Citizenship by Investment Program

São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.

It is a peaceful island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, offering visa-free travel to over 69 destinations and citizenship in 6 months.

Time to Citizenship

6 Months

UN & CPLP

Member

Family

Applicant, Spouse, Children and Parents

Citizenship

About São Tomé and Príncipe.

It is a peaceful island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, known for its pristine natural beauty, endemic wildlife, and relaxed tropical lifestyle. With a stable political environment and a growing focus on sustainable development, the country is becoming an attractive destination for eco-conscious investors. Its strategic position offers access to emerging African markets, and Portuguese is the official language. As a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe, you can travel to over 69 destinations visa-free, including South Africa, Singapore and Hong Kong, with e-visa access to Qatar and the UAE. São Tomé and Príncipe is also a member of the UN, the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, and other key international organizations.

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Benefits

Program benefits.

Citizenship will be granted in 6 months.
No requirement to visit or reside in São Tomé and Príncipe
Spouse, dependent children under 31 and parents over 55 can be included in the application.
Visa-free access to strategic destinations, including Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR China), and South Africa.
Unrestricted dual citizenship
Click here to discover where the São Toméan passport lies on the global mobility spectrum.

Requirements

Eligibility & requirements.

Everything you need to qualify for São Tomé and Príncipe's Citizenship by Investment Program.

Eligible Family Members

Main applicant over 18 years of age
Spouse
Dependent children up to 30 years (unmarried and financially dependent)
Parents, grandparents, and in-laws over 55 years

Due Diligence Requirements

Clean personal and criminal record
Government due diligence checks
Proof of a valid source of income

Minimum Stay & Other Requirements

No minimum stay required to obtain or retain citizenship
No interview required
Citizenship is permanent and passable to future generations

Wondering if São Tomé and Príncipe is right for you?

Speak with a Global Pass advisor and get a personalized comparison of your citizenship options.

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Investment

Investment options.

National Transformation Fund Contribution

The São Toméan Citizenship by Investment Program requires applicants to make a financial contribution to the country's National Transformation Fund in return for citizenship for the applicant and their family.

To qualify for citizenship, the principal applicant must be over 18 years of age. The main applicant and their dependents must have clean personal records, complete thorough due diligence checks, and provide proof of a valid source of income.

FromUSD 90,000

A non-refundable donation to the National Transformation Fund. Excluding government & legal fees.

Country Profile

São Tomé and Príncipe at a glance.

Continent

Africa

Capital

São Tomé

Population

224,000

Total Area

1,001 KM2

Geographical Nature

Island

Official Language

Portuguese

GDP

USD 764.3 Million

Currency

São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra

São Tomé and Príncipe could be your fastest path to citizenship yet.

Every applicant's situation is different. Talk to a Global Pass advisor about how this program fits your goals.

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Lifestyle

Life in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Citizenship does not require relocation — but for those who wish to spend time on the islands, São Tomé offers a quiet, stable lifestyle well suited to investors who value privacy, simplicity, and a slower pace of living.

Quality of Life

Life in São Tomé moves at a relaxed, unhurried pace, shaped by local communities and a landscape that naturally slows daily life down. Services are modest but dependable, with established neighborhoods and sectors supporting both short-term and seasonal stays.

Natural Environment

The islands are known for their preserved natural landscapes, including rainforests, coastal reserves, and agricultural regions that remain largely untouched. This creates a sense of space, privacy, and continuity with the country's long-standing traditions, appealing to investors who value an uncommercialized, nature-driven base.

Regional Mobility & Political Positioning

São Tomé and Príncipe maintains steady relations with neighboring African nations and is known for a cooperative, non-confrontational diplomatic profile. This contributes to a predictable environment for investors and strengthens the practical value of the passport within the region, including access to key African destinations such as Kenya and Tanzania, an advantage many Caribbean CBI passports don't offer.

Process

Application process.

Applicant signs an appointment agreement with GLOBAL PASS and pays initial retainer.

GLOBAL PASS assists the applicant with preparing all required documentation for submission.

GLOBAL PASS submits the application & documents to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Applicant pays the required processing fees (government, due diligence…etc).

The São Toméan Government runs a background check and launches the application process.

The São Toméan Government issues the citizenship approval letter.
Applicant makes the final payment.

Citizenship is granted to the applicant.

* The citizenship application timeline and approval are not guaranteed as they depend on the São Toméan government's due diligence processing time and outcome.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

The questions applicants ask most often about São Tomé and Príncipe's Citizenship by Investment Program.

How much does São Tomé and Príncipe's Citizenship by Investment Program cost?

The program starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant, or USD 95,000 for a family of up to four, plus an additional USD 5,000 per extra dependent. Government and application fees apply on top of the contribution amount, and a personalized quotation is provided based on family size.

Which family members can be included in my application?

The main applicant can include their spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old (unmarried and financially dependent), and parents, grandparents, or in-laws over 55 years of age.

Do I have to live in São Tomé and Príncipe to become a citizen?

No. The program has no minimum stay requirement to obtain or retain citizenship. You may spend as much or as little time in São Tomé and Príncipe as you choose.

Is an interview required?

No. São Tomé and Príncipe's Citizenship by Investment Program does not require an interview as part of the application process.

Which countries can I visit visa-free with a São Toméan passport?

According to passportindex.org, a São Toméan passport carries a Mobility Score of 69 — 27 destinations fully visa-free, 38 accessible via visa on arrival, and 4 via eTA — reaching approximately 35% of the world. This includes visa-free access to destinations such as Singapore, South Africa and Hong Kong, with e-visa access to Qatar and the UAE.

How long does the process take?

The program typically takes 6 months from submission to citizenship approval, assuming all documents are complete and due diligence checks are straightforward.

Does São Tomé and Príncipe allow dual citizenship?

Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship, allowing applicants to maintain their existing nationality while holding São Toméan citizenship.

Why Global Pass

Why Global Pass for São Tomé and Príncipe.

As an authorized agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program, Global Pass is honored to share two remarkable achievements: the approval of the first Yemeni client and the first Palestinian family under this program. These milestones reflect the trust GCC and Middle Eastern families place in Global Pass to navigate one of the newest and most accessible Citizenship by Investment programs available, from documentation through to passport delivery.

Yemeni client approved under the program

1st

Palestinian family approved under the program

1st

Investment migration consultancy

Licensed

Insights

São Tomé and Príncipe news & insights.

Stay informed on the latest updates to São Tomé and Príncipe's Citizenship by Investment Program.

São Tomé & Príncipe

São Tomé Introduces Remote Passport Issuance and Updates Citizenship Rules

Search in the world of investment migration is shifting fast. Today, efficiency and compliance matter just as much as access.

São Tomé & Príncipe