Citizenship by investment
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment
São Tomé and Príncipe offers citizenship through a donation to the National Transformation Fund, under a government-administered programme established by Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025.
The Open World is a licensed agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme.Applications can only be submitted through a licensed Marketing Agent. The Open World Immigration Services FZCO appears on the programme’s official list of Marketing Agents.
Why São Tomé and Príncipe
Why São Tomé and Príncipe
Contribution from USD 90,000
Donation to the National Transformation Fund for a single applicant.
No residence or relocation required
No physical residence is required during or after the application process.
Dual citizenship
No requirement to give up your existing nationality.
Family inclusion
Spouse or de facto partner, children up to 30 years old, and parents and grandparents.
Visa-free travel
Visa-free access to over 93 countries, including South Africa, Singapore and Hong Kong, according to the programme.
CPLP member state
São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries.
The programme
São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program
- Citizenship through a donation to the National Transformation Fund
- The donation is paid after approval in principle
- Legal basis: Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025
- Principal applicants must be at least 18, have no criminal record, show a legitimate source of funds and pass due diligence
- Citizenship can be passed to future generations in accordance with national law
Source: official programme website.
Investment and fees
Official minimum donation to the National Transformation Fund, payable upon approval in principle.
- USD 90,000Single applicantDonation to the National Transformation Fund
- USD 95,000Family of 2–4Donation to the National Transformation Fund
- USD 5,000Per additional dependantEach additional dependant
Government fees
| Submission fee (per application, regardless of family size) | USD 5,000 |
|---|---|
| Citizenship documents: certificate of registration, passport and national ID (per applicant) | USD 750 |
| Due diligence fee for a benefactor (sponsored applications) | USD 5,000 |
Dependants added after approval in principle
| Submission fee (except newborns) | USD 5,000 |
|---|---|
| Spouse | USD 10,000 |
| Each additional dependant | USD 5,000 |
| Newborn child (up to 1 year of age) | USD 500 |
Figures from the official programme website, cip.gov.st. Agent professional fees are not included.
How to apply
The application process
The official process runs through a licensed Marketing Agent from start to finish.
- Initial consultation with your licensed Marketing Agent
- Documentation preparation, guided by your Marketing Agent
- Application submission to the Citizenship Unit for processing
- Comprehensive due diligence checks
- Approval in principle is granted and your Marketing Agent is informed; the donation to the National Transformation Fund is then completed
- Citizenship is granted and the national ID, certificate of registration and passport are issued
Source: cip.gov.st.
Key facts
São Tomé and Príncipe: timelines and requirements
- Approval
- Approx. 2 monthsTypical approval time, according to the programme.
- Approval to passport
- Approx. 3–4 months
- Residence requirement
- NoneNo physical residence or relocation during or after the application.
Processing notes
What to expect from due diligence
Across all programmes, applicants should expect standard international due diligence, including:
- Global criminal background checks
- Verification of the lawful source of funds
- AML and KYC compliance
- Supporting investment documentation
Planning benchmark
3–9monthsAs a general planning benchmark, allow approximately three to nine months for the core immigration process, although timelines vary by jurisdiction.
FAQs
São Tomé and Príncipe: frequently asked questions
How much does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship cost?
The official minimum donation to the National Transformation Fund is USD 90,000 for a single applicant, USD 95,000 for a family of 2–4 and USD 5,000 for each additional dependant. Government fees include a USD 5,000 submission fee per application and USD 750 per applicant for citizenship documents.
How long does the process take?
The programme states a typical approval time of approximately 2 months, and approximately 3–4 months from approval to passport.
Do I need to live in São Tomé and Príncipe?
No. The programme states that no physical residence or relocation is required during or after the application process.
Which family members can be included?
A spouse or de facto partner, children up to 30 years old, and parents and grandparents, subject to the programme’s eligibility criteria and due diligence.
Can I apply directly to the government?
No. Applications must be initiated through a licensed Marketing Agent. The Open World is a licensed agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme.
Speak to an adviser
Apply with a licensed agent
As a licensed agent for the programme, we can assess your eligibility, prepare your file and submit your application.
Programme rules change; figures are indicative and subject to official confirmation. This is not legal or financial advice.
