A colonial building with a wooden balcony in São Tomé

Citizenship by Investment

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

One of Central Africa’s most distinctive island nations, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a streamlined route to a second citizenship through its newly established Citizenship by Investment Programme. Launched in 2025, the Programme welcomes forward-thinking investors seeking a credible second citizenship without residency or visit requirements.

Situated in the Gulf of Guinea off the western coast of Central Africa, this two-island nation is recognised for its political stability, untouched rainforests and growing reputation for sustainable development. With Portuguese as its official language and a culture blending African and European influences, São Tomé and Príncipe combines a relaxed island lifestyle with a clear pathway to a second citizenship.

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Minimum investment: $90,000
Dual citizenship: Yes
Processing time: Less than 2 months
Residency requirement: None

Four Misconceptions About Alternative Citizenship Explained

Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship offers a wide range of benefits to investors and their families. These include:

Full citizenship for life

Successful applicants and their dependants receive full citizenship and all the rights of a São Toméan national, which can be passed on to future generations.

No visit or residency requirement

Applicants are not required to visit or reside in São Tomé and Príncipe to obtain or maintain their citizenship, making the Programme accessible to investors worldwide.

Fast processing

The Programme is designed for efficiency, with applicants able to obtain their second citizenship in less than two months from submission.

Inclusive family policy

The Programme allows the main applicant to include a spouse, unmarried children up to the age of 30, and parents aged 55 and above in a single application.

Affordable lifestyle

São Tomé and Príncipe offers a relaxed island pace of life supported by a low cost of living, making it an appealing destination for those wishing to spend time in the country.

Contribution to sustainable development

Applicants contribute directly to São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Transformation Fund, supporting renewable energy, infrastructure, education and eco-tourism initiatives across the islands.

General Requirements

To qualify for citizenship under the Programme, the main applicant must meet the following criteria:

Aged 18 or over
Clean criminal record
Sufficient funds to make the qualifying investment
Documentation to prove that all investment capital is from a legitimate source
Must be in good health
Must pass comprehensive due diligence checks
No language requirement
No residency requirement

Investment Options

Citizenship may be obtained by making a qualifying contribution to São Tomé and Príncipe’s National Transformation Fund. Contributions are channelled into national priorities, including renewable energy, infrastructure, education, affordable housing and eco-tourism development.

The investment thresholds are as follows:

01
National Transformation Fund
for a single applicant
USD 90,000
for a family of two to four
USD 95,000
for each additional dependant
USD 5,000
A non-refundable submission fee of USD 5,000 is payable on application.

Application Process

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment application process consists of three phases:

1
Phase 1:
Assessment and Onboarding Duration: 1 to 2 weeks Consultation with an authorised Marketing Agent, preparation of supporting documents, payment of the non-refundable submission fee of USD 5,000 and formal submission of the application to the Citizenship Unit of São Tomé and Príncipe.
2
Phase 2:
Document and Application Processing Duration: 4 to 6 weeks Due diligence checks are completed on the main applicant and all dependants. Once the checks are finalised, the Citizenship Unit issues its decision.
3
Phase 3:
Approval and Final Handover Duration: 1 to 2 weeks. The Citizenship Unit issues either an Approval-in-Principle letter or a rejection letter. If approved, the main applicant must fulfil the qualifying investment. Following this, the Certificate of Registration and National ID of São Tomé and Príncipe are issued and handed to the investor through the authorised Marketing Agent.

How long does it take to process an application?

Applicants can generally expect to obtain their second citizenship in less than two months from submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Government Advisory

CS Global Partners – Government Advisory

CS Global Partners is the world leading international legal advisory firm, London-headquartered, providing high-net-worth individuals and families with citizenship and residency solutions. As a trusted partner of many governments, CS Global Partners works directly with governments and is mandated to promote some of the world’s longest-standing citizenship programmes, giving clients accurate, up-to-date guidance straight from the source.

For advice shaped by real expertise, contact CS Global Partners.

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