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São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

Introduction

The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) opens a path to owning a second passport with a contribution from just US$90,000 – the lowest investment level among global CBI programmes today.
The programme launched on 1 August 2025 under Decree-Law 07/2025. The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides visa-free access to approximately 70 countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, and many African nations, allows for dual citizenship, has a processing time of 6 to 8 weeks, and is entirely remote, with no requirement to visit São Tomé and Príncipe.
Introduction to the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme

Programme Overview

Investment level

From US$90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund for an individual or a family of up to 4 people. Each additional member adds US$5,000.

Processing time

From 6 to 8 weeks from the submission of a complete application, with some cases completed in 1 month.

Passport

Visa-free access to approximately 70 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and many African nations.

Residence requirement

Includes spouse, legal domestic partner, dependent children under 30, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over.

Family

Includes spouse, legal domestic partner, dependent children under 30, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over.

Generational citizenship

Permanent citizenship, transmissible to future generations by descent; the passport is valid for 7 years and is renewable.

Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship

Lowest investment level in the world
From US$90,000 for an individual or a family of up to 4 people – the lowest investment level among global CBI programmes, lower than Vanuatu (US$130,000) and the Caribbean (from US$200,000).
Entirely remote process
The entire process is conducted remotely via video call, with no need to visit São Tomé and Príncipe, no interviews, and no language tests. Updated in April 2026 to allow biometric verification via video with a notary.
Dual citizenship
São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship. Investors do not need to renounce their Vietnamese citizenship when receiving São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.
Benefits of the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme
CPLP community benefits
As a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), investors enjoy benefits for residence permits in Portugal and a shortened path to Portuguese citizenship of 7 years instead of 10.
Extended Family
Widest family scope among CBI programmes: spouse, legal domestic partner, children under 30, parents and grandparents aged 55 and over. Members can be added after citizenship has been received.
Tax incentives
No global income tax, dividend tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax for non-residents. A neutral financial environment for individuals and businesses.

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Citizenship by investment roadmap

São Tomé and Príncipe National Transformation Fund (NTF)

National Transformation Fund (NTF)

A non-refundable contribution of US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund (NTF) – a fund financing national development projects including renewable energy, education, infrastructure, housing, and eco-tourism. This applies to individual investors or families of up to 4 members. Each additional member requires an extra US$5,000. This is the only available route and applies uniformly to all applicants.

Programme requirements

Net worth

No minimum net worth requirement. You only need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to make the US$90,000 contribution and provide proof of legal source of funds.

Age and nationality

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and not included on any international sanctions lists. North Korean citizens are ineligible. Applications from individuals holding 3 or more nationalities are currently suspended.

Investment

A minimum contribution of US$90,000 to the National Transformation Fund for an individual or a family of up to 4 people, plus US$5,000 for each additional member.

Education

No minimum educational requirement. The programme is open to all eligible foreign nationals.

Language

No requirement to demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese or any other language. There are no cultural or history tests.

Health and background

Must meet criminal record check requirements, have no serious criminal convictions, not be on any Interpol lists, and not have been refused a visa by a country that has a visa-free agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe.
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Implementation process

Receive São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship and passport within 6 to 8 weeks with the expert team at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and profile assessment

PLI specialists assess personal, financial, and family size requirements. We identify eligible family members and calculate the exact contribution amount.Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.

Preparation and submission of application

PLI coordinates with a licensed São Tomé and Príncipe agent to prepare a complete application, including proof of funds, criminal records from countries of residence, and apostilled documents. The application is submitted officially to the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) based in Dubai.Duration: 2–3 weeks.

Vetting and preliminary approval

The CIU conducts background checks through independent international firms, cross-referencing with Interpol databases and international security organisations. Once requirements are met, the CIU issues a letter of preliminary approval before the investor makes the contribution.Duration: 3–5 weeks.

Make the NTF contribution

After receiving preliminary approval, the investor transfers the US$90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund via official banking channels. PLI monitors the entire capital transfer process.Duration: 1 week.

Receiving citizenship and passport

The CIU issues the Certificate of Naturalisation and passport to the investor and their entire family. The oath of allegiance is conducted via video call; there is no need to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe. Passports are delivered via diplomatic courier.Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.

Why choose PLI?
transparenteffectiveprofessional

Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The São Tomé and Príncipe passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 70 countries and territories, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and many African nations. The passport requires a Schengen visa for the EU.

The minimum investment is a US$90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund for an individual or a family of up to 4 people. Each additional member requires an extra US$5,000. This is currently the lowest-cost CBI programme on the global market.

The entire process from application submission to receiving the passport takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks; some straightforward cases are completed in 1 month. This is one of the fastest CBI programmes on the global market.

Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe has a broad definition of family: spouse, legal domestic partner, dependent children under 30, and parents and grandparents aged 55 and over. Family members can be added after the investor has received citizenship.

No. The entire process from application to receiving the passport is carried out entirely remotely. An update in April 2026 allows for biometric verification via video call with a local notary, with no need to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe.

No. São Tomé and Príncipe allows dual citizenship. Investors retain their Vietnamese citizenship upon receiving São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.

São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). São Tomé citizens enjoy preferential access to residence permits in Portugal with a simplified process and a path to Portuguese naturalisation shortened to 7 years instead of the usual 10.

The investor only makes the US$90,000 contribution after receiving the letter of preliminary approval from the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU). Funds are only transferred to the NTF once the application has been approved in principle, ensuring security for the investor.