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São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

Remote passport processing tailored for investors and their families

Visa-free travel to 70+ countries, including:
  • Hong Kong
  • Singapore
  • Maldives
  • Cuba

Apply now to get expert advice

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Brief overview of the program

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program has been in effect since August 2025 and is one of the most affordable ways to obtain a second passport. Investors acquire the status of a citizen of this African country within a period of 6 weeks. There is no requirement to visit the country or take a language proficiency test. All that is needed is to prepare the document package, undergo a due diligence check, and contribute a capital of at least USD 90,000 to the National Transformation Fund (Fundo Nacional de Transformação).

Processing time from 6 weeks
Investment amount from USD 90,000

Advantages of the program

  • Quick citizenship approval

    The citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe is processed in about 6 weeks—this is the shortest processing time among African programs and one of the quickest worldwide.

  • The lowest investment threshold

    A contribution of USD 90,000 makes the São Tomé and Príncipe program the most affordable option for obtaining second citizenship for investors today.

  • Remote full-service processing

    There is no need to visit the country until the passport is received— the entire process is handled online via the UCID platform.

  • Passport for the whole family

    The application includes the spouse, children up to 30 years old, and parents over 55 years old, with no additional residency or language requirements.

  • Retention of original citizenship

    São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislation allows dual citizenship— investors are not required to renounce their original passport.

  • Free access to African markets

    The São Tomé and Príncipe passport grants visa-free access to African Union countries and facilitates business operations in Portuguese-speaking nations.

  • Tax optimization up to 0%

    The country is not part of the automatic financial data exchange system (CRS) and does not tax income earned abroad by its citizens.

  • Exemption from military service

    Foreigners who acquire citizenship through investment are exempt from military service and cannot be drafted into the army, even in emergency situations.

  • Asset protection and "backup plan"

    São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship offers additional opportunities for asset protection and serves as a "Plan B" in case of crises in the investor’s home country.

Unlock business and financial opportunities with the program

  • Taxes No personal income tax on foreign income. No participation in CRS, ensuring asset confidentiality and tax optimization.
  • Banks and accounts São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship simplifies the opening of corporate and personal accounts in jurisdictions with favorable banking regulations.
  • Asset protection Establishing international holdings in Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions without automatic exchange of financial information.

Step-by-step guide to São Tomé and Príncipe passport

  • Specific requirements and estimated costs
  • A clear, step-by-step plan to secure your passport
  • Complete details of the 2025 citizenship program
Step-by-step guide to São Tomé and Príncipe passport

Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists

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Visa-free travel map
  • Mobility Index 71
  • Visa-free travel 28
  • Visa on arrival 30
  • E-visa 41
  • Passport power ranking 70
  • São Tomé and Príncipe Passport
  • Citizenship provides visa-free access to 71 countries worldwide, including popular business destinations in Asia such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
  • Africa and the Caribbean
  • Visa-free access applies to most African Union jurisdictions, including South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, as well as island nations in the Caribbean.
  • The USA and the EU
  • The government of São Tomé and Príncipe is negotiating the restoration of a visa-free regime with the USA through the ESTA program and expanding migration agreements with European countries.
  • It is important to note that citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe receive priority for long-term visas to Australia, the USA, and EU countries due to prior due diligence checks.

Visa-free travel to 70+ countries with a São Tomé and Príncipe passport

The Americas

  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bolivia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname

Asia

  • Bangladesh
  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Laos
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Nepal
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Sri Lanka
  • Timor-Leste
  • Vietnam

Africa

  • Angola
  • Benin
  • Burundi
  • Cape Verde
  • Comoros
  • DR Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Djibouti
  • Egypt
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Kenya
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • Rwanda
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • South Africa
  • South Sudan
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Europe

  • Kosovo

Oceania

  • Micronesia
  • Palau
  • Samoa
  • Tuvalu

Middle East

  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Palestinian Territories

Unlock new opportunities with a São Tomé and Príncipe passport

  • Processing time: Citizenship in as little as 6 weeks upon submission of a complete document package
  • Visa-free travel: Access to 70+ countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Philippines
  • Family status: Citizenship for your spouse, children up to 30 years old, and parents over 55 years old
  • Validity period: Passports are renewed every 7 years by adult applicants, with no need to update citizenship status

Apply now to get expert advice

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The requirements to the applicants

  • Legal source of income
  • Age 18 or older
  • No criminal record
  • No dangerous contagious diseases
  • Proof of source of funds for investment
  • Official marriage to the investor
  • No criminal record
  • No dangerous contagious diseases
  • Biological children of the investor and spouse
  • Children from previous marriages, with the consent of the other parent
  • Must be studying or financially dependent on the investor
  • No criminal record
  • No dangerous contagious diseases
  • Must be financially dependent on the investor

Investment option

Non-refundable contribution to the Fundo Nacional de Transformação (FNT)

The National Transformation Fund was established by the government of São Tomé and Príncipe to attract investments for the development of infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other key sectors of the economy.

Application fees by category:

  • One applicant  — USD 90,000
  • Family of 2–4 people  — USD 95,000
  • Each additional family member  — USD 5,000

The investment amount may vary depending on the number of applicants and their ages.

Comparison of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship with other popular programs

Category
São Tomé and Príncipe São Tomé and Príncipe
Vanuatu Vanuatu
Turkey Turkey
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone
Number of visa-free destinations
71
90
124
68
Processing time
from 6 weeks
from 1 month
from 6 months
90 days
Tax on worldwide income
0%
0%
0%
from 0%
Capital gains tax
0%
0%
0%
30%
Inheritance tax
0%
0%
from 10%
10%
Investment amount
from USD 90,000
from USD 130,000
from USD 400,000
from USD 140,000

Get a customized estimate for the cost of obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

iWorld specialists will prepare a personalized estimate with stages, deadlines, taking into account your family situation, grounds for citizenship, and all necessary fees.

Get a customized estimate for the cost of obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

Steps for obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

Preliminary consultation and review

iWorld’s lawyers will conduct a comprehensive consultation with you, reviewing your documents and other information in international databases to minimize the risk of rejection. If potential issues are identified, we will offer effective solutions before submitting your citizenship application. Learn More

Document collection, preparation, and legalization

You will provide iWorld specialists with the original documents according to the official checklist. We will take care of all administrative and legal procedures: completing government forms and applications, arranging professional translation of documents into Portuguese, and ensuring notarization, apostille, or consular legalization.

Application submission and payment of state fees

The fully prepared dossier will be submitted by our lawyers through an agent of the program to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) of São Tomé and Príncipe. Simultaneously, you will pay a non-refundable state processing fee of USD 5,000.

Due diligence

Once the dossier is accepted, specialized government agencies and international partners will conduct a due diligence check on your profile. The due diligence process includes verifying the origin of funds, checking biographical details for criminal records or international sanctions, and assessing potential national security and reputational risks.

Approval of the citizenship application

After receiving official approval from the CIU, the final stage of the naturalization process begins. This notification confirms the successful completion of all checks and your compliance with the program’s requirements. From this point, you will have a strict deadline to fulfill your financial obligations.

Fulfilling the investment commitment

Within 30 days of receiving approval, you will transfer the full amount of the non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund (Fundo Nacional de Transformação). Once the fund confirms receipt and all formalities are completed, you will receive your naturalization certificate, which serves as the official basis for applying for your national passport.

Receiving the São Tomé and Príncipe passport

The authorized program agent will collect your biometric passport and deliver it to iWorld specialists. We will then courier the document to your address. According to São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislation, the passport is subject to replacement every 7 years due to expiration.

Comprehensive support after obtaining citizenship

The iWorld team also supports clients after they receive their passport in resolving key legal and financial issues.

Residence permit in Europe

iWorld specialists will select a program that meets your needs, collect a complete set of documents, and accompany you until you receive your ID card.

Opening legal entities

iWorld lawyers will register your company in a jurisdiction with a favorable tax system, taking advantage of your new passport.

Opening bank accounts

iWorld specialists will select the necessary bank, prepare the documents, and accompany you when opening an account.

Passports for family members

iWorld lawyers will help you obtain citizenship for your children, spouse, and parents.

Obtaining documents

iWorld specialists will help you obtain a criminal record check, birth certificate, and other necessary documents after you obtain citizenship.

Assistance with purchasing/renting real estate

The iWorld team will select real estate that suits your goals and budget, check the history of the property, agree on the terms of the transaction, and assist you with the purchase of real estate.

Alternative citizenship by investment programs

Vanuatu Country Vanuatu
Cost from USD 130,000
Processing time from 1 month
Key advantages
  • The fastest application process
  • Family members can join the program
  • Remote participation in the program
Learn more
Turkey Country Turkey
Cost from USD 400,000
Processing time from 6 months
Key advantages
  • Passports for family members
  • No language exam
  • Possibility to sell the property after 3 years
Learn more
Sierra Leone Country Sierra Leone
Cost from USD 140,000
Processing time 90 days
Key advantages
  • Fast-track second passport
  • Reduced tax burden
  • Investment in a developing economy
Learn more
Nauru Country Nauru
Cost from USD 105,000
Processing time from 3 months
Key advantages
  • Accelerated procedure
  • No residency requirements
  • Politically neutral passport
Learn more
See all programs

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FAQ

What is the minimum amount required to participate in the program?

The minimum non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund is USD 90,000 for a single applicant.

How long does it take to process the São Tomé and Príncipe passport?

It takes from 6 weeks after submitting a complete document package. This period includes due diligence, reviewing the investor's application, and a decision by the government.

What is the advantage of this program compared to other citizenship-by-investment options?

The São Tomé and Príncipe program is the most affordable in the world and one of the fastest in terms of citizenship processing time.

When did the program start?

The program was officially launched on August 1, 2025, based on Decree-Law No. 07/2025. Investor applications began in September 2025.

Which family members can be included in the application?

The application can include the spouse, children up to 30 years old, and parents over 55 years old. The cost of citizenship processing directly depends on the number of applicants.

Does the foreign investor need to visit São Tomé and Príncipe?

The entire investment citizenship process is done remotely via the UCID online platform, so there is no need to visit the country.

Does the investor need to renounce their current citizenship?

São Tomé and Príncipe’s legislation allows dual citizenship and does not require renouncing the original passport.

What are the main requirements for the applicant?

The applicant must undergo due diligence and confirm the absence of any criminal record.

Get expert advice — contact us today

You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.

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Get expert advice — contact us today
Aleksey Nosovsky Head of Legal Department

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