A new location on the citizenship-by-investment map: Sao Tome and Principe
This small African state near the equator in the Gulf of Guinea launched its “Sao Tome Citizenship by Investment” program. This option was designed to replenish the country’s budget. The local authorities in collaboration with an expert launched the CIP with a full understanding of the market. There’s demand for a “budget” option for obtaining an alternative passport, especially after Caribbean passports nearly doubled in price in 2024 and became more complex.
So, Sao Tome and Principe is an island country with a tropical climate, located west of the coast of Gabon, not far from Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria. Importantly, Sao Tome and Principe is a former colony of Portugal.
Therefore, the country is one of nine member states of the CPLP (Commonwealth of Portuguese-Speaking Countries). That allows citizens of Sao Tome to access simplified residency in Portugal or Brazil.
- Form of government: democracy.
- Language: Portuguese.
- Currency: Dobra (STD).
The two main islands of Sao Tome and Principe are located approximately 150 km apart. With a population of 201,800, Sao Tome and Principe is the second least populous African sovereign state after the Seychelles.
Sir Arthur Eddington’s observations of the solar eclipse of May 29, 1919, on the island of Principe became one of the first successful tests of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Economy and development prospects
Sao Tome and Príncipe’s economy rely heavily on exports, particularly agricultural products such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. In the early 19th century, the country was the world’s largest cocoa producer. Today, pristine tropical forests and unique biodiversity support a thriving tourism sector. Principe Island holds a unique status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Sao Tome and Principe (STP) is known to be actively exploring commercial oil and gas deposits in its waters, particularly in the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) with Nigeria and in its own Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Importantly, the Sao Tomé Citizenship by Investment program will help the country transition to renewable energy and modernize its airports and cargo port through the National Transformation Fund. This is a step toward reviving the local economy.
Sao Tome Citizenship by Investment program
At the end of 2025, a new investment program was launched. The government has enshrined in the Constitution a naturalization process based on contributions to the National Transformation Fund. In the citizenship-by-investment market, this program fills an important niche offering for the “middle class.” That is, for millionaires willing to invest approximately $100,000 USD in alternative citizenship. Previously, such applicants chose Caribbean programs—until their prices increased.
The central office of the Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship by Investment program is located in Dubai (UAE).
So, a significant advantage is the $90,000 USD investment (non-refundable) for a single applicant, or $95,000 USD for 2-4 people. Vanuatu, which meets all the criteria, requires an investment of $130,000 USD per person.
- The processing takes 4-6 weeks only while program is not overloaded.
- The investment is transferred only after the citizenship application is approved (to begin the process, you only need to pay the fees and legal support fees).
- Next, a certificate of naturalization is issued. And on its basis, a São Tomé passport and ID Card (without any obligation to visit the island).
- The passport is valid for 7 years for adults and 3 years for children under 16.
- The entire process is essentially completely remote.
- Applications to the program can only be submitted through official representatives of the Sao Tome and Principe program, licensed agents. The international company APEX Capital Partners has such a license.
“The São Tomé citizenship program is a very well-prepared product for the market. The legislative framework was carefully developed, and from the very first days of working with São Tomé representatives, we understood that the process would be fast and efficient,” notes Nuri Katz, Founder and President of APEX Capital Partners.
Required Investments and Fees
Investment. Contribution to the National Development Fund:
- $90,000 USD for a single applicant
- $95,000 USD for 2-4 applicants.
Applicants should also consider the costs of mandatory government fees, legal support, and courier services for passport delivery.
The passport reissue and collection process is completely remote.
Benefits of Sao Tome Citizenship
Importantly, citizenship can be immediately granted to family members of the main applicant. Specifically, the spouse, unmarried children under 30, and parents aged 55 and over can be obtained immediately. Citizenship of Sao Tome is then passed on to future generations.
A Sao Tome and Principe passport allows visa-free entry to 61 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Thanks to the country’s participation in the CPLP, citizens of Sao Tome can settle in Commonwealth countries under special conditions. For example, in Brazil or Portugal.
The Sao Tome and Principe program is new to the market. It is not overloaded with applications and is currently one of the fastest investment citizenship programs in the world.
All documents for participation in the Sao Tome economic citizenship program are processed remotely.
Sao Tome Citizenship step-by-tep
The process for obtaining São Tomé citizenship is fairly standard. Everything is completed remotely.
- First, contact a licensed agent for a free consultation. Obtain a cost estimate for all family members in your application.
- Sign a contract with an agent for legal services. Next, you’ll need to prepare a set of documents in collaboration with the agent’s lawyer.
- Pay the required administrative fees.
- The file undergoes due diligence. If any additional questions arise during the process, the authorities will ask them through the program agent.
- Upon completion of the due diligence process, if your application is approved, you must transfer your investment. A certificate of naturalization is then issued. This is the primary document for obtaining citizenship.
As a result, you will have a neutral passport for life and business.
