São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
Key Regulatory Takeaways
- Programme established under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, effective August 1, 2025, and administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit
- Minimum non-refundable contribution of USD 90,000 (single applicant) or USD 95,000 (family of 2 to 4) to the National Transformation Fund
- Applications processed within 6 to 8 weeks from complete submission; stateless persons are eligible to apply
- CPLP membership provides special residence, work, and study rights across 9 Portuguese-speaking nations including Portugal and Brazil
- Dual citizenship is permitted; citizenship passes by descent to all future generations
- NTL is a government-authorized agent licensed to submit applications directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme, established under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, grants citizenship through a non-refundable USD 90,000 contribution to the National Transformation Fund. Processing takes 6 to 8 weeks. Benefits include CPLP membership with residence and work rights in Portugal and Brazil, dual citizenship, and family inclusion. NTL is a government-authorized agent for this programme.
The São Tomé and Príncipe programme introduces one of the most accessible entry points in citizenship by investment globally. Its CPLP membership component is particularly significant for investors seeking residence and work pathways into Portugal and other Portuguese-speaking jurisdictions, a benefit not available through any Caribbean programme at this investment level.
Legal Framework
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, approved by the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and published in the Official Gazette (Diário da República). The legislation became effective on August 1, 2025, establishing the legal framework for granting citizenship through economic contribution to the National Transformation Fund.
The programme is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit, which operates as a designated entity responsible for application processing, due diligence coordination, and compliance verification. Applications must be submitted through authorized marketing agents licensed by the programme.
NTL International is a government-authorized agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme, licensed to submit applications directly to the Citizenship by Investment Unit on behalf of qualifying investors and their families.
About São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western coast of Central Africa. Comprising two main islands and several smaller islets, this Portuguese-speaking country is known for its biodiversity, natural beauty, and political stability. The country is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
Eligibility Requirements
The São Tomé and Príncipe programme is one of the few programmes globally that accepts applications from stateless persons, meaning individuals who do not currently hold any nationality. This provides such individuals the opportunity to obtain a fully recognized international citizenship with all associated benefits, including a passport, CPLP membership, and residence and work rights across Portuguese-speaking countries.
Principal Applicant Criteria
| Requirement | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Age | Minimum 18 years of age |
| Nationality | Foreign national, or stateless person (individual not currently holding any nationality) |
| Health | Good health with no communicable diseases (medical certificate required) |
| Character | Clean criminal record with no serious offences |
| Financial Standing | Legitimate funds sufficient to complete the qualifying investment |
| Source of Funds | Lawful and verifiable source of investment funds |
| Due Diligence | Must pass comprehensive background screening |
Qualifying Dependants
The programme permits the inclusion of qualifying family members within a single application. The base investment covers the principal applicant plus up to 3 family members (total of 4 persons). Each additional qualifying dependant requires a supplementary contribution of USD 5,000.
| Dependant Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Legally married spouse of the principal applicant (marriage certificate required) |
| Dependent Children | Biological or legally adopted children of the principal applicant or spouse |
| Dependent Parents | Parents of the principal applicant or spouse who are financially dependent |
Investment Options
The programme offers a single investment route through a contribution to the National Transformation Fund, which supports sustainable development projects across the islands including renewable energy, eco-tourism, education, and infrastructure.
Government Fees and Costs
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | 5,000 | Per application, payable upon submission |
| Single Applicant Contribution | 90,000 | National Transformation Fund |
| Family of 2 to 4 Contribution | 95,000 | National Transformation Fund |
| Each Additional Dependant | 5,000 | Per qualifying dependant beyond 4 family members |
| Citizenship Documents | 750 | Per applicant (registration certificate, passport, national ID) |
Post-Approval Inclusion Fees
| Dependant Type | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse of Citizen | 10,000 | Post-approval inclusion |
| Qualifying Dependant | 5,000 | Post-approval inclusion |
| Newborn Child (up to 1 year) | 500 | Post-approval inclusion |
Legal and administrative fees are not included in the government fees listed above. Documents requiring translation and certification (Apostille or equivalent) will incur additional costs.
Programme Benefits
Competitive Processing
Applications processed within 6 to 8 weeks of complete submission.
Dual Citizenship
Permitted without requirement to renounce existing nationality.
Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship passes to all future generations born after the grant.
Family Inclusion
Spouse, children, and parents eligible within a single application.
Stateless Persons Accepted
One of the few programmes globally accepting individuals who hold no current nationality.
No Residency Requirement
No physical presence required before, during, or after the application process.
CPLP Membership
Special residence, work, and study opportunities in 9 Portuguese-speaking nations.
Sustainable Investment
Contributions support renewable energy, eco-tourism, and infrastructure development.
CPLP Membership Benefits
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship provides special opportunities for residence, work, and study in member states of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, representing more than 280 million people across four continents.
CPLP Member States (9 Members)
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through authorized marketing agents. NTL is a licensed authorized marketing agent for submissions to the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Select Your Authorized Marketing Agent
Select an authorized agent to guide you through the entire application process, providing professional advisory services and communication with the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Gather Required Documentation
Identity documents, police clearance certificates, source of funds documentation, medical certificates, and supporting documents for all applicants and dependants.
Submit Citizenship Application
Upon completion and payment of the application fee, the application is submitted to the Citizenship by Investment Unit through your authorized marketing agent.
Due Diligence Screening
The government conducts comprehensive background checks covering identity verification, source of funds, criminal record, and security clearance.
Eligibility Decision Communicated
The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe communicates the outcome to your marketing agent. Upon preliminary approval, the investment is completed.
Complete Investment
Following preliminary approval, complete the National Transformation Fund contribution and pay all outstanding government fees.
Citizenship Grant and Document Issuance
Upon completion of the investment and payment of all fees, the government issues the registration certificate, passport, and national identity card.
Required Documents
Identity Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport or Travel Document | Valid passport with certified copy of all pages |
| Birth Certificate | Required for all applicants |
| National Identity Card | Where applicable |
| Passport-Size Photographs | Recent photographs meeting programme specifications |
Civil Status Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | For inclusion of spouse |
| Divorce Decree or Death Certificate | Where applicable |
| Birth Certificates for Children | For all dependent children |
| Legal Adoption Documents | Where applicable |
| Proof of Financial Dependency | For dependent parents |
Police Clearance and Financial Documents
| Category | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Police Clearance | Certificates from country of nationality, country of residence (if different), and countries of extended prior residence. All certificates must be Apostilled or legally authenticated. |
| Source of Funds | Bank statements demonstrating source of investment funds, source of wealth documentation, bank and professional reference letters, proof of net worth. |
| Tax Documentation | Tax returns or tax clearance certificates where applicable. |
| Medical Certificate | Medical examination report from a licensed physician confirming no communicable diseases. |
All documents must be Apostilled or legally authenticated by the competent authority in the country of origin. Documents in languages other than Portuguese or English require certified translation by accredited translators.
NTL Authorized Agent Services
NTL is a government-authorized agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme, providing comprehensive application support with established relationships with the Citizenship by Investment Unit.
Eligibility and Financial Assessment
Comprehensive review of applicant eligibility, family composition, investment suitability, and programme objectives.
Programme Guidance and Planning
Detailed explanation of the National Transformation Fund contribution, processing timeline, CPLP benefits, and citizenship advantages.
Document Preparation and Review
Full document collection, verification, translation, Apostille coordination, and application form preparation.
Source of Funds Documentation
Guidance on preparing comprehensive source of wealth and source of funds documentation to meet due diligence requirements.
Application Submission and Management
Submission of the complete application package to the Citizenship by Investment Unit with ongoing communication throughout the processing period.
Investment Completion and Document Issuance Support
Coordination of fund contribution following preliminary approval, and support for issuance of citizenship certificate, passport, and national identity card.
Related Citizenship by Investment Programmes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legal basis for the São Tomé and Príncipe CBI programme?
The programme operates under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, approved by the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and effective from August 1, 2025. It is administered by the Citizenship by Investment Unit, a designated entity responsible for application processing and due diligence coordination.
What is the minimum investment for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship?
The minimum investment is USD 90,000 for a single applicant, or USD 95,000 for a family of 2 to 4 persons, as a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. An additional USD 5,000 application fee and USD 750 per applicant for citizenship documents (registration certificate, passport, national identity card) also apply.
Can stateless persons apply for this programme?
Yes. The São Tomé and Príncipe programme accepts applications from stateless persons, meaning individuals who do not currently hold any nationality. This is one of the few programmes globally that offers this pathway, providing such individuals with a fully recognized international citizenship and all associated benefits, including a passport and CPLP membership.
How long does the application process take?
Applications are typically processed within 6 to 8 weeks from complete submission. Actual timelines vary based on application complexity and due diligence requirements.
What is CPLP and what benefits does it provide?
CPLP is the Community of Portuguese Language Countries, a regional organization comprising 9 Portuguese-speaking nations. São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship provides special opportunities for residence, work, and study across CPLP member states, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique, representing more than 280 million people across four continents.
Does São Tomé and Príncipe permit dual citizenship?
Yes. Dual citizenship is permitted. Applicants are not required to renounce their existing nationality. Citizenship also passes by descent to all future generations born after the grant.
Which family members can be included?
Qualifying dependants include the spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents of the principal applicant. The base investment covers the principal applicant plus up to 3 family members (total of 4 persons). Each additional qualifying dependant requires a supplementary contribution of USD 5,000.
Can I add family members after receiving citizenship?
Yes. Post-approval inclusion is available for qualifying dependants added after citizenship is granted. Fees are USD 10,000 for a spouse, USD 5,000 for a qualifying dependant, and USD 500 for a newborn child up to one year of age.
Is an authorized marketing agent required to apply?
Yes. Applications must be submitted through authorized marketing agents. NTL is a licensed authorized marketing agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme, providing end-to-end application support from eligibility assessment through citizenship document issuance.
Schedule Your Consultation
Our specialized team is ready to assess your eligibility and guide you through every step of the process.
About NTL International
NTL provides professional guidance and compliance support for global CBI and RBI programs. As a government-authorized agent in select jurisdictions and collaborator with specialized legal experts worldwide, NTL manages the entire application process, ensuring every application meets statutory requirements from initial assessment through final approval, working with local counsel for full compliance.
Our Services Include:
- Eligibility assessment and investment option analysis
- Complete application preparation and submission
- Due diligence coordination and documentation support
- Investment facilitation and government fee processing
- Post-approval support, compliance guidance, and passport renewal
- Diversified CBI-RBI mobility portfolio advisory
Regulatory Notice: The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Programme operates under the authority of the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe pursuant to Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, and is subject to amendment. Programme requirements, investment thresholds, fees, and procedures may change by government decision. All applications must be submitted through authorized marketing agents and are processed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. NTL provides professional advisory services to support compliant applications subject to government due diligence procedures.