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São Tomé and Príncipe’s New Citizenship by Investment Program
8 September 2025
São Tomé and Príncipe’s New CBI Program – Opening Doors to Africa
La Vida is proud to be among the first agents officially approved by the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) for São Tomé and Príncipe’s newly launched Citizenship by Investment program. This exciting development offers investors a strategic gateway into Africa. The program, which was announced just over a month ago has already received a lot of attention from investors looking for a cost-effective second passport.
The Attraction of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Passport
São Tomé and Príncipe’s passport may not rank among the strongest globally, but it offers something unique: direct and practical access to Africa.
Citizens benefit from visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 74 destinations, including key African markets such as South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Rwanda, and Zambia. In a continent where travel is highly fragmented and restricted, even for Africans themselves, this passport offers meaningful leverage. For citizens from outside the continent – whether from the US, India, Saudi Arabia or Europe — navigating African borders can be even more challenging.
Africa’s Fragmented Mobility
Unlike Europe, where the Schengen Zone allows citizens to travel freely across 27 nations with no internal borders, Africa tells a very different story.
There is no continent-wide freedom of movement in Africa. For example, a Nigerian citizen, does not enjoy visa-free access to South Africa. Ironically, despite being home to the African Union’s headquarters, Ethiopia does not grant visa-free access to every African national. Even within the same continent, travel can be restricted by lengthy visa processes.
Regional frameworks remain incomplete. While ECOWAS provides some mobility across West Africa, similar agreements across the rest of the continent are still patchy and inconsistent. Air travel is also notoriously inefficient and costly, with many journeys between African cities requiring connections through Europe or the Middle East.
In short, mobility across Africa is often bureaucratic and inconsistent – making the right passport a critical tool for entrepreneurs and investors looking to move more freely within this continent.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Program at a Glance
- Contribution from $90,000 for a single applicant.
- Fast processing – citizenship in as little as 6–8 weeks.
- Family-friendly, with inclusion for spouses, children, and parents.
- No residency, language, or interview requirements.
- Funds directed to sustainable development projects across energy, infrastructure, housing, and tourism.
Who Is This CBI Program For?
Second citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe is particularly suited to:
- Entrepreneurs and executives expanding into Africa who require smoother, more reliable travel.
- Global investors seeking a cost-effective second citizenship as part of a diversified Plan B strategy.
- Families looking for a straightforward, fast-track program with generational benefits.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s citizenship by investment program may not offer the world’s strongest passport, but it offers something far more targeted – a credible, fast, and affordable identity that unlocks Africa’s potential. In a continent where borders remain a barrier, this passport provides clarity and convenience.
And with La Vida as an approved government agents, investors gain a trusted partner to navigate this exciting opportunity with confidence. Contact our team for a personalised quotation and further details on how to proceed.
