🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship · By investment
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment
The newly launched program: from $90,000, full legal transparency, no residency or language requirements.
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program officially entered into force in August 2025. Investors make a single contribution to the National Transformation Fund (FNT) and obtain citizenship within approximately 3–4 months.
Legal basis and requirements
The program is defined by Law No. 07/2022 (Lei da Nacionalidade), which authorizes citizenship based on investment or donation, and Decree No. 07/2025, which sets out eligibility, documentation and due diligence procedures. UCID is the competent authority responsible for registering applications, verifying documentation and coordinating with the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 18 years old with an impeccable reputation; anyone convicted of a crime resulting in a prison sentence of three years or more cannot be naturalized. Applicants must prove the lawful origin of funds and financial capacity.
Standard naturalization requirements — five years of legal residence and Portuguese proficiency — are waived for investors and donors.
Exact amounts and timelines depend on your family composition. On a free consultation we check your documents and tell you honestly whether the program fits.
Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship
Fast-track process
Average processing time of around 110 days, including document verification, due diligence and approval by the Office of the Public Prosecutor.
Simple investment structure
A single non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund from $90,000 — no property purchase or business required.
No residency or language obligations
No requirement to live in the country before or after obtaining citizenship, no language or history exams, and exemption from military service.
Citizenship for the whole family
A spouse and children may be included in the same application and obtain citizenship together with the main applicant, for an additional $5,000 fee.
How to obtain citizenship: step by step
Choose an agent and prepare
A licensed agent runs a preliminary eligibility check and files the application along with the initial fees.
Document collection and submission
Passport, police clearance certificates for the past 5 years, proof of address and a declaration on the lawful origin of funds — translated and apostilled, submitted through a diplomatic mission.
Due diligence and prosecutor's approval
UCID verifies identity, background and origin of funds; before the final decision the file goes to the Public Prosecutor's Office for mandatory prior approval.
Investment payment
After preliminary approval, the applicant transfers the agreed contribution to the National Transformation Fund and settles all fees.
Citizenship and passport
Once funds are received, UCID issues a citizenship certificate and passports are prepared for the investor and family.
FAQ
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Do I need to live in the country or pass an exam?
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See also
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