São Tomé Citizenship by Investment

Questions about the program

What is the Sao Tome and Principe citizenship by investment program?

Sao Tome and Principe runs a citizenship by investment program under the Nationality Law (Decreto-Lei n.o 07/2025) and the Citizenship Act. Applicants make a non-refundable donation to the country's National Transformation Fund, which puts money into renewable energy, infrastructure, education, affordable housing, and eco-tourism. In return, successful applicants receive full Sao Tomean citizenship, a passport, a national ID card, and a citizenship certificate. The program is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), with operational support from STP Service Advisory FZCO (STPCIP), based in Dubai. All applications must be submitted through a licensed marketing agent like CitizenX.

How much does the Sao Tome and Principe CBI program cost?

For a single applicant, the total comes to USD 95,750. That breaks down into a USD 90,000 donation to the National Transformation Fund, a USD 5,000 submission fee, and USD 750 in citizenship document fees (USD 250 for the citizenship certificate, USD 350 for the passport, and USD 150 for the national ID).

A family of up to four pays USD 100,750. The donation goes up to USD 95,000, but the submission and document fees stay the same per person. Each additional dependent beyond three costs an extra USD 5,000 in donation. That family pricing gap is hard to find anywhere else: only USD 5,000 more for a family of four versus a single applicant.

Is this the cheapest citizenship by investment program available?

As of 2026, yes. At roughly USD 95,750 for a single applicant, São Tomé and Príncipe is the lowest-cost CBI entry point available. The next cheapest options are Vanuatu (starting around USD 138,000), Nauru, and Sierra Leone. A family of four gets through for about USD 100,750, compared to USD 200,000 or more for Caribbean programs.

How long does the application process take?

The CIU aims to complete the full process within two months. In practice, government processing runs about six to ten weeks from submission. Some cases have been approved in as little as four weeks, though that is on the faster end.

It is worth knowing that there is a gap between citizenship approval and the actual passport arriving. Once citizenship is granted, the passport itself takes an additional two to three months to produce and ship. So the total time from submitting your application to holding a passport runs roughly four to six months, depending on the complexity of your case.

What legal framework governs the program?

The program operates under two pieces of legislation: the São Tomé and Príncipe Nationality Act (07/2022) and the Citizenship Act (Decreto-Lei n.o 07/2025). The Citizenship Act establishes the CIU under Chapter 2, Article 4, and sets out the rules for donations, eligibility, and the application process. Any amendments to the Citizenship Act are communicated to licensed agents by the CIU.

What is the Sao Tome and Principe citizenship by investment official website?

The official website for the program is https://stpcip.com. No official .gov website exists for the program since all applications are submitted through the Citizenship Investment Unit headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Eligibility and requirements for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Who can apply for Sao Tome and Principe citizenship by investment?

The program is open to applicants of all nationalities, with the sole exception of North Korean citizens, who are excluded due to due diligence limitations. Stateless persons can apply as long as they have some form of identification document. The principal applicant must be at least 18 years old and meet all program requirements, including passing background checks and providing a clean source of funds.

As of April 2026, acceptance of new applications from individuals holding three or more foreign nationalities has been temporarily placed on hold. This is due to a provision in the São Tomé and Príncipe Nationality Law No. 07/2022 that restricts the granting of São Toméan nationality to individuals already holding three foreign nationalities or more. A parliamentary amendment to address this provision is expected, and further updates will be communicated once there is legislative clarity.

Which countries' nationals are restricted from applying for Sao Tome citizenship by investment?

São Tomé and Príncipe has restricted citizens of North Korea from applying for citizenship by investment. No other nationalities are restricted. There are no extra due diligence fees or enhanced screening requirements for any specific nationality. Every application is assessed on its own merits.

Are applicants with three or more existing nationalities eligible?

As of April 2026, new applications from individuals holding three or more foreign passports are temporarily on hold. Under the current provisions of the São Tomé and Príncipe Nationality Law No. 07/2022, the granting of São Toméan nationality is not permitted for individuals already holding three foreign nationalities or more. Parliament is expected to address this through a legislative amendment, but until that amendment is finalized, the CIU is not accepting new applications from this category of applicants. CitizenX will update this page as soon as the situation changes.

Can I apply with an expired passport?

Yes. Applications can be submitted with expired passports, provided the applicant includes a sworn affidavit explaining why they cannot obtain a valid one. This is useful for applicants whose current government won't renew their travel documents or for those in difficult political situations where passport renewal isn't possible.

Which family members can be included as dependents?

The program allows several categories of dependents. Spouses qualify, though only monogamous marriages are recognized. Biological or legally adopted children of the principal applicant or their spouse can be included up to and including the age of 30. Adult children between 18 and 30 must be unmarried and financially dependent on the principal applicant. Parents and grandparents of the principal applicant or their spouse can be included if they are aged 55 or older.

Note: As of April 2026, a revised dependency framework for adult children above 18 years of age is being finalized by the government. Until the new law is formally issued, passport issuance for adult dependent children in this category remains on hold. The underlying application process is unaffected, but delivery of documents for adult dependents may be delayed. Detailed guidelines will be shared once the law is published.

Can I include my partner if we're not legally married?

Yes. De facto partners may be included as dependents. You will need to provide government-issued proof of cohabitation at the same address. Additional supporting documents should include a Statutory Declaration of Relationship and, where available, confirmation of a joint bank account or a child's birth certificate listing both parents.

Can siblings be included in the application?

No. Under the current law, siblings are not prescribed as qualifying dependents and cannot be included in the same application. Siblings would need to submit their own separate applications as principal applicants.

Can I include additional family members after getting citizenship?

Yes, after receiving the approval-in-principle you can include additional family members. A one-time submission fee of USD 5,000 is charged per request, regardless of how many dependents are added at the same time. The donation amounts for post-approval additions are: USD 10,000 for a spouse (whether married before or after the original approval), USD 5,000 for each qualifying child or parent/grandparent, and USD 500 for a newborn under one year of age. Each added dependent also pays the standard document fees for their citizenship certificate, passport, and national ID.

Can I add a dependent during the application process, after submission?

No. Once your application has been submitted, qualifying dependents cannot be added during the processing period. The only exception is a newborn child born during the application process, who may be added provided approval has not yet been issued. All other dependents must wait until after the Certificate of Registration has been issued.

Can same-sex couples apply?

No. The program does not accept same-sex couples.

Can a person rejected from a Caribbean citizenship by investment program apply?

Yes. A rejection from a Caribbean program does not automatically disqualify someone from applying to São Tomé and Príncipe. Every application is assessed on its own merits through the CIU's independent due diligence process.

Are there extra due diligence fees for certain nationalities?

No. All applicants are assessed based on their individual merits, and no additional due diligence fees apply to specific nationalities. The only nationality restriction is on North Korean citizens.

Can a dependent be from a blacklisted country while the principal applicant is not?

No. All applicants, including dependents, must meet the program's eligibility requirements as set out in the Citizenship Act. If a dependent holds North Korean citizenship, they cannot be included.

Can someone under legal guardianship be included?

Yes. Individuals under legal guardianship may be included as dependent children, provided they meet the age requirement of 30 years or below. A certified copy of the legal guardianship document issued by a court, such as a full custody order, must be submitted as part of the application.

Source of funds and payments

What qualifies as an acceptable source of funds?

The program accepts a range of fund sources. Employment income requires an employment letter dated within the past six months. Self-employed applicants need company documents such as a company license and shareholder certificate. Cryptocurrency is accepted, though it requires proof of trading activity, including an affidavit declaring the source of funds, a screenshot of the trading account, and six months of trading statements. Divorce alimony and inheritance are both accepted. Content creators and bloggers can qualify by providing contracts, source of funds affidavits, and bank statements showing mass media income.

Can I pay with cryptocurrency?

Yes, with CitizenX you can use cryptocurrency as a source of funds for your Sao Tome and Principe citizenship application. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins are all accepted. If your wealth originates from crypto, you will need to provide an affidavit declaring the source of funds, a screenshot of your trading account showing the account number or registered email, and six months of trading statements.

Can the application be sponsored by someone who is not a blood relative?

Yes. Anyone can sponsor an applicant, not just blood relatives. However, a due diligence fee of USD 5,000 applies for the sponsor, and the sponsor must provide the required documentation, including a source of funds affidavit and supporting financial records.

When do I need to make the contribution?

You only make the contribution after receiving an approval in principle from the government. After that, you have 90 days to settle the payment. An additional 90-day extension can be requested. No money goes to the government until your application has been reviewed and conditionally approved.

Can the contribution be paid in installments?

No. The full contribution must be paid within 90 days of the approval-in-principle date. A one-time extension of an additional 90 days may be granted upon request, but there is no option to split the payment into multiple installments over a longer period.

Application process and documents

Do I need to visit Sao Tome and Principe?

No, you do not need to visit Sao Tome and Principe to obtain citizenship. There is no visit requirement at any point during the application, during processing, or after approval. Digital signatures and digital copies of documents are accepted. No biometrics are required beyond a passport photograph. The passport, once issued, is shipped to the processing office and then forwarded to you through your agent. Passport renewal can also be done remotely. The entire process from start to finish can be completed from wherever you are.

Is the entire process remote?

Yes. No travel is required at any stage. Documents are submitted digitally, signatures can be digital, and no in-person biometrics are collected. As of April 2026, a legislative amendment has been approved allowing the remote issuance of the National ID as well. Previously, National ID issuance required in-person biometric enrollment (fingerprint and signature capture) at embassies in Lisbon or Brussels, or in São Tomé and Príncipe itself. Under the new rules, applicants will instead complete a short video verification with the Civil Registry & Notary Office, coordinated by the CIU. This means the entire process, from application to passport and National ID delivery, is now fully remote. Compared to programs like Vanuatu, which still requires an in-person embassy visit in Hong Kong or Dubai for biometric enrollment, Sao Tome's fully remote process saves both time and money.

What documents are required for the application?

The standard application package includes: completed application forms (Form S1 and Form S2), certified color copies of your passport and a second identification document (such as a national ID or driver's license), a certified birth certificate, a passport-sized photograph meeting specific requirements, a police clearance certificate dated within three months of submission, proof of source of funds matching your Form S1 declarations, a bank reference letter from a globally recognized bank, proof of residential address, a medical examination report, and proof of marital status if applicable. Depending on your situation, you may also need an affidavit of support for adult dependents, a declaration of consent from a non-accompanying parent for minor applicants, or proof of a de facto partnership.

Do all documents need to be certified as true copies?

Yes, with a few exceptions. The S1 Form, medical forms, and affidavits do not require certification. Everything else must be certified by a licensed professional such as a notary public, attorney-at-law, commissioner for oaths, or a Sao Tome consular or diplomatic officer. The certifier must be independent and cannot have close personal ties with the applicant. A valid certification must include the statement "Certified to be a true copy of the original document seen by me," be signed and dated, and clearly state the certifier's full name in capital letters along with their professional title, registration number, and contact details.

Is notarization or apostille required?

A certified true copy issued by an authorized professional is sufficient. Foreign Affairs attestation or an apostille is not required. This simplifies document preparation quite a bit compared to many other CBI programs, where apostille requirements can add weeks and cost hundreds of dollars per document. CitizenX takes care of this for you through our network of authorized professionals.

Do documents need to be in English?

Yes. All forms and documents must be submitted in English. If the original documents are in another language, an authenticated English translation must be attached, prepared by an accredited translator or a licensed professional translation company. Each translation must be printed on the translator's letterhead and bear the official stamp and signature of the accredited translator. CitizenX takes care of this for you through our network of accredited translators.

How long are documents valid for?

All application documents must be issued within six months of submission to the CIU. The police clearance certificate has a shorter validity window and must be dated within three months of submission.

Are fingerprints required?

No. There is no fingerprint or biometric requirement for the passport application. Only a passport-sized photograph is needed. For the National ID, a short video verification with the Civil Registry & Notary Office is now required in place of the previous in-person biometric enrollment. This is another area where Sao Tome differs from Vanuatu, which still requires fingerprint enrollment at a consulate.

Is an interview required?

No. The program does not require an interview at any stage.

What are the photo requirements?

The photograph must be a high-resolution, passport-sized JPEG image taken within the last six months. Specifications: 2 x 2 inches (5 cm x 5 cm), head and shoulders visible with a neutral expression against a plain white background. The face must be centered with mouth closed. Ears and hairline must be visible, with hair tied back if necessary. No head coverings unless for religious purposes. No glasses. No sleeveless or light-colored tops.

After approval

What happens after my application is approved?

Once approved in principle, the CIU issues a second invoice for the donation and citizenship document fees. You have 90 days to settle this payment (with a possible 90-day extension). After payment is received, you submit proof of the payment (a SWIFT copy), an Oath of Allegiance form, and a passport application form for each applicant. Each applicant aged 18 or older must complete the Oath of Allegiance, sworn and signed before a notary public, attorney-at-law, consular officer, or commissioner for oaths in the applicant's jurisdiction. The oath date must be on or after the approval-in-principle date. Upon receipt of everything, the CIU initiates the issuance of the Certificate of Registration and applies for the passport and national ID.

Is the Sao Tomean passport biometric?

Yes. The Sao Tome and Principe passport is biometric. You will need to provide a high-quality passport photo as part of the process.

Is the Sao Tome and Principe passport different for CBI citizens?

No. There is no distinction between a passport issued to a naturally born citizen and one issued through the investment program. Under the constitution, all citizens are entitled to the same rights and privileges.

How long is the Sao Tome and Principe passport valid for and where can I renew it?

For adults, the passport is valid for seven years. For minors under the age of 16, the passport is valid for three years. You can renew your passport remotely via CitizenX or at any Sao Tome and Principe Embassy, such as those in Beijing, Brussels, and Lisbon, or at the citizenship by investment unit in Dubai. No travel to Sao Tome and Principe is required for renewal.

Where can I collect the citizenship documents?

The CIU hands over all original citizenship documents (citizenship certificate, passport, and national ID) to CitizenX as the authorized agent, who then delivers them to you. Upon request, the handover can also be arranged at the Sao Tome and Principe CIU office in Dubai. In the near future, handover will also be available at the Embassy of Sao Tome and Principe in Abu Dhabi, subject to an additional fee.

Can I keep my existing nationality?

Yes. Sao Tome and Principe allows dual citizenship. Acquiring Sao Tomean citizenship does not require you to renounce your current nationality.

Can I pass down citizenship to future generations?

Yes, all your future generations will receive Sao Tomean citizenship as well, in accordance with the Citizenship Act Decree-Law No. 07/2025. Your children, their children, and so on will all hold Sao Tomean citizenship by descent. This makes the investment a multi-generational asset rather than a one-off benefit.

Will my name be published by the Government after acquiring citizenship?

Your name will only be published in a local gazette, only available to the Ministry of Justice, Prime Minister and President's office. The official gazette in Sao Tome and Principe is not a publicly accessible document, so for all practical purposes, your citizenship is private.

Taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe

Will I have to pay taxes in Sao Tome and Principe after acquiring citizenship?

No, unless you spend more than 183 days per year in Sao Tome you will have no tax liabilities there, as the country does not tax citizens abroad. Simply holding a Sao Tomean passport does not create any tax obligations.

What are the taxes in Sao Tome and Principe?

If you actually want to move to Sao Tome and become a tax resident, you get a simple, investor-friendly setup: no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax. Personal income tax rates range from 0% to 25%. Sao Tome also has extensive double taxation treaties. For entrepreneurs, retirees, and globally mobile professionals looking for a lighter tax footprint and a relaxed island base, it is worth considering.

The CPLP benefits from São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

What is the CPLP and why does it matter?

The CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) is an intergovernmental organization of Portuguese-speaking nations. Members include Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. This is the primary reason many people look at this program beyond the price.

CPLP membership gives Sao Tomean citizens preferential immigration pathways in other member states, most notably Portugal and Brazil. These pathways are codified in law and actively used. No other CBI program at this price point offers anything comparable.

How does Sao Tome citizenship help with Portuguese residency?

CPLP citizens get a simplified pathway to a Portuguese residence visa. Under current law, legal residents in Portugal can apply for naturalization after about five years of residency. Proposed legislation would set the CPLP citizen timeline at seven years, compared to ten years for non-CPLP citizens. Either way, CPLP citizens face a shorter residency requirement before they can naturalize as Portuguese citizens than applicants from most other countries.

For people whose long-term plan involves an EU passport, this is the cheapest way to start that process. No other CBI program in the world gives you a direct legislative pathway to Portuguese residency and eventual citizenship at this price.

What about getting Brazilian citizenship?

The timeline is even shorter. Standard naturalization in Brazil requires four years of residency. CPLP citizens can naturalize after just one year following two years of permanent residency, cutting the total to roughly three years. If you have business interests or family connections in Brazil, or if Brazilian citizenship is part of your long-term plan, Sao Tome is currently the cheapest path into that process.

Are the CPLP pathways available to naturalized citizens, not just those born in CPLP countries?

Yes. The CPLP immigration benefits apply to all citizens of member states, regardless of how they acquired citizenship. There is no legal distinction between a naturally born Sao Tomean citizen and one who obtained nationality through the investment program. Under the constitution, all citizens hold the same rights and privileges.

Travel and passport strength with São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Which countries can Sao Tome and Principe citizens visit without a visa?

The Sao Tome and Principe passport provides visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa access to over 90 countries. About 61 destinations are accessible without applying for a visa in advance, with another 30 or so available through e-visa or visa-on-arrival processes. Notable destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR China), and South Africa, as well as an e-via to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Name changes with São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Can I change my name during the citizenship by investment process?

No, a name change request is possible only after obtaining citizenship from Sao Tome and Principe, and will be subject to the consideration of the Minister of Justice. The decision will be made based on the justification provided and remains entirely at the Minister's discretion and authority. The government processing fee is USD 7,000 (USD 2,000 upon submission and USD 5,000 upon approval) and the expected processing timeline is 3 to 4 months. The process is handled remotely through the STP office.

You will need to provide a certified copy of your current passport and citizenship certificate, a written request stating the reason for the name change, and any supporting documentation. Name changes are not publicly listed, since the official gazette in Sao Tome and Principe is not a publicly accessible document.

What if my name has special characters or accents?

Your name will be written on the citizenship documents exactly as it appears on your birth certificate. Non-Latin characters, such as Cyrillic, Arabic, or ideograms, are not admissible and must be transliterated into the Latin alphabet. If your name differs across your civil documents due to a spelling variation, you may need to submit a Name Discrepancy Affidavit as part of your application.

Medical and health requirements for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Are there medical conditions that would disqualify an applicant?

Applicants must complete a medical examination report as part of the application. There is a list of disqualifying medical conditions, though the CIU has confirmed that applicants with Hepatitis B can be accepted. The medical examination must be completed by a licensed medical practitioner, following the prescribed guidelines, and dated within six months of submission.

Other common questions about São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program

Is there a fast-track option?

No. The program's standard processing timeline is already one of the fastest in the industry, with most cases processed within two months. There is no separate fast-track route available for an additional fee.

Can I apply directly to the CIU without a licensed agent?

No. All applications under the program must be submitted through a licensed marketing agent listed on the CIU's website. Individuals cannot apply or correspond directly with the CIU for citizenship applications. CitizenX is a licensed marketing agent for the Sao Tome and Principe CBI program, and we handle the entire application process on your behalf, from document preparation through to passport delivery.

What does the application process look like with CitizenX?

The process follows five stages. First, we help you gather and prepare all required documents, reviewing everything for compliance before submission. Second, we submit your complete application package to the CIU and settle the submission fee. Third, the CIU conducts its due diligence, sends its recommendation to the Ministry and Cabinet, and the Cabinet makes a decision. Fourth, if approved, we help you settle the donation and document fees, prepare the Oath of Allegiance and passport application forms, and submit everything to the CIU. Fifth, once your citizenship documents are issued (citizenship certificate, passport, and national ID), we arrange delivery to you. The entire process is remote, and you can track it in real-time at every stage.