Sao Tome and Principe
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African programme · Citizenship by investment

Citizenship by Investment
in Sao Tome and Principe

Minimum investment
$90,000
Processing time
Around 60 days
Key benefit
A fast, affordable route to citizenship

Why Sao Tome and Principe

Sao Tome and Principe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa, known for lush rainforest, quiet beaches and rich biodiversity.

The country is politically stable, safe and welcoming, with a relaxed pace of life and a growing economy built around agriculture, tourism and sustainable development.

About the programme

Sao Tome and Principe entered the investment migration market in 2025, and its citizenship by investment programme is now among the newest and most affordable in the world.

Citizenship is granted in return for a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which supports renewable energy, infrastructure, education, affordable housing and eco tourism. As an investor you gain a second citizenship while helping fund the country's development.

The benefits

What this programme offers you and your family in practice.

Full citizenship rights for you and your family

One of the most affordable programmes available anywhere

A fast application, typically completed in around 60 days

No requirement to visit or reside in the country

A favourable local tax environment

Visa free or visa on arrival access to around 90 destinations

How to qualify

There is usually more than one route. Remy will confirm which fits your goals and the current rules before you commit.

National Transformation Fund contribution

Citizenship is granted for a contribution to the fund, from $90,000 for a single applicant and $95,000 for a family of two to four, plus $5,000 for each additional dependent. A non refundable submission fee of $5,000 also applies.

Why people choose Sao Tome and Principe

The Sao Tome and Principe programme offers an affordable and genuinely fast route to a second citizenship, with most investors receiving their passport in around 60 days.

There is no requirement to visit or live in the country, and the local tax environment is favourable, which makes it a straightforward option for greater global mobility and a Plan B.

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Sao Tome and Principe

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for the Sao Tome and Principe programme?
Applicants generally need to be over 18, hold a clean criminal record, be in good health, and show that the funds used come from a legal source. All applications are subject to government due diligence.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes, including your spouse and dependent children, and on many programmes parents and grandparents. Remy can confirm exactly who qualifies in your case.
Do I need to live in or visit Sao Tome and Principe?
Most citizenship by investment programmes have no residency requirement. There is no requirement to relocate, and in most cases the process can be completed remotely.
What are the tax implications?
Host countries often have a favourable local tax regime, but what that means for you depends on your own citizenship and tax residency. US citizens in particular remain taxed on worldwide income regardless of any other passport held. This is exactly the kind of thing to map out with Remy, alongside independent tax advice.

The application process

  1. 1

    Assessment and onboarding

    An initial review of your goals and eligibility, then preparation of the required documents and payment of the due diligence and submission fees.

  2. 2

    Due diligence

    The government carries out thorough background checks on all applicants. This is the stage that most affects the overall timeline.

  3. 3

    Approval in principle

    On passing the checks, the authorities issue an approval in principle letter confirming your application has been accepted.

  4. 4

    Investment

    You make the qualifying contribution or investment, along with any remaining government fees.

  5. 5

    Citizenship granted

    Your certificate of citizenship is issued and your passport follows, completing the process.

Programme at a glance

Programme typeCitizenship by investment
Minimum investment$90,000
Typical processing timeAround 60 days
Minimum stayNone
Time to citizenshipImmediate
Family inclusionYes, including your spouse and dependent children, and on many programmes parents and grandparents
Right to workYes
Document receivedPassport and certificate of citizenship
Visa free destinationsAround 93

Is Sao Tome and Principe the right fit?

Book a free, no obligation call with Remy. He will confirm the current rules, the true all in cost, and whether this programme suits your goals and nationality.

Book a consultation