About São Tomé & Príncipe
São Tomé & Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, roughly 200km’s West of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. It is made up of two main islands (the first being São Tomé and the second being Príncipe) and then several smaller islets not big enough to register as official islands. It has a total land mass of 1,000KM², making it one of the smallest countries on the continent of Africa. The capital is officially São Tomé, and the islands enjoy a warm and tropical climate year-round. Whilst Creole dialects are widely spoken throughout the islands, the officially recognized language is Portuguese. The economy of São Tomé is primarily driven by agriculture (primarily coca), fishing and a rapidly growing tourism sector too. All in all, São Tomé & Principe is a steadily growing and attractive destination for investors and families alike. Why Choose São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Program? There are many benefits to obtaining an São Tomé & Príncipe passport, such as visa-free access to over 93 countries (including South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while enjoying an e-visa to the UAE or Qatar). São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship also carries tax benefits, as citizens don’t pay tax on wealth/inheritance, and personal income tax rates are very low. There are also no minimum stay requirements, which means investors won’t need to physically reside in São Tomé & Príncipe in order to keep their citizenship. The programme also carries no language test requirement (as is standard with some other programmes). Applicants for São Tomé & Príncipe also benefit from being able to include their family in the application, with parents over the age of 55, spouses, and children under the age of 30 all allowed to form part of one application.
São Tomé & Príncipe
Benefits of São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship
Secure your future with one of the most powerful and respected passports in the world.
Visa-Free Access
Visa-Free or e-visa access to over 93 countries, including South Africa, Singapore & Hong Kong.
Fast Processing
With a processing time of just 1-2 months, the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment programme is one of the fastest in the world.
Citizen Rights
All the citizenship rights of a São Toméan.
For Family
A single applicant can apply for their family members, such as the main applicant’s spouse, dependent children under 30, and parents aged 55 and over.
Citizenship
São Tomé & Príncipe passport holders can hold dual citizenship
São Tomé & Príncipe Application Process
The application process for São Tomé & Príncipe is straightforward, and applications are currently being processed in 1-2 months. The application process can be divided into the following stages:
Assessment & Onboarding
- •Consult with Passport Legend’s client advisors.
- •Passport Legend’s due diligence check is conducted.
Application Submission
- •Client is onboarded and retainer fees are paid.
- •Documents are prepared and an application for São Tomé & Príncipe is submitted.
Application Processing
- •Application is processed.
- •Government pre-approval is received.
- •Investment requirements are fulfilled.
Passport Handover
- •Application is approved.
- •Passport of Antigua & Barbuda is issued in 6 months.
- •Passport is handed over to client by Passport Legend’s advisors.
São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship Personal Requirements
To qualify, applicants must:
Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
Applicant must have no criminal record.
The applicant must be in good health.
Applicants must successfully pass due diligence checks.
Applicants must show proof of a valid source of income.
Note:All applications must be submitted through an authorized agent.
Who Can Get São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship?
To obtain citizenship in São Tomé & Príncipe, applicants must make an investment into the National Transformation Fund of:
- $90,000 for a single applicant
- $95,000 for a family of two to four
- $5,000 for each additional dependant
Legal Basis
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment and Donation Program is established under the Decree-Law, which came into effect on 1 August 2025. The program is governed by the Regulation on Nationality by Investment and Donation, and provides a legal pathway for foreign nationals to acquire São Toméan citizenship through naturalisation. Applicants must meet the requirements outlined in Decree Law No. 07/2022 and make a qualifying contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund. This initiative supports national development while offering investors the opportunity to become citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe through a transparent and structured process.
São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment FAQ's
How Long does it take to acquire an São Tomé & Príncipe passport?
While processing times can’t be guaranteed, typically applications are processed and citizenship is achieved within just 1-2 months.
What are the investment options available for obtaining citizenship in São Tomé & Príncipe?
To obtain citizenship in São Tomé & Príncipe, applicants must invest into the National Transformational fund: $90,000 for a single applicant, $95,000 for a family of 2-4 and $5,000 for each dependant thereafter.
Can family members be included in the São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship program application?
Yes, applications can include the main applicant’s spouse, children under 30, and parents over the age of 55.
What are the residence requirements for the São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship program?
There are no residence requirements for the São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship; applicants do not need to stay or reside in the country in order to keep their citizenship. On top of that, dual citizenship is allowed, meaning the applicant will not need to give up their existing passport to hold one from São Tomé & Príncipe.
What documents are required for São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship by investment application?
There are a few documents applicants will need in order to qualify for São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship: Birth Certificate Police Clearance Certificate Passport pictures Current Passport Proof of Address Medical Clearance Results Source of Funds Documentation Police Clearance Certificate
What is the process for applying for São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship?
The process for applying for São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship is fairly simple. First, applicants will go through the assessment and onboarding process, consulting with Passport Legacy advisors and passing the due diligence checks. Next comes the application submission phase, where the client is fully onboarded, and retainer fees are paid. Documents are meticulously prepared before an application is submitted. Once submitted, the application will be processed. This is followed by government pre-approval, at which point the investment requirements must be fulfilled. Following this step, applications will be approved, after which a São Tomé & Príncipe passport will be issues within 1-2 months.
Is it possible to gain São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship by marriage and what are the requirements?
Yes, it is possible to gain São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship by marriage. When applicants fulfil the investment requirements, the main applicant’s spouse can be included.
Does São Tomé & Príncipe recognize dual citizenship?
Yes, São Tomé & Príncipe recognizes dual citizenship. Investors can retain their original nationality whilst holding São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship. The country’s laws do not require new citizens to renounce their existing citizenship.
Overview of São Tomé & Príncipe
Geographic
São Tomé & Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, roughly 200km’s West of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. It is made up of two main islands (the first being São Tomé and the second being Príncipe) and then several smaller islets not big enough to register as official islands. It has a total land mass of 1,000KM², making it the second smallest country on the continent of Africa, with only the Seychelles being smaller.
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