Program Overview
Secure citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through La Vida’s expert guidance.
La Vida offers a streamlined and fully supported route to citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through the country’s official Citizenship by Investment programme. 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
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 has 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 channeled 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
Visa Free Travel 74 Countries
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.
Applications are estimated to be processed within around six weeks.
Eligible Dependents
There is no minimum stay requirement to renew and retain citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe
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 programmes available. The process is straightforward and can be completed remotely with full support from La Vida.
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…
Book your free consultation with La Vida’s team of experts to discuss and decide which programme 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.
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.
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.
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, ready for use in 2026.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 74 destinations. It ranks in the lower half of the La Vida Global Passport Rankings and allows access to only 6.9% of global GDP and 14.6% 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 visa-free travel to 101 destinations – including key countries such as the UAE, Hong Kong and Singapore starting at US$105,000.
For those willing to invest more for even greater travel freedom, Dominica’s established CBI program starts at US$200,000 and provides visa-free access to 152 countries, including the EU Schengen Area.
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
La Vida offers over 18 programs globally and is proud to be an officially approved marketing agent by 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.
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.
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.
The islands are known for their preserved natural landscapes, including rainforest, 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.
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.
La Vida offers a choice of several golden visas programmes for investment in residency and citizenship
18+
Programs we offer Worldwide
164
Countries where we have served clients
120132
Advice given to prospective investors
A selection of residency and citizenship investment programmes.
Nauru
From $105,000 Donation
Fast Processing
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 102 Countries
Dominica
Minimum $200,000 Donation
Real Estate Option
Citizenship & Passport
Visa Free Travel 152 Countries
Italy
From €250,000 + costs
Private Equity Investment
European Residency
EU Schengen Zone Travel
Apply Citizenship 10 years
Portugal
Antigua & Barbuda
St Lucia
Grenada
St Kitts
Dominica
Hungary
Malta
Greece
Italy
Latvia
Turkey
Vanuatu
Canada
USA
Nauru
New Zealand
Panama
Sao Tome
UAE
