Faith Nyasuguta
The small island nation of Sao Tome and Principe, located off the coast of West Africa, has officially launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, joining the growing list of countries offering second citizenship in exchange for financial contributions. The Citizenship by Investment Act came into effect on August 1, 2025, and applications are expected to open in the first week of September.
The program offers a streamlined six-week application process and is aimed at high-net-worth individuals and families seeking greater global mobility, long-term security, and access to potential investment opportunities in Africa and the Lusophone world.
At the heart of this initiative is the newly formed Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU), which is structured as a public-private partnership. Headquartered in Dubai, the CIU is operated by STP Service Advisory, a UAE-based firm working closely with the government of Sao Tome and Principe. According to Alfredo Trinidade, head of the country’s Promotion, Commerce and Investment Agency (APCI), the CIU model combines “private sector efficiency with government oversight,” providing a modern and transparent approach to citizenship processing.
The financial requirements are relatively modest compared to other global CBI programs. All applicants must pay a one-time, non-refundable submission fee of $5,000. Once an applicant receives an Approval in Principle, the investment donation is triggered. For single applicants, the required donation is $90,000. Families of up to four are required to contribute $95,000, with an additional $5,000 charged for every extra dependent.
Upon final approval, successful applicants must pay government service fees, including $350 for the Sao Tomean passport, $150 for a national ID card, and $250 for the official Certificate of Registration. These documents ensure the new citizens receive full legal rights and recognition under Sao Tome and Principe’s laws.
The program also allows for future family updates. A $5,000 resubmission fee is required for adding new dependents post-approval, with a cost of $10,000 for a spouse, $5,000 for other qualifying dependents, and only $500 for newborn children.
Sao Tome and Principe’s CBI program adopts an inclusive approach to eligibility. Applicants from most countries are welcome, including Russia and Iran – an indication of the country’s neutral foreign policy. The only nationality explicitly excluded from applying is North Korean. Dependents may include spouses, children under 30, and parents aged 55 or older, provided they are financially dependent. No residency or language requirements are in place, although biometric screening is mandatory.
Importantly, the CBI initiative is not only about citizenship. The funds collected through the program will go into Sao Tome and Principe’s National Transformation Fund, which is earmarked for infrastructure, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and other development priorities. The government’s first project under this fund will be a major national green energy plan designed to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and increase access to sustainable power.
Though Sao Tome and Principe’s passport currently provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 60 countries – including several in Africa and parts of Asia – it does not offer visa-free entry into the European Union or the United Kingdom. However, the country’s low investment threshold, fast processing time, and strategic development goals make it an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their citizenship portfolio while contributing to a nation’s growth.
With this move, Sao Tome and Principe positions itself as a competitive new entrant in the global citizenship market, combining accessibility, efficiency, and development-focused governance.
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