Africa • São Tomé and Príncipe
Investment amount
Processing time
Investment return


The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe offers citizenship for a minimum of $90,000. Investors make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which supports projects in renewable energy, education, and infrastructure.
Citizenship applicants are not required to undergo an interview, take language or history tests, or travel to São Tomé and Príncipe in person. Family members — spouses, children, parents, and grandparents — can get second citizenship with the investor.
The investment amount is lower than in other countries with citizenship-by-investment programs. For comparison, Vanuatu has a minimum investment threshold of $130,000.
The investment amount is lower than in other countries with citizenship-by-investment programs. For comparison, Vanuatu has a minimum investment threshold of $130,000.
The investor is allowed to include their spouse, children, parents, and grandparents in the application. Besides, relatives can join after the applicant has received approval from the CBI Unit and the Certificate of Registration.
Obtaining citizenship can be finalised in as little as 2 months, offering a fast route to citizenship with no requirement to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe.
A São Tomé and Príncipe passport allows visa-free travel to 71 destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and South African countries.
Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe open accounts in the country, keep savings, and make international transfers.
São Tomé and Príncipe offers investors one investment option — to make a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund.
Investors contribute $90,000 if they apply alone or at least $95,000 if family members are included in the application. Other costs include applications and document issue fees.
Contribution | $90,000 for a single applicant $95,000 for families of up to 4 $5,000 per additional dependant, starting from the 5th applicant |
Application fee | $5,000 per application |
Passport fee | $350 per applicant |
Certificate of Registration fee | $250 per applicant |
National ID card fee | $150 per applicant |
Documents translation and notarisation | $2,000+ |
The total cost depends on family composition. We can provide a free, individualised calculation for your case, covering additional expenses like taxes, insurance, and more.
Compare the key terms and benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment with other programs with similar terms and investment requirements.
| Terms and features | São Tomé and Príncipe | Vanuatu | Dominica | St Kitts and Nevis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investments | $90,000+ | $130,000+ | $200,000+ | $250,000+ |
| Obtaining period | 2+ months | 2+ months | 6+ months | 4+ months |
| Visit requirements | No | Once to submit biometrics | No | Once to collect a passport |
| Dual citizenship | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| First passport validity | 7 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Family eligibility | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 55 | Spouse, children under 25 and parents over 50 | Spouse, children under 30, parents and grandparents over 65 | Spouse, children under 25, parents over 55 |
The spouse, children, parents and grandparents can get São Tomé citizenship with the investor under one application.

Head of the Immigration Department
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