Citizenship by Investment Program in São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa
São Tomé and Príncipe Launches $90,000 Citizenship by Investment Program
São Tomé and Príncipe, the small West African island nation, has officially entered the global citizenship-by-investment (CBI) market with the launch of its own program on August 1, 2023. The initiative, established under the Citizenship by Investment Act, aims to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth through financial contributions from eligible applicants.
The program offers nationality to individuals from most countries, including Russia and Iran, reflecting the nation’s neutral foreign policy. The only exclusion applies to applicants from North Korea.
Program Structure and Administration: According to Alfredo Trinidade, head of the Promotion, Commerce and Investment Agency (APCI), the program’s design distinguishes it from traditional models. “The CIU will operate as a standalone statutory entity that combines private sector efficiency with government oversight—essentially creating a successful public-private partnership,” Trinidade explained.
The Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU), headquartered in Dubai, will be managed by STP Service Advisory, a UAE-based firm working closely with the São Toméan government. The unit is expected to begin accepting applications in the first week of September, with an estimated six-week processing time for each submission.
Eligibility, Costs, and Benefits: Applicants must pay a one-time, non-refundable submission fee of US$5,000 to initiate the process. Upon receiving an Approval in Principle, the main financial contribution is due:
- US$90,000 for single applicants
- US$95,000 for families of up to four members
- An additional US$5,000 for each dependent beyond the fourth
Government service fees are applied per person and include US$350 for a passport, US$150 for a national ID card, and US$250 for a Certificate of Registration. These documents grant new citizens the full rights and privileges of São Toméan nationality.
The program also provides flexibility for changes in family composition. Adding a spouse after initial approval costs US$10,000, other dependents US$5,000 each, and newborn children US$500. A US$5,000 resubmission fee applies when adding dependents post-approval.
Position in the Global Market: With competitive pricing compared to other CBI programs worldwide, São Tomé and Príncipe’s offering is positioned to attract high-net-worth individuals and families seeking enhanced global mobility, an additional layer of personal and financial security, and potential future opportunities within Africa and the Lusophone world.
By combining affordability, inclusive eligibility, and an expedited process, the program marks the nation’s strategic entry into a growing global market for second citizenship.
