Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe by Investment
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program officially entered into force in August 2025 and has quickly become one of the most attractive options for those seeking a reliable, lawful, and fast way to obtain a second citizenship.
The main goal of the program is to attract stable foreign investment to support the development of the country’s key sectors — infrastructure, energy, tourism, healthcare, education, and environmental protection. All contributions are directed to the state-controlled National Transformation Fund (FNT). In return, investors gain the opportunity to obtain full citizenship and a São Tomé and Príncipe passport within approximately 3–4 months.
The minimum contribution is $90,000 for a single applicant and $95,000 for a family of up to four members, with an additional $5,000 for each extra dependent. A separate due diligence and processing fee of $5,000 also applies. The program is administered by UCID (Unidade de Cidadania por Investimento e Doação), a dedicated government body responsible for application registration, due diligence procedures, and coordination with the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
Thanks to its modern structure, clear requirements, and strong government oversight, the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program has established itself as one of the most appealing and well-regulated investment citizenship options on the global market.
Legal Basis and Requirements for São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
The primary form of investment contribution is a monetary payment to the National Transformation Fund (FNT). Alternative options — such as real estate purchases or business investments — are not provided for under the current regulation. In essence, the investor makes a philanthropic contribution to the country’s economy, while the government allocates these funds to approved infrastructure and social development projects.
The legal foundations of the program are defined by two key documents:
• Law No. 07/2022 of 10 March 2022 (Lei da Nacionalidade) — the updated Nationality Law that authorizes the granting of citizenship to foreign nationals based on investment or donation (Article 10, paragraph 2).
• Decree No. 07/2025 of 28 July 2025 (Regulamentação da Nacionalidade por Investimento ou Doação) — the regulation that defines eligibility categories, documentation requirements, due diligence procedures, and the decision-making process.
Together, these acts establish a transparent legal framework that ensures state oversight and the protection of all program participants. UCID serves as the competent authority responsible for registering applications, verifying documentation, and coordinating with the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
The program is open to foreign nationals who meet specific eligibility criteria:
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess an impeccable reputation. In particular, the absence of a criminal record for serious offenses is mandatory. The law explicitly states that any person convicted of a crime resulting in a prison sentence of three years or more cannot be naturalized in São Tomé and Príncipe. Candidates with significant criminal convictions are excluded from participation.
In addition, applicants must prove the lawful origin of their funds and demonstrate financial capacity to make the required contribution.
The investor’s family (spouse and children) may be included in the same application; they obtain citizenship together with the main applicant once all program conditions are fulfilled.
Unlike traditional naturalization routes, the citizenship-by-investment program does not require long-term residence in the country or knowledge of the Portuguese language. The law explicitly provides that the standard naturalization requirements — a minimum of five years of legal residence in São Tomé and Príncipe and sufficient Portuguese proficiency — may be waived for applicants qualifying as investors or donors.
Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
- Fast-track process – around 110 daysThe São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program is one of the fastest options on the market, with an average processing time of 3–4 months. This period includes all stages of the procedure: document verification, independent financial and legal due diligence, approval by the Office of the Public Prosecutor, and final decision by the government.
All stages and deadlines are clearly defined by law, ensuring a predictable and transparent process. - Simple investment structureThe program requires a single, non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (FNT) — with no need to purchase property, establish a business, or manage assets.
The minimum investment starts at $90,000, making it one of the most accessible citizenship-by-investment programs currently available. - No residency or language obligationsInvestors are not required to reside in the country before or after obtaining citizenship. There are no language or history exams unlike with many similar citizenship by investment programs.
The law also exempts naturalized investors from certain civic obligations, such as military service. - High compliance standards and state oversightEach applicant undergoes a multi-level due diligence process, including international compliance checks and mandatory approval by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. This ensures the program’s reliability and integrity.
São Tomé and Príncipe demonstrates a modern approach — a high level of legal transparency, clearly defined procedures, and a balance between speed, safety, and accessibility. For investors, it represents an opportunity to become part of a new, forward-looking jurisdiction with sustainable growth prospects. - Citizenship for the whole familyA spouse and children may be included in the same application and obtain citizenship at the same time as the main applicant.
The additional fee for each family member is minimal — just $5,000.
How to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Step-by-Step Guide
An application to participate in the program is then filed on the investor’s behalf and the initial fees are paid (including the government fee for processing and the due diligence fee).
Without successful completion of the preliminary verification, the application will not be considered, so choosing a reliable consultant is a necessary first step.
All documents issued outside São Tomé and Príncipe must be translated into Portuguese or English and apostilled.
Documents are submitted through a São Tomé and Príncipe diplomatic mission. After a completeness check, the package is forwarded to UCID for processing.
The verification covers identity, personal background, absence of links to terrorism or organized crime, and lawful origin of funds. All candidates are screened against national and international databases, including law enforcement and sanctions lists.
Before the final decision on naturalization, each applicant’s file is sent to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for mandatory “prior approval” (Portuguese: visto prévio).
Only after receiving this clearance can the government officially approve the granting of citizenship.
The applicant then settles all applicable fees and provides proof of payment.
FAQs about São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
The additional $5,000 fee covers the government’s background screening, administrative handling, and document issuance. Depending on your family composition, total costs will consist of the base contribution, any per-dependent top-ups, and the fixed $5,000 processing fee, all of which are settled only after preliminary approval.
All stages—eligibility assessment, document preparation, due diligence, and final approval—can be handled through an authorized agent and a São Tomé and Príncipe diplomatic mission.
The law also exempts naturalized investors from certain civic obligations (for example, military service), which simplifies long-term compliance.
All dependents must meet the standard background and health requirements, and their documents (passports, birth certificates, police clearances where applicable) are submitted with the main file.
Actual duration may vary depending on how quickly applicants provide documents and respond to any follow-up requests, but the sequence and target timeframes are set in law, which keeps the process predictable and transparent.
