São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

The main applicant must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record and have good financial standing. The following eligible dependents may be included in one application:

1. Spouse or de facto partner
2. Children up to 30 years old who are unmarried and financially dependent on the main applicant
3. Parents/grandparents aged 55 or above who are financially dependent on the main applicant

Restricted applicants are those who are nationals of:

1. North Korea

One of the most cost-effective citizenship programs and an affordable Plan B

Access to full citizenship rights

CPLP member state privileges: special residency, work and study opportunities across CPLP countries such as Portugal and Brazil

Dual citizenship permitted

Visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 60+ jurisdictions, including Singapore, Hong Kong and South Africa

Attractive tax regime

No language requirement

No residency or visit requirements

When you first start the procedure, a submission fee or due diligence fee of USD 5,000 is payable per application, regardless of the family size.

Aside from that, citizenship documents per applicant have a cost of USD 750. Other administrative costs may apply, such as bank charges, issuance and translation of documents, and courier fees.

Typically, applications are processed in 2 to 3 months from submission.

No. There is no visit or residency requirement prior to or after obtaining São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship.

1. Complete pre-assessment, KYC and eligibility checks
2. Collect documents, pay legal and due diligence fees, and submit all application forms
3. Submit the application through an authorized agent
4. Upon approval in principle, pay the required donation amount, passport fees and any other government fees
5. Complete the Citizenship Oath
6. Obtain the National ID, Certificate of Citizenship and Passport

The due diligence fee will be paid upon submission of the citizenship application. Once the application is approved in principle, the donation amount and passport fees will become payable.

Yes. Applicants are required to show that they have enough funds to make the investment and that the funds come from a legal and clean source. The type of documents required will vary depending on the source of the investment funds.

Yes. Eligible future dependents may be added, subject to applicable fees and due diligence. Citizenship may also be passed to future generations in accordance with the Citizenship Act Decree-Law No. 07/2025.

Yes, the application can be sponsored. However, an additional due diligence fee of USD 5,000 will apply to the benefactor, and the benefactor must provide the required documentation.

No. There is no distinction between those who are born as citizens and those who have been naturalized under the Citizenship Act. Under the Constitution, all citizens are entitled to the same rights and privileges.

For adults, the passport is valid for 7 years. For minors under the age of 16, the passport is valid for 3 years. Renewal can be completed at any São Tomé and Príncipe Embassy, specifically in Beijing, Brussels, and Lisbon, or directly at the CIU office.