São Tomé & Príncipe
Citizenship by Investment

Africa

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São Tomé & Príncipe

Program Overview

São Tomé & Príncipe launched its Citizenship by Investment program on 1 August 2025, governed by Decree Law No. 07/2025, making it one of the newest and most affordable citizenship programs in the world. The program was designed to attract foreign capital and channel investment into key national development priorities including renewable energy, housing, education, and infrastructure. Investors may obtain citizenship through a single non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund, with no residency requirements, no interviews, and a fully remote application process. As a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship also offers investors a unique cultural and diplomatic bridge between Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

São Tomé & Príncipe

Program Details

Time to Citizenship

1 – 2 Months

Visa-Free Access

71 Countries

Passport Rank

68th in the world

Minimum Investment

$90,000 USD

Residency Requirements

None

Establishment Date

2025

São Tomé & Príncipe

Investment Options

The São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program offers a single, straightforward investment pathway: a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. Funds are directed toward government-approved national development projects including renewable energy infrastructure, housing, education, healthcare, and tourism. The program is notably inclusive, covering a broad range of family members under one application, and the contribution is only payable after approval in principle has been granted.

Donation Route

Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund starting at $90,000 USD for a single applicant or a family of up to four. Additional dependents from $5,000 USD each. Eligible dependents include spouses, unmarried children up to 30 years old, and parents aged 55 and above.

São Tomé & Príncipe

Country Overview

Flag

The green stripes represent the island nation’s lush tropical vegetation, while the yellow band symbolises cocoa — historically the country’s most important export. The red triangle on the hoist side honours the struggle for independence. The three black stars represent the two main islands and the smaller Rolas Island, which lies on the equator.

Coat of Arms

A falcon stands at the centre, flanked by two stars representing the nation’s two main islands. A palm tree symbolises the islands’ natural richness and tropical character. The national motto — “Unidade, Disciplina, Trabalho” (Unity, Discipline, Work) — anchors the design, reflecting the values that have guided the country since independence.

São Tomé & Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, approximately 250 kilometres off the coast of Central West Africa. Formed by two volcanic islands, it is one of Africa’s smallest countries by both size and population, yet it holds a rich history shaped by Portuguese colonisation, the colonial cocoa trade, and a peaceful democratic transition since independence in 1975.

The islands are known for their extraordinary biodiversity, dense rainforests, pristine beaches, and a laid-back lifestyle that is increasingly attracting eco-tourism and adventure travellers. The country is home to several endemic bird species, sprawling colonial-era cocoa plantations known as roças, and some of the most unspoiled coastline on the African continent.

Politically, São Tomé & Príncipe is a stable, multi-party democracy — one of Africa’s first to transition from single-party rule — and maintains diplomatic relations with a wide range of countries. Its CPLP membership creates strong cultural and commercial ties with Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, and other Lusophone nations.

Country Capital

São Tomé

Population

228,000

Language

Portuguese

Currency

São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra (STN)

Exchange Rate

1 USD ≈ 24 STN

Government Type

Semi-Presidential Republic

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FAQ

Common Questions

What is the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program?

The São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program is a government initiative established in August 2025 under Decree Law No. 07/2025. It grants citizenship to foreign investors who make a qualifying contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund.

What investment options are available under the São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program?

The program offers one pathway: a non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund starting at USD 90,000. Funds are directed toward national development priorities including renewable energy, housing, education, and infrastructure.

What is the minimum investment required for the São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program?

The minimum contribution starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant or a family of up to four, making it one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs in the world.

Who is eligible to apply for the São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program?

The program is open to applicants of all nationalities (with the exception of North Korea) who are at least 18 years old, hold a clean criminal record, and can demonstrate a verifiable and legitimate source of funds.

What are the benefits of obtaining citizenship through the São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program?

Benefits include visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 60 countries, dual citizenship recognition, no residency requirements, full family inclusion, a fully remote application process, and citizenship rights that are permanent and inheritable by future generations.

How long does the application process for the São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program take?

The process is among the fastest in the world, typically taking 6 to 8 weeks from submission to approval. There are no interviews, language tests, or travel requirements at any stage of the application.

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