Sao Tome and Principe has officially opened brand new citizenship by investment program on Aug 1, 2025. The Program provides a legal pathway to citizenship through a government-approved contribution. The investment requires one time investment in National Transformation Fund via licensed agents. The São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program stands out as one of the most affordable and efficiently processed programs worldwide.
Benefits
- Become a citizen in one of the world’s most peaceful and secure countries.
- Cheapst and Affordable African CIP program
- Visa-Free Travel to 60+ Nations.
- Ranked among the most secure nations
- Dual Citizenship for Investors
- Documentation Straightforward and streamlined
- Family-Friendly – Include your spouse, children and parents
- Fastest processing just 2 months
Legal Background
The Law on granting Nationality for Investments and Donation is regulated under Decree Law 7/2025 (Regulamentação da Nacionalidade por Investimento ou Doação). São Tomé & Príncipe offers a pathway to citizenship through investment in sustainable development projects. This program aligns with the nation’s commitment to environmental protection and economic growth.
The Citizenship Unit
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Unit (STPCIU) is the official authority responsible for administering the Citizenship by Investment Program. Established under the mandate of STP Service Advisory, the Unit oversees the program implementation, compliance, and policy development in line with national objectives.
The CIU is a specialized technical-administrative body responsible for receiving, instructing and proposing decisions on applications for nationality by investment and donation. The Office of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) is officially opened and Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, the new premises represents an important step in establishing a dedicated institution to oversee and manage the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme.
With the office now fully operational, the CIU has commenced the processing of applications. Every application is handled with the highest standards of transparency, due diligence, and efficiency, in line with international best practices.
The establishment of the CIU marks an important milestone in the Government’s commitment to building a program that contributes to the sustainable development of São Tomé and Príncipe through the National Transformation Fund, while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the process.
General Eligibility
- The applicant must be older than 18 years.
- The applicant could not have served more than three years in prison. (Nationality Law 2022, Section 3, Art 10/1/d)
- Spouse and children are considered dependents.
Due Diligence Checks
The STPCIU uses independent and qualified entities to carry out due diligence on all candidates” with a view to “verifying the integrity, legality of funds and compliance with international standards for preventing money laundering and financing of terrorism”, before referring the process to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Family Members
The eligibility requirement is given below.
- Age: At least 18 years old
- Clean Background: No criminal record
- Source of Funds: Proof of legitimate source of income
- Due Diligence: Must pass comprehensive due diligence checks
- Spouse: Monogamous marriage or a de facto partner
- Children: Up to 30 years old
- Parents and Grandparents: Aged 55 and above
The National Transformation Fund
The National Transformation Contribution Fund (NTF) is a Government approved investment pathway established with the exclusive purpose of housing, managing and applying resources from contributions. Projects include the expansion of the national grid and energy supply, construction of a deep-water port and container terminal, airport modernization, urban development, modernization of transport networks and infrastructure, housing, education, health, and tourism.
National Transformation Fund
One time contribution
- Single Applicant – USD 90,000
- Family Application (2 to 4 applicants) – USD 95,000
- Each additional qualifying dependent – USD 5,000
Additional Fees
- Submission fee: USD 5,000 per application
- Passport fee: USD 350 per person
- National ID card: USD 150 per person
- Citizenship certificate: USD 250 per person
*Post addition of family dependents also permitted for a fee.
Qualifying public investment projects under the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program
1) Expansion of the National Grid and Energy Supply;
2) Construction of a Deepwater Port and Container Terminal;
3) Modernization and Improvement of the Airport;
4) Sustainable Urban Development;
5) Modernization of Transportation Networks and Infrastructure;
6) Housing;
7) Education;
8) Healthcare;
9) Waste Management;
10) Water Treatment;
11) Tourism;
12) Investments in the National Production Industry, aimed at meeting both the needs of the domestic and export markets;
13) Expansion of São Tomé and Príncipe’s presence in bilateral and multilateral cooperation;
How to Apply
Follow the steps in preparation and filing of your application..
- Step 1 – Choose your licensed Marketing Agent. Your Marketing Agent will be your partner through the entire process.
- Step 2 – Collect the required documents
You will be advised by your Marketing Agent which documents are required to prepare a successful application. - Step 3 – Submit your citizenship application
After your application is finalized, it will be submitted to the Citizenship Unit for processing. - Step 4 – Comprehensive due diligence checks are conducted
Background checks are carried out to ensure you meet the program’s requirements for becoming a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe. - Step 5 – Citizenship decision is communicated
The São Tomé and Príncipe government will advise your Marketing Agent whether your application has been successful or not.
Documents Required
The list of mandatory documents for the citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe through investment
1) Fully completed and signed application form;
2) Certified copy of the valid passport of the applicant and dependents;
3) Document Proving the Statelessness of the Applicant and their descendants
4) Criminal record certificates issued by the competent authorities of the countries of nationality and residence for the last five years;
5) Proof of residence;
6) Declaration of lawful source of funds, accompanied by bank documentation;
7) Proof of payment of the basic fee;
8) Due Diligence Report issued by an entity recognized by the UCID;
9) Other documents deemed necessary by the authorities and/or the UCID to expedite the process.
All documents issued in a foreign country must be translated into Portuguese or English and must bear an Apostille stamp.