São Tomé & Príncipe
The Natural Wonder of Central Africa
CAPITAL
São Tomé
TOTAL AREA
1,001 km²
POPULATION
213,900+
LANGUAGE
Portuguese
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program
Grounded in Decree-Law No. 07/2025, the program gives foreign nationals a legal route to citizenship through a direct contribution to the National Transformation Fund, money the government puts to work in housing, energy, schools, and public infrastructure. You know exactly where your investment goes, which isn't something every program can say.
The practical case is equally strong. Entry starts at USD 95,000, putting it among the most affordable citizenship programs in the world right now. Processing times are typically 3 to 4 months, which is significantly faster than most comparable programs. And the resulting passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55+ destinations, including South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong..
PROGRAM ADVANTAGES
Key Benefits of the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program
Visa-Free Travel to 60+ Countries
Citizenship That Covers Your Whole Family
No Need to Visit or Relocate
Fast-Track to Citizenship
The Most Affordable Program Available
You Keep Your Existing Passport
Contribution to the National Transformation Fund
Investment Options
SINGLE APPLICANT
$90,000
FAMILY (2–4 MEMBERS)
$95,000
ADDITIONAL DEPENDENT
$5,000
GOVERNMENT FEES
Government and Due Diligence Fees
Passport Issuance
USD 350 per person
National ID
USD 150 per person
Registration Certificate
USD 250 per person
APPLICATION PROCESS
How the Application Process Works
A clear four-step process guides applicants from the initial eligibility assessment to receiving their São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship and passport.
Initial Assessment & Onboarding
Document Preparation & Application Submission
Due Diligence & Approval in Principle
Investment & Citizenship Issuance
ELIGIBILITY & TIMELINE
Who Qualifies, and How Long It Takes
APPLICANT
Who Can Apply
The program is open to most nationalities, including Russian and Iranian nationals. North Korean nationals are the only restriction. Beyond that, there are four basic requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- A clean criminal record is required — personal and financial.
- Provide proof of a legitimate source of funds.
- You make the minimum qualifying contribution to the National Transformation Fund.
No language tests, no education requirements, no net worth thresholds beyond the investment itself.
Who You Can Bring Along
Your family doesn’t need to apply separately. The following dependents can be added to your application:
- Your spouse
- Children under 30
- Parents who are over 55
- If your circumstances change after you receive citizenship, a new spouse, a newborn, dependents can be added later for an additional fee.
How Long the Process Takes
- 90 days realistic timeline from submission to approval
- No interviews to schedule
- No trips to book
- No residency conditions before or after
Visa-Free Countries with the São Tomé & Príncipe Passport
Explore 60+ Destinations
74th
Current Passport Ranking
60+
Visa-Free Destinations
WHY UNO CAPITAL
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Over 25 Years of Combined Experience
Helping investors navigate citizenship by investment opportunities with practical guidance, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of Caribbean programs.
Trusted by 1000+ Clients
Families and investors across the globe have relied on our team to secure greater mobility, security, and long-term opportunities.
Expertise Across All Four Investment Routes
Whether you’re considering the National Development Fund, real estate, business investment, or the UWI Fund, we help you choose the most suitable pathway.
Strong Caribbean Focus
Extensive experience advising clients on Antigua & Barbuda and other leading Caribbean citizenship programs.
Expert Guidance from Start to Finish
From assessing eligibility to preparing documentation and coordinating with authorized stakeholders, we support every stage of the process.
Thorough Due Diligence Preparation
We help applicants prepare for Antigua & Barbuda’s due diligence requirements, ensuring a smooth and compliant application experience.
End-to-End Citizenship Support
From your initial consultation to receiving your Antigua & Barbuda passport, our team manages the process with care, efficiency, and discretion.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Apply for São Tomé Citizenship by Investment Today
Start Your Application
INSIGHTS & UPDATES
Latest Insights on Citizenship & Residency
São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment – FAQs
Can I live in São Tomé & Príncipe?
Yes, you can live in São Tomé & Príncipe. It offers a peaceful lifestyle, a slower pace of life, and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quiet, stable environment, though it may not suit everyone.
How can I get São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?
You can obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship through its investment program. The process involves making a qualifying contribution, submitting the required documents, and completing due diligence checks. Once approved, the investment is completed, citizenship is granted, and your passport is issued
What is the passport ranking of São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe passport ranks 74th globally as of March 2026, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60+ countries, including South Africa, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Do I have to give up my current citizenship?
No. São Tomé & Príncipe allows dual nationality. You keep what you have and add this to your top. Nothing gets cancelled; nothing gets surrendered.
Do I need to go to São Tomé & Príncipe at any point?
Not once. The whole process runs remotely through your representative. No flights, no residency requirements, no showing up for interviews. That’s one of the things that makes this program genuinely practical for busy investors.
Who counts as dependent?
Spouse, children under 30 , and parents over 55. If your circumstances change after you receive citizenship, such as getting married or having another child, eligible dependents can be added later, subject to the applicable government requirements and fees.
Does citizenship pass to my kids?
Yes, it’s hereditary. Children born after you’re naturalized are entitled to citizenship too. Once you have it, your family has it.
How do I get citizenship through investment?
You contribute USD 95,000 to the government’s National Transformation Fund, go through a background check, and submit your paperwork through a licensed advisor. There’s no interview, no visit required, nothing complicated. Once everything clears, citizenship is granted. Most applicants are done within 90 days.
Is the contribution refundable?
No. It’s a donation to the National Transformation Fund, not an investment you get back. That’s how donation-based citizenship programs work across the board. The upside is that the cost is lower than almost any other program out there.
Is the program actually government-backed?
Yes. The São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program is established under Decree-Law No. 07/2025 and operates within the country’s legal framework. Applications are processed through the designated government authorities in accordance with the applicable regulations. Working with an experienced advisory firm helps ensure your application is prepared accurately and submitted in compliance with program requirements.
Who is eligible to apply?
Almost everyone. Russian and Iranian nationals are welcome. The only nationality that can’t apply to is North Korean.