São Tomé and Príncipe’s New Citizenship by Investment Program: Full Briefing for 2025

Effective date: 1 August 2025

Applications open: first week of September 2025

São Tomé and Príncipe, the small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, has officially entered the global investment migration market. With the launch of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program, the country is positioning itself as one of the most competitively priced destinations for investors seeking a second passport.

This initiative, grounded in recent legislation, is designed not only to attract foreign direct investment but also to fund critical national projects in renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Legal Framework & Governance

The program is established by a national decree that complements São Tomé and Príncipe’s nationality law. A new Citizenship Unit (UCID) has been created to process applications, ensure compliance, and supervise fund allocations.

In addition, a public-private partnership model has been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency. Applications will be processed through a dedicated Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) headquartered in Dubai, with a target processing time of just six weeks.

Investment & Fees

Applicants must make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) after receiving Approval in Principle. The official fee structure is as follows:

• Submission Fee: US$5,000 per application (flat, regardless of family size)

  
  

• Contribution Amounts:

  • Single applicant: US$90,000

  • Family of 2–4 members: US$95,000 (total)

  • Additional dependents: US$5,000 each

    
    

• Post-Approval Government Fees (per person):

  • Passport issuance: US$350

  • National ID: US$150

  • Certificate of Registration: US$250

    
    

• Future Additions: New spouse (US$10,000), other dependents (US$5,000), newborn (US$500)

  
  

Eligible Applicants & Dependents

The program is open to individuals over the age of 18 who can meet the financial requirements and pass due diligence checks.

Qualifying dependents include:

• Spouse

• Children up to age 30 (unmarried and financially dependent)

• Parents aged 55 and older

  
  

Future family members—such as newborns or new spouses—can also be added after the initial application.

Application Process

1. File Submission: Applicants submit required documents, including a medical certificate, police clearance (issued within three months), proof of funds, and certified translations. The US$5,000 submission fee is paid at this stage.

   
   

2. Due Diligence & Review: The UCID conducts internal checks and may use independent third-party due diligence providers. Interviews may be required online or in person.

   
   

3. Public Prosecutor Review: Each application is examined by the Public Prosecutor for legal clearance before approval.

   
   

4. Approval in Principle: Once cleared, applicants are granted Approval in Principle and have 90 days to deposit the required contribution.

   
   

5. Finalization & Citizenship Grant: Applicants take an oath of allegiance, after which their citizenship is registered and documents (passport, national ID, certificate of registration) are issued.

   
   

Estimated timeline: approximately six weeks from submission to final approval.

Transparency & Safeguards

São Tomé and Príncipe has embedded strong financial governance into the program:

• All contributions flow into the National Transformation Fund, which is independently audited and overseen by multiple state institutions.

  
  

• Funds can only be disbursed with dual authorization, and external accounts must be held with internationally rated banks.

  
  

• Quarterly reports on applications, approvals, and fund allocations are submitted to the National Assembly to ensure accountability.

  
  

National Development Goals

Proceeds from the CBI program will be directed into transformative projects, with a flagship focus on renewable energy infrastructure to position São Tomé and Príncipe as one of the few nations powered entirely by clean energy.

Additional investments will support:

• Affordable housing

• Education and healthcare improvements

• Transport and road networks

• Water and waste management systems

• Tourism development and eco-friendly urban growth

• Support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses

  
  

Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

• Affordability: Starting at just US$90,000, the program is one of the lowest-cost CBI options worldwide.

  
  

• Speed: Average approval time of six weeks, far quicker than many comparable programs.

  
  

• Visa-Free Mobility: Holders gain access to nearly 60 countries, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry.

  
  

• No Residency Requirement: Neither pre- nor post-approval residence is required.

  
  

• Dual Citizenship: The country permits dual nationality, allowing applicants to maintain their existing citizenship.

  
  

• Quality of Life: São Tomé offers political stability, a low crime rate, clean air, and a warm tropical lifestyle.

  
  

Key Considerations

• Eligibility: The program is open to most nationalities, with very few exclusions.

  
  

• Due Diligence: Applicants must pass strict checks; transparency and integrity are central to the process.

  
  

• Taxation: Citizenship does not automatically trigger tax residency. São Tomé’s tax regime is evolving, and tailored advice is recommended for investors.

  
  

• Program Evolution: As a newly launched program, minor procedural updates are expected in the coming months.

  
  

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe’s new CBI program represents a rare combination of affordability, efficiency, and transparency. At a starting price of US$90,000 and with an approval timeline of six weeks, it is set to become one of the most attractive emerging options in the global citizenship by investment market.

For investors, this program offers not only enhanced mobility and security but also the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable future in a country that is charting a bold new course for development.