Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship By Investment

Program Overview

São Tomé and Príncipe
Citizenship by Investment

Secure citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through La Vida’s expert guidance.

Apply for Citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through Investment

La Vida offers a streamlined and fully supported route to citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through the country’s official Citizenship by Investment program. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process from understanding the qualifying donation requirements to preparing documents and securing your São Toméan passport. With a minimum investment starting from US$90,000, citizenship can be obtained in as little as six weeks. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a second citizenship and greater global mobility.

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Global Citizenship, Simplified

La Vida’s expert advisors understand the need for a Plan B Citizenship. Contact us today to begin your journey towards security, opportunity and global mobility.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program Overview

São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in 2025, offering investors the opportunity to obtain second citizenship quickly and affordably for a minimum donation of US$90,000. This program provides a fast, secure, and family-friendly route to citizenship without residency or interview requirements.

The donation is a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, with proceeds channelled into key development projects in sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, education, housing, and eco-tourism – supporting both sustainable growth and the nation’s future prosperity.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a beautiful African island nation with a growing economy and significant potential. With its strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea, it offers a unique gateway to African markets and a serene tropical lifestyle.

Investment from $90,000

Full family inclusion

Fast Proccessing Time 1 – 2 months

Citizenship & Passport

Easy Access Travel 86 Countries

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Investment Resources

São Tomé and Príncipe Program News

Get the latest news and information on the citizenship investment program in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe Passport Visa Free Benefits

Discover the strength of the São Tomé and Príncipe passport and the visa-free travel benefits it brings

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Requirements

Investment Amount

Minimum donation of US$90,000 for single applicants;
US$95,000 for families of 2-4,
Plus US$5,000 for each additional dependent.

Fees: Non-refundable application fee of US$5,000. Additional government fees include US$350 for passport issuance, US$150 for national ID, and US$250 for a certificate of registration per person.

Processing Time

Applications are estimated to be processed within around six weeks.

Eligible Dependents

Spouses
Children up to 30 years old (unmarried and financially dependent)
Parents, grandparents and in-laws over 55

Minimum Stay

There is no minimum stay requirement to renew and retain citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe.

How to Obtain Citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through Investment

Citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe is obtained through a qualifying donation to the National Transformation Fund. Starting at US$90,000, this is one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs available. The process is straightforward and can be completed remotely with full support from La Vida.

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São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Timeline

An overview and illustrative guide to the steps and approximate timelines involved in the citizenship by investment application process. Please note these timelines can vary dependent on individual applications and any complexities involved…

Step 1

Book your free consultation with La Vida’s team of experts to discuss and decide which program and investment route is best suited to you and your family. Our experienced consultants will provide you with a personalised quotation which will cover all applicable fees. They will advise and guide you through the entire process in detail.

Step 2

For your peace of mind, before you commit, La Vida will run a pre-application background check to ensure your application will meet the eligibility criteria and is then likely to be successful. Once this has been completed and you are happy to proceed, you can formally initiate the process by signing our Client Facilitator agreement and paying the pre-application deposit.

Step 3

La Vida’s in-house specialists handle every step – from collating paperwork to submitting your full application – ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance. Our secure online client portal allows you to upload, track, and manage all documentation in one place, simplifying what can often be a complex process.

Step 4

Following submission, the government typically reviews and approves applications within 30–60 days. Once approved, you’ll make your final contribution and receive your São Tomé passport.

São Tomé and Príncipe Passport and Visa Free Travel

São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport provides easy access to 86 destinations (32 fully visa-free, with a further 54 accessible via visa on arrival, eTA or eVisa). It ranks in the lower half of the La Vida Global Passport Rankings. It allows access to 10.1% of global GDP and 19.3% of worldwide travel. Despite this, an important benefit of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship is its strategic access to many African countries via visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel, facilitating regional mobility and business opportunities within the continent.

For investors seeking stronger global mobility at a similar price point, the Nauru Citizenship by Investment program offers access to 132 destinations worldwide, including key countries such as the UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore, starting at US$115,000 (currently available from US$90,000 under a limited-time offer expiring December 2026).

For those willing to invest more for even greater travel freedom, Dominica’s established CBI program starts at US$200,000 and provides access to 183 destinations, including the EU Schengen Area.

São Tomé and Príncipe Dual Citizenship

São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship, allowing nationals to hold citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe alongside another country without losing either nationality. This offers investors and their families the flexibility to enjoy the benefits and protections of both countries, including travel, legal rights, and access to services.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship · La Vida Passport Value Index

What would a São Tomé and Príncipe passport add to yours?

A second passport should complement your current one, not duplicate it. Our free Passport Value Report compares São Tomé and Príncipe with your existing passport and shows exactly what extra access — by destinations, GDP and travel — the combination unlocks.

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Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship offers one of the fastest and most affordable routes to a second passport available anywhere, with no residency requirement, no interview, and full family inclusion extending to spouses, dependent children, parents, grandparents and in-laws. This offers some of the broadest family eligibility among the programs La Vida offers.

Fast and Hassle-Free Citizenship: Citizenship granted within six weeks with no residency or interview requirements.
Full Family Inclusion: Coverage extends to spouses, dependent children (up to 30), and parents over 55.
Easy Access Travel: Access to 86+ destinations, facilitating business and leisure travel across Africa and the region.
Neutral and Inclusive Program: Accepts a wide range of nationalities, reflecting São Tomé’s diplomatic neutrality.

Testimonials

Outstanding Service. Thorough and detailed. Everyone I dealt with was good. Chelita was great at customer service and showed she cared.

Mr AUSA,
August 2025

On behalf of the family, I really want to appreciate Jude Clemoes who began the whole process and Lukas Harries who helped see it through to the end. We truly truly appreciate you. We got a lot of value from La Vida for amount we paid. Thank you so much for the patience and all the efforts

Mr ANigeria,
November 2024

They were the most competitively priced company. Everything ran smooth.

Mr G KTurkey,
May 2025

Your Trusted Partner for Global CBI Programs

La Vida offers over 18 programs globally and is proud to be an officially approved marketing agent for São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU). Our dedicated team of expert advisors will guide you through every step, from documentation to approval – ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience.

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Life in São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe does not require investors to relocate. However, for those who wish to reside or spend extended periods in the country, it offers a quiet, stable island lifestyle well suited to investors who value privacy, simplicity, and a slower pace of living. English is increasingly used in business and hospitality, and day-to-day life moves at an easy, manageable rhythm.

Quality of life

Life in São Tomé is shaped by a relaxed atmosphere, familiar local communities, and a landscape that naturally sets a slower, more intentional pace. Services are modest but dependable, with essential amenities, established neighbourhoods, and sectors supporting both short-term and seasonal stays. For those seeking a simple lifestyle, São Tomé offers a peaceful, uncluttered base.

Natural Environment

The islands are known for their preserved natural landscapes, including rainforests, coastal reserves, and agricultural regions that remain largely untouched. This creates a sense of space, privacy, and continuity with the country’s long-standing traditions. Investors who value an uncommercialised environment and nature-driven living find São Tomé appealing as a secondary base.

Regional Mobility & Political Positioning

São Tomé and Príncipe maintains steady relations with neighbouring African nations and is known for a cooperative, non-confrontational diplomatic profile. This contributes to a predictable environment for investors and strengthens the value of the passport within the region. São Toméan citizenship grants access to key African destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania – an area where many Caribbean CBI passports offer limited reach.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment FAQ’s

How much does São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment cost?

The program starts at US$90,000 for a single applicant and US$95,000 for a family of up to four, plus government and application fees. An additional US$5,000 applies per extra dependent.

How long does the São Tomé Citizenship by Investment process take?

Most applications are processed in 1–2 months, assuming all documents are complete and due diligence checks are straightforward. The entire process can be completed remotely.

What family members can I include in my São Tomé Citizenship application?

The main applicant may include:
• A spouse
• Children up to 30 years old (unmarried and financially dependent)
• Parents, grandparents, and in-laws aged 55+

Is there a minimum stay requirement to obtain or keep citizenship?

No. São Tomé and Príncipe does not require applicants to visit or reside in the country before or after citizenship is granted. Citizenship is permanent and can be passed to future generations.

Does São Tomé and Príncipe allow dual citizenship?

Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to maintain their existing nationality while holding São Toméan citizenship.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe a safe and stable country?

Yes. São Tomé maintains steady political relations within Central and West Africa and operates a generally low-conflict environment. Its cooperative diplomatic stance supports the stability of the Citizenship by Investment program.

Can I invest in real estate to obtain citizenship in São Tomé?

No. The program currently offers one route only – a donation to the National Transformation Fund. There are no real estate, bond, or business investment options currently.

Is São Tomé citizenship the cheapest CBI program?

São Tomé is the most affordable CBI program worldwide and offers fast processing. However, its passport provides more limited global mobility than programs like Nauru, currently available at the same US$90,000 investment level under Nauru’s limited-time offer (expiring December 2026), or US$115,000 at the standard rate.

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São Tomé and Príncipe Program Related News and Articles

São Tomé CBI Program Receives 548 Applications in First Year

2 September 2026

São Tomé and Príncipe’s CBI Program reports 548 applications, 350 approvals and USD 9.8 million raised in year one.

São Tomé Approves CBI Applications in Record Time

19 February 2026

Golden Visa Outlook for 2026

8 December 2025

How to get São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship 2026

13 November 2025

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