by Investment Programme in 2025 to attract international investment and support national development. The programme allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for citizenship by contributing to the National Transformation Fund.

The programme is governed by Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025, with the decree-law coming into effect on 1 August 2025.

Applications must be submitted through a government-authorised agent and are administered by the Citizenship by Investment and Donation Unit (UCID), which manages the application platform and coordinates the administrative process.

How much does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment cost?

Applicants are required to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The contribution amount depends on the number of family members included in the application.

Additional costs include due diligence and processing fees, citizenship documents and professional fees. Document preparation, translations and other administrative expenses may also apply.

For details of the investment requirements and applicable fees, visit our São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme page.

When is the investment paid?

The qualifying contribution is not required to be made at the time of application. Applicants initially pay only the relevant due diligence and application-related fees.

After the applicant has received approval in principle, the contribution to the National Transformation Fund, passport fees and other applicable government fees become payable. Under Decree-Law No. 07/2025, the contribution must be deposited within 90 days of approval. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the application lapsing.

This allows applicants to complete the application review and due diligence process before making the qualifying contribution.

Can someone else fund the qualifying contribution?

The qualifying contribution may be funded by a benefactor, such as a parent or another third party. If a benefactor is to be part of the application, that benefactor must provide the required supporting documents and undergo due diligence to verify the lawful source of the funds. An additional due diligence fee applies.

What investment qualifies for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?

For an applicant to qualify for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme, they are required to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which receives and manages contributions from the citizenship programme.

Approved applicants may also choose to make voluntary investments in qualifying public projects, including infrastructure, energy, transport, housing, healthcare, education, tourism, water treatment and national production.

However, it is important for applicants to be aware that any additional investments do not replace the required contribution to the National Transformation Fund.

Can I qualify for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investing in real estate?

The programme’s qualifying investment route is a contribution to the National Transformation Fund. Purchasing private property does not replace this requirement or qualify as an eligible investment on its own.

While voluntary investments in approved development projects are permitted, these are separate from the qualifying contribution. Investors seeking citizenship through an approved real estate purchase should consider other citizenship by investment programmes.

Who can apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?

When applying for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and meet the programme’s legal, financial and due diligence requirements.

Applicants are required to provide clean police clearance certificates from the country of nationality or legal residence, together with evidence of the lawful source of their funds. They must also be in good general health and free from contagious diseases.

All applications must be submitted through a government-authorised agent. The authorities assess each applicant’s background and supporting documents and may request additional information before reaching a decision.

Which family members can be included in the application?

The programme allows applicants to include qualifying family members within the same application. Eligible family member that can included as dependants include:

1. A spouse or de facto/civil partner;
2. Unmarried children up to the age of 30 who remain financially dependant on the principal applicant; and
3. Financially dependant parents or grandparents aged 55 or above.

The contribution and supporting documents required depend on the number and type of dependants included. Each family member’s eligibility should therefore be reviewed before the application is submitted.

Can family members be added after citizenship has been granted?

Eligible dependants can be added after citizenship has been obtained, subject to the applicable due diligence requirements, contributions and government fees.

The supporting documents required will depend on the family member being added. Details of the applicable requirements and fees are available on our São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme page.

Are any nationalities restricted from applying?

The legal framework also allows the government to restrict applications from certain countries on grounds including national security, international sanctions or a lack of effective judicial cooperation.

As restrictions may change, applicants should confirm their eligibility before preparing an application.

Do applicants have to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe?

There is no requirement to visit or reside in São Tomé and Príncipe, either before or after obtaining citizenship. Applicants are also not required to spend a minimum number of days in the country to retain their citizenship.

The programme therefore allows applicants to obtain an additional nationality without relocating or changing their principal country of residence.

Is there a language requirement?

The programme has no language requirement and applicants do not need to pass a Portuguese language examination or demonstrate a prescribed level of proficiency to qualify for citizenship.

What due diligence applies to São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?

Applicants, relevant dependants and any benefactors are required to complete due diligence checks as part of the application process. Under Decree-Law No. 07/2025, the Citizenship by Investment and Donation Unit (UCID) may appoint qualified independent providers to carry out these checks.

The due diligence assessment will consider the applicant’s background and integrity, the lawful source of their funds, and compliance with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing requirements.

The programme also has a Review Committee which is made up of representatives from the Public Prosecutor, Migration and Borders Service, finance authorities, registry and notary authorities, and Financial Intelligence Unit.

Is an interview required?

An interview is not required in every case, although UCID may request one where further assessment is needed. Interviews may be conducted in person or remotely.

Whether an interview is required depends on the authorities’ review of the individual application.

What documents are required?

Applicants must provide supporting documents relating to their identity, background, health and source of funds. The exact requirements depend on their personal circumstances and the family members included in the application.

Required documents typically include:

1. Completed application forms;
2. Certified passport copies;
3. Police clearance certificates;
4. Proof of residence;
5. Medical documentation;
6. Civil-status documents for accompanying family members;
7. Evidence of the lawful source of funds; and
8. Proof of payment of the applicable application and due diligence fees.

Police clearance certificates must cover the relevant countries of nationality or residence and should have been issued within three months before submission. The authorities may also request additional supporting information, depending on the circumstances of each application.

Do supporting documents need to be translated or legalised?

Applications can be prepared in Portuguese or English. Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by an authenticated translation into Portuguese or English.

Preparing certificates and translations in advance can help make sure the application is ready for submission and reduce delays.

How does the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment process work?

The application process involves six main stages, from an initial eligibility review to the issuance of citizenship documents.

1. Initial assessment and eligibility review

The applicant’s background, family circumstances and source of funds are reviewed to assess eligibility and identify any matters that may need to be addressed before preparing the application.

2. Preparation of supporting documents

The required identity, financial, police clearance, medical and civil-status documents are collected and prepared for submission. Applicable legal and due diligence fees are also paid at this stage.

3. Submission through a government-authorised agent

The completed application is submitted through a government-authorised agent. The Citizenship by Investment and Donation Unit (UCID) reviews the application and may request additional supporting information.

4. Due diligence and approval in principle

The application undergoes due diligence and government review. UCID may request further information or an interview as part of its assessment.

5. Payment of the contribution and government fees

Following approval in principle, the qualifying contribution becomes payable. The applicant pays the required contribution to the National Transformation Fund, together with passport fees and other applicable government fees.

6. Naturalization and Citizenship oath

After the contribution is received, competent São Tomé e Principe’s government authorities will provide a final approval on the naturalization process.

The applicant must complete a citizenship oath of Allegiance, declaring allegiance to the country and its laws before a notary public, attorney-at-law, consular officer or commissioner for oaths in the Applicant’s jurisdiction.

7. Issuance of documents

Once the process is complete, the following documents can be issued:

1. National ID;
2. Certificate of Citizenship and/or birth certificate; and
3. São Tomé and Príncipe passport.

How long does the application process take?

Applications are usually processed within 2 to 3 months of submission for an approval in principle. A further 4 – 6 months might be necessary for final approval and issuance of passports. This timeframe is indicative and may vary depending on the applicant’s background, financial circumstances and any additional information required during due diligence.

Properly preparing the complete supporting documents before submission can help reduce delays and follow up questions from the authorities.

What are the benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?

São Tomé and Príncipe offers a relatively low contribution requirement and allows applicants to include qualifying family members in their application.

The programme’s main benefits include:

1. No requirement to live in or visit the country, either before or after obtaining citizenship;
2. No language test;
3. The option to include qualifying family members;
4. Dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their existing nationality where permitted by their home country;
5. Full citizenship rights;
6. Applicants who obtain citizenship through the programme receive full citizenship rights. Their citizenship may also be passed to future generations, subject to applicable nationality laws;
7. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to more than 55 destinations; and
8. Permanent exemption from compulsory military service.

The programme may suit applicants seeking an additional citizenship for themselves and their family without having to relocate. Details of the required contribution and fees are available on our São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme page.

What travel access does a São Tomé and Príncipe passport provide?

A São Tomé and Príncipe passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 55 destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa.

For applicants seeking greater travel flexibility, this may be a useful benefit. However, access varies between citizenship programmes, so the destinations covered should be considered alongside the applicant’s travel needs.

Entry requirements are set by each destination country and may change. Applicants seeking access to a particular country should confirm its current visa requirements before proceeding.

Does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship provide CPLP benefits?

São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). Citizenship may therefore offer access to residence, work and study opportunities in participating countries, including Portugal and Brazil.

These opportunities depend on each country’s immigration rules and the CPLP arrangements it has adopted. Citizenship does not provide an automatic right to live or work in every member country.

Read also: Portugal Nationality Law 2026: New Citizenship Rules for Golden Visa Holders

Does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship provide tax benefits?

São Tomé and Príncipe offers an attractive tax regime, although citizenship and tax residence are assessed separately.

Obtaining citizenship does not automatically make an applicant a tax resident in São Tomé and Príncipe or remove their tax obligations elsewhere.

An individual’s tax position depends on their circumstances, including:

1. Where they live and how much time they spend in each country;
2. Where their income comes from and their assets are held;
3. Their existing citizenship and residence status; and
4. The tax laws and treaties that apply.

Applicants considering citizenship as part of their wider financial planning should seek tax advice in the relevant countries before making any changes to their tax arrangements.

Can São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship be passed to future generations?

Applicants who have obtained citizenship through the programme receive full citizenship rights and may be passed to future generations, subject to applicable nationality laws.

Eligible dependants may also be added after citizenship has been granted, subject to due diligence requirements and government fees. This allows families to consider the programme as part of their longer-term plans.

The registration requirements for a future child or dependant will depend on the family’s circumstances and the rules in force at the time.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment suitable for every applicant?

The suitability of the programme depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and objectives. São Tomé and Príncipe offers a relatively accessible contribution requirement that may appeal to individuals and families seeking an additional citizenship without having to relocate.

The programme may be suitable for applicants who value:

1. No residence or physical visit requirement;
2. The inclusion of qualifying family members;
3. A straightforward contribution-based route; and
4. The ability to hold dual citizenship.

Applicants with different priorities, such as broader visa-free travel, an approved real estate investment option or access to a particular country, may wish to consider other programmes. Before proceeding, applicants should consider how the programme meets their family’s needs and long-term plans, alongside the required contribution and associated fees.

How can Harvey Law Group assist with São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?

Choosing a citizenship by investment programme requires careful consideration of your individual circumstances and long-term objectives, alongside the required contribution.

Harvey Law Group can review your nationality, family circumstances, source of funds and immigration objectives to advise whether São Tomé and Príncipe is suitable for you. This includes assessing your eligibility and identifying which family members may be included in the application.

Where you decide to proceed, our team can assist with document preparation, source-of-funds review and due diligence requirements and coordinate the application process with the relevant authorised parties.

If you are considering several jurisdictions, we can also advise on alternative citizenship and residence programmes that may meet your family’s needs, travel priorities and future plans.

Contact Harvey Law Group to discuss your eligibility and the options available to you.