São Tomé and Príncipe introduced its Citizenship by Investment Program in August, adding a new and highly competitive option to the global investment migration market. It stands out as one of the very few programs worldwide priced under the US$100,000 threshold, and one of the fastest, with processing times averaging around six weeks.
Administration of the program is supported through international partnerships, with NTL Trust appointed as an Official Agent. As a sister company to Trust Nevis, this connection makes it possible to integrate São Tomé and Príncipe’s new offering into broader wealth structuring strategies that include trusts, companies, and asset-protection frameworks. For clients who want both mobility and long-term planning, this program can be considered as one part of a wider solution.
Citizenship Advantages And Opportunities
The citizenship by investment program was created not only to attract investment but also to connect São Tomé and Príncipe more closely with global markets. Its framework reflects the country’s goals of openness, mobility, and development.
Centralized Processing in Dubai
The São Tomé and Príncipe CBI program is administered through a newly formed Citizenship Investment Unit based in Dubai. This location was chosen as a global hub to simplify accessibility for applicants and to allow files to be processed efficiently from anywhere in the world.
No Residency or Language Obligations
Applicants are not required to reside in São Tomé and Príncipe or attend interviews as part of the process. The program also sets no language proficiency requirements, making it one of the most straightforward frameworks available today.
Broad Eligibility Across Nationalities
São Tomé and Príncipe has taken an inclusive approach, welcoming applicants from almost all nationalities. This contrasts with other citizenship by investment programs, many of which maintain restricted lists that block applicants from certain countries.
Travel and Mobility Advantages
Holders of a São Tomé and Príncipe passport have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 61 destinations worldwide. Examples include South Africa, Singapore, and the Philippines, along with several countries in Central America and across Africa. Visa arrangements are subject to change, so applicants should always check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
Dual Citizenship Recognition
The country allows dual citizenship, enabling applicants to retain their existing nationality while adding a second passport. This flexibility is a key feature for investors who want to expand mobility options without giving up their original status.
Regional Engagements and Trade Opportunities
São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), offering access to Portuguese-speaking markets such as Brazil, Portugal, and Angola. The country has also ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement, supporting long-term opportunities in the world’s largest free trade zone. In addition, membership in ECCAS places the country within Central Africa’s regional cooperation framework, supporting cross-border business and dialogue.
Investment Requirements
Investor contributions are directed into a newly created National Transformation Fund, which has been set up to finance major infrastructure and social projects across São Tomé and Príncipe. The government has announced that the first initiative will focus on renewable energy, with the ambitious objective of becoming the first fully green-powered country in its region. Following this, additional projects are expected to target education, housing, road development, and employment creation.
Minimum Donation
The required donation depends on the size of the family application. This tiered structure gives applicants the ability to include immediate family members under one file.
- Main applicant: US$90,000
- Family up to 4: US$95,000
- Each additional dependent: US$5,000
Government Fees
In addition to the donation, applicants must also cover mandatory government fees.
- Non-refundable application fee: US$5,000 per application
- Certificate of Registration: US$250 per person
- Passport: US$350 per person
- National ID: US$150 per person
Who Can Apply for Citizenship
The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program sets out clear requirements for applicants and their families. These criteria are designed to confirm the applicant’s integrity, financial standing, and family relationships before approval.
Main Applicant
The principal applicant must demonstrate both personal suitability and financial responsibility. These requirements ensure that only individuals who meet the government’s standards for good character and stability are considered.
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Clean criminal record
- Demonstrated legitimate source of funds
- Successful completion of due diligence procedures
- Good overall health status
Eligible Dependents
The program allows applicants to extend citizenship to certain family members. Dependents must fall within the categories set by the Citizenship Investment Unit, which focus on immediate and financially dependent relatives.
- Spouse
- Children up to 18 years old
- Children between 18 to 30 years of age who are unmarried and financially dependent on the main applicant
- Parents aged 55 and above
- Future spouses and children may also be added after approval for an additional fee
Application Process and Timeline
The program follows a clear, step-by-step procedure. While processing times may vary depending on the applicant’s background and documentation, the outlined stages below reflect the standard sequence.
- Application submission: the first step is submitting the application through an authorized agent, such as NTL Trust. At this stage, a non-refundable submission fee of US$5,000 is paid. The application file includes personal details, supporting documents, and initial declarations.
- Due diligence review: once submitted, the file is subject to thorough due diligence and background checks. These reviews generally take about six weeks and assess both the applicant’s financial history and personal background.
- Approval In Principle: if the due diligence review is successful, the government issues an approval in principle. This confirms the applicant has met the program’s requirements and can proceed to make the required financial contribution.
- Contribution and fees: following approval, the applicant transfers the donation to the National Transformation Fund and pays the remaining government fees. This step finalizes the financial commitment to the program.
- Issuance of citizenship documents: after the contribution and fees are received, the government issues the certificate of citizenship, passport, and national ID card. These documents formally recognize the applicant and any approved dependents as citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Partner With NTL Trust for São Tomé and Príncipe
NTL Trust plays an active role in the rollout of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment Program. With an established presence in West Africa through its Gambia office and a strategically placed team in Dubai, the company is well positioned to support applicants at every stage.
The team is closely monitoring developments as the framework matures, ensuring that clients receive guidance that is accurate, compliant, and responsive to program updates. This approach allows investors to proceed with clarity while connecting their second citizenship plans to broader structuring strategies available through Trust Nevis.
