+34 68 911 88 69 
+382 69 704 986 São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment
Fast-track second passport program
- Investment threshold: from USD 90,000
- Processing time: from 2 months
- Family application available
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Program overview
The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program has been open to foreign investors since August 1, 2025. The legal basis of the program is Decree-Law No. 07/2025, “Regulation on the granting of citizenship through investment or donation.”
To obtain a São Tomé and Príncipe passport, the investor must make a financial contribution to the National Transformation Fund. Applications are accepted and processed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), which has an office in Dubai.
- Investment route: financial contribution to the National Transformation Fund
- Tax regime: no tax burden on capital gains or assets
- Family members included in the application: spouse, children up to 30 years old, and parents aged 55 and over
- Mandatory residence requirement: not required
- Application submission: fully online
- Additional benefit: possibility to change full name after obtaining citizenship
Mirsatori is a licensed marketing agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship-by-investment program
Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship
Simplified requirements
The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program provides simple requirements for applicants. Personal attendance, interviews, and language tests are not required.
Fast citizenship process
The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program is considered one of the most accessible options for obtaining a second passport. The process may take from 2 months, which is a short timeline compared to many other citizenship routes.
Global mobility
A São Tomé and Príncipe passport allows visa-free travel to countries in Southern Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other popular jurisdictions. This makes it easier to plan business trips and international travel.
Citizenship for family members
Together with the main applicant, citizenship may also be obtained by a spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, and parents aged 55 and over.
Low investment threshold
The program has an accessible entry threshold. To participate, the applicant must make a contribution of USD 90,000 to the country’s state fund.
Reduced tax burden
São Tomé and Príncipe does not levy tax on foreign-sourced income, capital gains, or gifts. This may be relevant for investors considering tax residency in the country and looking to optimize their overall tax exposure.
Change of personal details
After obtaining citizenship, the applicant may legally change their first and last name, as permitted under the legal system of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Backup plan for the future
São Tomé and Príncipe can serve as an alternative place of residence in case of economic, political, or other crisis situations in the applicant’s home country.
Get a detailed guide to obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship
- A step-by-step action plan
- Official requirements and related costs
- Personal strategy for obtaining a second passport
- Legal aspects of the citizenship application process
Get a detailed guide to obtaining São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship
What citizenship gives you
Greater freedom
A second passport reduces your dependence on one country and its political or economic direction.
Immigration advantages
A new passport may make it easier to apply for residence permits in Europe, the United States, and other developed jurisdictions.
Access to global banking
The investor gains broader access to international financial tools and may find it easier to open bank accounts in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Visa-free travel with a São Tomé and Príncipe passport
A São Tomé and Príncipe passport allows its holder to travel to around 70 countries in Southern Africa, Asia, and Oceania without traditional visa formalities.
African continent
Passport holders can travel more freely to jurisdictions in Southern Africa and member states of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Easier movement across parts of the continent provides direct access to the region’s growing markets.
Asia and the Pacific
Visa-free access to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia creates opportunities for business expansion and investment across the Asia-Pacific region.
For entrepreneurs, a São Tomé and Príncipe passport can become a practical tool for developing international business and entering new markets, while family members benefit from greater travel flexibility.
- Passport mobility score: 71
- Visa-free destinations: 28
- Visa-on-arrival destinations: 41
- E-visa destinations: 2
- Global ranking: 70
São Tomé and Príncipe passport: visa-free access to 69 countries
Obtain a second passport on favorable terms
- A legal citizenship program launched in 2025
- Citizenship status that can be passed on to future generations
- No residence obligations in the country
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Investment option
Non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)
In 2025, the authorities of São Tomé and Príncipe established a special fund to finance the country’s priority development initiatives. The funds raised are allocated to infrastructure modernization, renewable energy development, educational projects, and sustainable economic growth. A São Tomé and Príncipe passport is granted in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to this fund.
- Single applicant: USD 90,000
- Family of 2–4 members: USD 95,000
- Additional family member: USD 5,000
The contribution is transferred to the state budget only after the application has been approved by the authorities. The transparency of how foreign capital is used is monitored through an independent audit of the fund.
Due diligence
- Special fee: USD 5,000, paid once
Adding family members after application approval
After the main applicant obtains São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, eligible close family members may also acquire the same status:
- Spouse: USD 10,000
- Other family members: USD 5,000
- Newborn children: USD 500
Who can apply for the program
Investor as the main applicant
- Minimum age: 18 years
- No criminal convictions for 3 years or more
- Proof of legal source of funds
- No serious infectious diseases
- Bank statement confirming sufficient funds in the account
Spouse
- Legally registered marriage with the investor
- Marriage certificate
- Successful due diligence check
Minor children
- Under 18 years old
- Due diligence check required from the age of 16
Adult children
- Aged 18 to 30
- Unmarried
- Financially dependent on the investor
Parents
- Aged 55 and over
- Fully financially supported by the investor
- Documentary proof of financial dependency
Citizenship application process
Citizenship application process
Initial case assessment
The Mirsatori team conducts a preliminary review of the applicant’s documents using international databases. Identifying potential issues at the early stage makes it possible to develop a personalized strategy and increase the chances of application approval. Where necessary, specialists prepare solutions to address any risk factors.
Learn morePreparation of the application file for pre-screening
Mirsatori specialists prepare the required document package. It includes passports, police clearance certificates, proof of legal source of funds, and medical reports. All documents are translated into Portuguese or English and apostilled in strict compliance with legal requirements.
Learn moreDue diligence and application submission
The completed application file is submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) in Dubai for a comprehensive review. The standard review period is 2 to 3 weeks. If the result is positive, Mirsatori, acting as a licensed marketing agent, initiates the citizenship application registration process.
Learn moreFulfillment of investment obligations
After successfully passing due diligence and receiving approval from the authorities, the applicant transfers the required contribution to the NTF. Mirsatori assists with the financial transaction. The payment receipt is then submitted to the CIU for final approval of the citizenship application.
Learn moreObtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport
The citizenship certificate and biometric passport are issued after the investment obligations have been fulfilled. The documents are delivered by courier to the specified address. A São Tomé and Príncipe passport is valid for 3 years for applicants under 18 and 7 years for adult applicants. The passport can be renewed at the country’s diplomatic mission or at the Dubai office.
Learn moreSupport after obtaining citizenship
European residence permit
Mirsatori selects a suitable residence program and prepares the application file.
Business setup
Mirsatori lawyers register companies in jurisdictions with an optimal tax environment.
Banking services
The Mirsatori team selects a suitable bank, prepares the documents, and supports the account opening process.
Family reunification
Mirsatori lawyers assist with obtaining citizenship for the investor’s spouse, children, and parents.
Document support
Mirsatori helps obtain certificates, official records, bank statements, and other required documents.
Real estate transactions
The Mirsatori team selects properties, conducts due diligence on their history, organizes negotiations with the seller, and provides legal support.
The latest updates in a format that works for you
The latest news, helpful tips, and insider information — all on our social media channels. Join Mirsatori’s communities and channels:
Comparison with other programs
São Tomé and Príncipe
Vanuatu
Turkey
Sierra Leone
Visa-free countries
69
96
124
68
Processing time
from 2 months
from 1 month
from 6 months
from 3 months
Worldwide income tax
0%
0%
0%
0-30 %
Capital gains tax
0%
0%
0%
30 %
Inheritance tax
0%
0%
from 10%
0 %
Minimum investment
from USD 90,000
from USD 130,000
from USD 400,000
from USD 140,000
Request a personal investment plan for obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare an individual citizenship strategy with a detailed breakdown of each step, taking into account your family composition, investment amount, official government fees, and related expenses.
Request a plan
Request a personal investment plan for obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport
Other citizenship by investment options
Country
Investment
Processing time
Key benefits
Vanuatu
Investment
from USD 130,000
Processing time
from 1 month
Key benefits
Details
- Remote application process
- Fast-track application review
- Citizenship for the main applicant and family members
Turkey
Investment
from USD 400,000
Processing time
from 6 months
Key benefits
Details
- No language proficiency requirement
- Option to sell the property after 3 years
- Citizenship for family members
Sierra Leone
Investment
from USD 140,000
Processing time
from 3 months
Key benefits
Details
- Option to include a business partner in the application
- Potential reduction of tax expenses
- Possibility to change full name at the citizenship application stage
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Frequently asked questions
What is the investment amount and what additional costs apply?
The minimum contribution for a single applicant is USD 90,000. This is a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF). In addition, the applicant must pay a one-time administrative fee of USD 5,000, a passport government fee of USD 350, USD 150 for the issuance of a national identity card, and USD 250 for the registration certificate.
How long does it take to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship, from application submission to passport delivery?
The process takes at least 2 months. This period includes legal due diligence, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, review of the application file by the Dubai-based Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU), preliminary approval, transfer of the investment, and the final government decision. Once the payment is confirmed, the biometric passport is issued within several business days and delivered by courier.
Can a spouse, children, and parents be included in the application?
Yes, family members may be included in the application. The investor can apply for a passport for their spouse, unmarried children under 30, and parents aged 55 and over. The total contribution for a family of four is USD 95,000, which is only USD 5,000 more than the starting amount for a single applicant.
Does the investor need to visit São Tomé and Príncipe in person at any stage?
No, physical presence is not required. The entire process is completed remotely through the CIU office in Dubai. The program does not require an interview, language or history tests, or an oath ceremony. The completed document package is submitted electronically by the agent, and the passport together with the certificate of naturalization is delivered by courier to the specified address.
What tax and financial benefits does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship provide?
São Tomé and Príncipe applies a territorial tax system. Tax residents are not taxed on worldwide income, capital gains, inheritance, or gifts. The country has signed double taxation treaties with Portugal, Angola, and Cabo Verde. A São Tomé and Príncipe passport may make it easier to open accounts with foreign banks and register companies, while the country’s membership in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) gives its citizens additional business opportunities in Portugal and Brazil.
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