São Tomé and Príncipe has officially entered the global investment migration market with the launch of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, effective August 1st, 2025. This development positions the West African island nation as one of the newest destinations offering a pathway to second citizenship through investment.
Program Overview
The new program sets a submission fee of US$5,000, applicable to all applicants regardless of family size. After receiving Approval in Principle, the following donation tiers apply:
- Single applicant: US$90,000 donation
- Families of two to four members: US$95,000 total
- Each additional dependent: US$5,000 donation
The processing time is projected at six weeks, making São Tomé and Príncipe’s program one of the more efficient options in the market.
Governance and Administration
Program administration will be handled by the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU), a newly created public–private partnership headquartered in Dubai. The CIU will be managed by STP Service Advisory, a UAE-based firm established to work closely with the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe.
According to official announcements, the CIU will begin accepting applications in the first week of September.
A Unique Public–Private Model
Alfredo Trinidade, Head of the Promotion, Commerce and Investment Agency (APCI) in São Tomé and Príncipe, described the initiative as an innovative model for the industry.
“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.
This structure is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational speed while maintaining strict due diligence standards.
A New Player in the Global Investment Migration Market
With this launch, São Tomé and Príncipe joins a select group of nations leveraging citizenship by investment as a tool for economic diversification and sustainable development. The program’s streamlined structure, Dubai-based administration, and relatively low investment threshold may attract strong interest from investors seeking an accessible, secure, and efficient route to second citizenship.
Strategic Advantages and Program Structure
Trinidade highlighted that establishing the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) in Dubai offers significant strategic benefits, particularly in terms of global accessibility and operational efficiency.
“Having qualified staff in a fast-paced environment will allow the CIU to process applications much faster than traditional government departments,” Trinidade explained. “They can flexibly respond to demand, recruit top talent from the industry, and clients can easily reach them in Dubai, an international travel hub.”
He further emphasized that the public–private partnership (PPP) model allows the program to combine government oversight with private sector agility. The CIU will be staffed by experienced professionals from both the citizenship by investment industry and São Tomé nationals, with a São Tomé citizen serving as head of the unit.
Fees and Eligible Nationalities
Upon approval, additional government costs will apply as follows:
- US$350 for passport issuance
- US$150 for a national ID
- US$250 for the Certificate of Registration per person
São Tomé and Príncipe has adopted an inclusive approach to applicant nationalities. Russians and Iranians are eligible to apply, reflecting the nation’s neutral international policy. The only restricted nationality is North Korea.
Dependent Eligibility
Qualifying dependents include:
- Spouses
- Children up to 30 years old, provided they are unmarried and financially dependent
- Parents aged 55 and above
Applicants may also add dependents in the future, subject to resubmission fees and the following additional donations:
- US$10,000 for a spouse
- US$5,000 per additional qualifying dependent
- US$500 for newborn children
A Modern, Streamlined Process
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program requires no interviews or residency obligations, following a biometric-based model similar to recent Caribbean CBI frameworks.
Trinidade highlighted the collaborative approach that guided the program’s design:
“The government issued a tender and listened to experienced professionals in the investment migration industry. We shaped this program to benefit everyone involved: the clients, the agents, the government, and most importantly, the people of São Tomé and Príncipe.”
Sustainable Development at the Core
All contributions made through the program will be directed to a National Transformation Fund, dedicated to advancing sustainable development across the islands. The first flagship project will focus on renewable energy infrastructure, designed to make São Tomé and Príncipe fully powered by renewable sources a first in the region.
Trinidade described this as the country’s “lighthouse project,” laying the foundation for long-term national progress.
“These funds will flow directly into renewable energy first, then expand into housing, education, and extensive socioeconomic and infrastructure projects, including road development,” he explained.
Broader Economic Impact
The government envisions that this initiative will spark meaningful, island-wide economic growth. Trinidade expects “genuine trickle-down benefits that will create jobs, attract foreign direct investment, strengthen the electrical grid, and support local businesses throughout the island economy.”
A Program Designed for Sophisticated Investors
Holders of São Tomé and Príncipe passports currently enjoy visa-free access to 61 destinations, including South Africa. However, entry to the European Union and the United Kingdom still requires a visa.
According to Alfredo Trinidade, the program is not designed as a mass-market offering but rather for strategic, high-caliber investors who appreciate the broader value of citizenship.
“This program targets discerning clients who understand the true value of second citizenship and the comprehensive benefits of dual nationality beyond simple global mobility including legal tax restructuring, global diversification, estate planning, business expansion opportunities, political risk mitigation, and enhanced privacy protection.”
Partner and Agent Framework
Accredited agents will receive a flat US$20,000 commission per successful application, regardless of family size, with the flexibility to add their own service fees.
To strengthen its international presence, the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe also plans to open an embassy in Abu Dhabi. Until then, the UAE-based Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) will manage passport renewals and related administrative services.