Under Decree Law No. 07/2025, São Tomé and Príncipe officially established its citizenship-by-investment program. Accordingly, investors can get a second citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe in exchange for a $90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund, similar to the Caribbean CBI programs. However, what makes this citizenship-by-investment programme different from others is that it is among the cheapest in the world.
Although launched on August 1, 2025, the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program offers fast processing times of 60-90 days. Therefore, in the investment migration landscape, it is expected to get more and more attraction due to its fast processing times and affordability.
What to Discover in This Guide?
- Key Aspects of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
- What is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Program?
- São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Benefits
- Who Can Apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe Passport by Investment?
- São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Requirements
- How to Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?
- São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Cost
- Taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe
Key Aspects of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program
- The program requires a non refundable donation of at least $90,000 to a National Transformation Fund for a single applicant and a family of 4, and a $5,000 submission fee. For each additional family member, applicants must invest around $5,000.
- For family inclusion, you can include your spouse, children below 18, financially dependent children under 30, and your parents over 55.
- Obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport comes with tax benefits. You do not have to pay taxes on the worldwide income. Additionally, there are no dividends, capital gains, or inheritance taxes, making it a strategic asset for tax planning.
- There are no residency or language proficiency requirements under this scheme.
- São Tomé and Príncipe allows you to obtain dual citizenship, which means you do not have to give up your initial citizenship unless your home country says otherwise.
What is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Program?
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program allows investors to get a second passport in exchange for a contribution to the economic wealth of the country to support national development priorities. The minimum donation amount to the National Transformation Fund is $90,000; it is a non-refundable investment.
By contributing, investors will support renewable energy development, sustainable development, tourism, agriculture, modernized education systems, and the country’s essential infrastructure. In return, they will grant a secure pathway to citizenship. At the same time, they will receive international mobility in around 63 visa-free countries.
Although this citizenship-by-investment program is available to citizens of all countries, North Korean citizens are excluded.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Benefits
- Thanks to its strategic location, the country serves as a vital link between Africa and Europe, enriched by Portuguese heritage and offering enhanced opportunities for residency, employment, and education.
- The citizenship-by-investment program focuses on renewable energy and education, designed to advance environmental stewardship, social development, and long-term economic resilience.
- It offers a safe, relaxed island lifestyle with a tropical climate, eco-friendly luxury living, and a growing tourism sector.
- For investors, it gives a business-friendly tax environment with no worldwide income, dividend, capital gains, or inheritance taxes for non-residents.
- São Tomé and Príncipe passport holders can benefit from visa-free access to 63 countries.
- Once you grant your citizenship rights, they are for life. So, your inheritance can also take advantage of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.
- You can complete the whole process remotely.
- São Tomé citizenship makes it easier for investors to live, work, or do business in Portugal through the CPLP, Portuguese-speaking countries. In other words, it offers a more straightforward and faster path to visas and residency compared to non-CPLP citizens.
Who Can Apply for a São Tomé and Príncipe Passport by Investment?
To be eligible for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program, you can check the eligibility criteria stated below:
The Main Applicant
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Clean criminal record (no prison sentences over three years)
- Funds must come from a legal source
- Must pass due diligence checks
- Must be in good health
- Must not be from North Korea
The Family Members
Eligible family members are stated below.
- The spouse
- The children under 18
- The children under 30, on condition that they are financially dependent
- Parents over 55
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Requirements
1. Investment Amount
All applicants must contribute at least $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. This is a valid investment amount for a single applicant and a family of up to 4. If you want to include more family members, you must make a $5,000 contribution for each additional dependent.
You must also be ready to pay the following amounts per applicant:
- Application fee of $5,000
- passport issuance: $350
- National ID: $150
- Certificate of registration:$250
2. Minimum Stay
There are no physical presence requirements to keep your citizenship status.
3. Required Documents
- Copies of valid passports
- Certificates of birth
- Marriage documents, if relevant
- Police record certificates
- Health or medical reports
- Bank statements and proof showing the source of funds
- Letters of reference, both professional and personal
- Comprehensive CV or resume
Application Process: How to Apply for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?
To apply for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment, you can follow the basic application process steps outlined below.
Step 1: Get in Touch with Get Golden Visa
At Get Golden Visa, we have been helping investors from over 47 nations to get residency and citizenship by investment since 2014. Once you contact us, our experienced team will analyze your needs and offer you tailored assistance.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Once your eligibility meets the requirements of the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment programme, our team will provide you with the list of necessary documents. These must be certified, apostilled, and translated.
Step 3: Submit your Application to CIU
The next step is to submit your citizenship application to the Citizenship Investment Unit headquartered in Dubai. At the same time, you must pay a $5,000 non-refundable submission fee.
Step 4: Due Diligence
After you submit your application, you must undergo a due diligence process conducted by international agencies. They will basically check your background, source of funds, etc.
Step 5: Receive your Approval in Principle
Once you pass the due diligence, you will receive your approval in Principle within 8 weeks.
Step 6: Payment of Donation
After the Citizenship Investment Unit reviews your application and get your approval in principle, you have to complete your investment process by donating your contribution to the National Transformation Fund and paying the remaining fees.
Step 7: Citizenship Certificate & Passport
After the payment is approved, you must take an oath of allegiance to obtain citizenship, followed by the issuance of the citizenship certificate, national ID, and passport.
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Cost
| Category | Contribution (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single Applicant | $90,000 |
| Family (up to 4 persons) | $95,000 |
| Additional Dependent | +$5,000 |
| Submission Fee | $5,000 (flat) |
| Post-Approval Fees |
Passport – $350
ID Card – $150
Certificate – $200
|
Taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe
Similar to many tax-friendly Caribbean countries, São Tomé & Príncipe has a straightforward and investor-friendly tax setup.
- Non-residents are taxed only on money earned within the country, while residents pay between 0% and 32% on income from anywhere in the world.
- Businesses pay 25% corporate tax, with a lower 10% rate for key development sectors.
- VAT is set at 15%, and non-residents do not pay taxes on foreign capital gains, inheritance, or wealth.
