São Tomé & Príncipe – The Next Big Citizenship by Investment Route?

São Tomé & Príncipe have just announced their brand-new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. But let’s start with the basics: what is citizenship by investment? Simply, it’s the act of making a qualifying investment or donation into a country (such as making qualifying Real Estate Investments, or donating to, as is the case with São Tomé, their national transformation fund), and in return, gaining citizenship in that country. The significance of São Tomé & Príncipe’s entry into the global CBI market is that it is the most affordable and one of the fastest citizenship by investment programmes available for investors today.

São Tomé & Príncipe is a small nation made up of a main, large island, and then a cluster of smaller islets surrounding the mainland. Situated in the Gulf of Guinea and part of central Africa, São Tomé & Príncipe sits roughly 250 off the West coast of Gabon. Historically a Portuguese colony until 1975 (to which it owes its national language of Portuguese), the country is now a stable democracy with a strong reputation for being a peaceful and welcoming nation. Despite Portuguese being the officially recognized language of São Tomé & Príncipe, Creole is also spoken widely.

Once known only by seasoned travelers or connoisseurs of Africa, in recent years São Tomé & Príncipe has begun being recognized more globally as a well ranked destination for tourism and investment, being increasingly highlighted in global travel magazines as a beautiful destination and a model for eco-tourism. With growing international investment interest in Africa more generally, São Tomé & Príncipe is steadily carving out a place of its own on the global investment market.

Launched in August 2025, the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by Investment programme aims to support the islands’ efforts in sustainable development, with donations being made directly into the National Transformation Fund. This fund will support São Tomé’s efforts in renewable energy, infrastructure, education, affordable housing and eco-tourism, meaning investors will be making a direct positive impact to this island nation.

Eligibility of São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship programme

So who is eligible to apply for São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship? The official requirements outline the following for all applicants:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old
• Applicants must have no criminal record
• The applicant must be in good health
• Applicants must successfully pass due diligence checks
• Applicants must show proof of a valid source of income

If an applicant can comply with all of the above, they can proceed to apply under the São Tomé & Príncipe National Transformation Fund Citizenship by Investment Programme.

The donation amount under the programme is simple and straightforward, as outlined below:

• $90,000 for a single applicant
• $95,000 for a family of 2-4
• $5000 for every applicant thereafter

This price point places São Tomé & Príncipe as the most affordable CBI Programme on the market today. However, the extremely competitive price point is not the only benefit of this burgeoning programme. The processing time is also extremely fast, with applications being processed and passports being issued between 1-2 months after the initial application, making it one of the fastest processing times in the industry. Coupled with the low entry point, São Tomé & Príncipe is emerging as one of the most attractive options on the market for investors looking for a second passport at a low price point and a fast turnaround time.

There are more benefits to the programme still, as São Tomé & Príncipe has a very friendly tax environment, with low levels of income tax as well as exemption from tax on wealth or inheritance. Stateless individuals can also apply for this programme, giving them the option to gain a solid second passport.

But perhaps the best benefit of all is the freedom it can grant to individuals who are currently restricted on applications for certain programmes; São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship can open the doors to much higher levels of global access for investors by being used complimentarily with other programmes. For example, if an individual cannot currently apply for a Greece Golden Visa due to their current passport being on the restricted list, they can gain a São Tomé & Príncipe passport and apply for the Greece Golden Visa through that. When used strategically and tactically this way, the São Tomé & Príncipe can be an extremely powerful agent for higher levels of global mobility and opportunities.

For me, the São Tomé & Príncipe stands out as one of the most attractive options for stateless individuals, for whom a second passport of this kind can completely transform their opportunities and, more holistically, their lives. It is also an extremely strong option for individuals who are looking for a second passport as a plan B, whether it’s for security, or simply as a second option for their family (particularly pertinent for individuals who may live in politically unstable environments).

All in all, the São Tomé & Príncipe Citizenship by investment programme looks to be one of the strongest entries into the global residence and citizenship by investment market that we have seen in years. With the most competitive price point available world-wide, mixed with extremely fast processing, São Tomé & Príncipe looks set to make real waves in the citizenship and residence by investment industry.

My prediction? It will soar in popularity among investors who are looking for an affordable, efficient, and fast second passport.

If you would like to know more information about the São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship by investment programme, or are interesting in gaining São Tomé & Príncipe citizenship, please email me directly at ivan.denuzzo@passportlegacy.com