The São Tomé citizenship by investment program allows you to obtain direct citizenship and a passport in around 12 weeks. No residency requirement, no language test, no in-person interviews. You apply online, pass due diligence, make your contribution, and receive your passport. It is one of the fastest citizenship by investment program available anywhere in the world.
Here is exactly how the process works, step by step.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before you begin, make sure you qualify. The program is open to nationals of all countries with the exception on North Korea. You must be at least 18 years old and have no serious criminal convictions. You also need at least $95,000 USD for the contribution, plus the applicable government fees.
There is no minimum net worth requirement beyond the minimum costs, and no requirement to have prior ties to Sao Tome. The program was specifically designed for international investors and entrepreneurs who want a second citizenship without uprooting their lives.
Step 2: Gather the required documentation
The entire application is handled through citizenx.com as an official partner. You will need to provide your personal details and upload the required documentation.
The required documents are straightforward. All documents must be translated by a certified translator and legalized. CitizenX handles all of this so your application doesn't get rejected for technicalities.
Step 3: Submit your application
Once your documentation is ready, you will pay the non-refundable application fees.
Step 4: Government due diligence and background checks
This is where the government does its homework on you. The STP Service Advisory runs a full background check, including:
KYC (Know Your Customer) screening on all applicants and dependents over the age of 16
AML (Anti-Money Laundering) verification of your source of funds
International sanctions list screening (OFAC, UN, EU, and others)
Criminal background checks across all jurisdictions where you have lived
Verification of employment history, business registrations, and professional background
The due diligence phase typically takes 10 to 12 weeks. During this time, the government may have follow-up questions or requests for additional documentation.
Step 5: Receive approval and make the contribution
Once you've passed due diligence, you will receive a formal approval notification. At this point, you complete the required contribution.
This is a non-refundable donation. It is not an investment that you get back. Think of it as the price of citizenship, similar to the donation routes offered by Caribbean programs.
Step 6: Receive your citizenship certificate and passport
You will receive both your Certificate of Registration (CoR), national ID, and your passport. You are now a citizen of Sao Tome, with all the rights that entails.
Your citizenship is permanent, not conditional on maintaining an investment or meeting any ongoing financial requirements, and can be inherited by your future generations.
Step 7: Post-Citizenship Services
After obtaining São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship, the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) continues to support citizens with a full range of post-citizenship services.
- Adding a Newborn (USD 500): Submit a certified copy of the newborn's birth certificate, along with any additional supporting documents if required.
- Adding Dependents (USD 5,000 submission fee, plus donation): Donation per dependent with spouse USD 10,000; child USD 5,000; parent or grandparent USD 5,000. Requires certified documents (passport, birth certificate, proof of relationship) and updated forms as required.
- Passport Renewal (USD 500): Submit a certified copy of your passport and national ID, a completed Passport Application Form, and a photograph.
- Passport Replacement due to loss or theft (USD 500): Submit a certified copy of your passport and national ID, a police report, and an affidavit explaining the circumstances.
- National ID Card Renewal or Replacement (USD 500): Submit a copy of your National ID (or an explanation if lost) and a completed ID application form.
- Tax Number and ID (USD 500): Submit identification documents and required forms. Additional fees may apply.
- Name Change (USD 7,000 with USD 2,000 upon submission, USD 5,000 upon approval): Submit a certified copy of your current passport and citizenship certificate (originals required later), a written request explaining the reason for the change, and supporting documents if applicable.
- Registration of Civil Status Updates (birth or marriage certificate) (USD 500): Submit certified civil status documents, plus supporting documents if needed.
- Attestation of Documents (USD 250 per document): Submit the original or a certified copy. The CIU facilitates processing via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; fees may vary depending on the document.
Each service is subject to a USD 200 shipment charge, except the addition of newborns and dependents, as well as applicable CitizenX fees. Coming soon: Police Clearance Certificate, Company Incorporation, Local and Foreign Bank Account Opening, Residential Address, and PO Box Address.
