São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship: Costs and Benefits in 2025

The global demand for alternative citizenship continues to rise as investors seek greater mobility, long-term security, and international diversification. In 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe has entered the market with one of the most competitively priced and fastest citizenship by investment (CBI) programs worldwide. Offering a powerful combination of affordability, speed, and a streamlined application process, this new program is already attracting global attention—particularly from investors searching for cost-effective second citizenship options with clear, transparent procedures.

For those comparing global citizenship programs, understanding the real cost, government fees, eligible family inclusions, and the overall value of São Tomé and Príncipe’s offer is essential. Below is a detailed breakdown of what investors can expect.

A New and Highly Accessible CBI Program

Launched on 1 August 2025, the Sao Tome and Principe CBI program is one of the most recent additions to the global CBI landscape. The program is administered through a Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) located in Dubai, designed to ensure efficient processing and strong regulatory oversight under a public–private partnership model.

Unlike many citizenship programs that require property purchases, multi-step investments, or lengthy residency periods, São Tomé and Príncipe offers a single, straightforward route:

✔ A non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund (NTF)

The NTF finances key national projects, beginning with renewable energy and later expanding into housing, infrastructure, and education.

Minimum Cost of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

The program is intentionally designed to be accessible, with one of the lowest financial thresholds globally.

Government Contribution (Mandatory)

• $90,000 – Single applicant
  
• $95,000 – Family of 2–4 members
  
• +$5,000 per additional dependent
  

This makes São Tomé and Príncipe one of the most cost-effective CBI programs in the world — particularly for families.

Government Fees and Additional Costs

In addition to the contribution, applicants should plan for several fixed fees:

Fee Type	Cost
Application submission fee	$5,000
Passport fee	$350 per person
National ID	$150 per person
Citizenship certificate	$250 per person
Extra dependent (beyond 4 people)	$5,000 each
Newborn addition after citizenship	$500

Who Can Be Included in One Application?

One of the strongest advantages of this new program is its generous family policy:

• Spouse
• Unmarried children up to age 30
• Parents aged 55+ who are financially dependent

Few global programs offer dependent children up to 30, making São Tomé and Príncipe especially appealing for families with adult students.

Processing Time: Among the Fastest in the World

The government advertises an average processing time of 6 weeks, making this one of the fastest investment citizenships currently available.

The application steps include:

1. Pre-screening & due diligence
   
2. Submission of documents
   
3. Government background checks
   
4. Approval in Principle
   
5. Transfer of investment funds
   
6. Issuance of citizenship certificate and passport
   

No travel, interview, or residency is required.

Total Estimated Cost Example

Here is a typical cost scenario for a family of four:

• Contribution: $95,000
  
• Submission fee: $5,000
  
• Passport fees: $350 x 4 = $1,400
  
• National IDs: $150 x 4 = $600
  
• Citizenship certificates: $250 x 4 = $1,000
  

Total: $103,000

This positions São Tomé and Príncipe as one of the lowest-cost family CBI programs globally.

Visa-Free Travel: 60+ Countries

While not as expansive as Caribbean programs, São Tomé and Príncipe offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60+ destinations, including:

• Hong Kong
  
• South Africa
  
• Brazil
  
• Nepal
  
• Malaysia
  
• Multiple African and Latin American nations
  

The country is also part of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), offering additional mobility and economic cooperation benefits across eight member states.

Why Investors Choose São Tomé and Príncipe

1. Low Entry Threshold

With a minimum donation of $90,000, the program is far more accessible than European residency-by-investment programs or more established CBI options.

2. Fast Processing

A 6-week timeline positions STP among the fastest citizenships in the world — particularly attractive for investors seeking quick global mobility.

3. Straightforward Application

No:

• residency
  
• language tests
  
• interviews
  
• travel requirement
  

This significantly reduces friction and accelerates approval.

4. Family-Friendly Structure

Few programs allow dependent children up to age 30.

5. Long-Term Security

Citizenship is granted for life and can be passed to future generations.

How São Tomé and Príncipe Compares Globally

Country	Minimum Cost	Processing	Family Inclusion
São Tomé & Príncipe	$90,000	6 weeks	Spouse, kids to 30, parents 55+
Dominica	$100,000	3–5 months	Kids to 30, parents 65+
St. Kitts	$250,000	4 months	Kids to 25, parents 65+
Vanuatu	$130,000	1–2 months	Kids to 25, parents 65+

São Tomé and Príncipe clearly stands out on cost, speed, and generous eligibility.

Is São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Worth It?

For investors seeking a budget-friendly second passport, fast processing, and simple requirements, the program offers exceptional value. The combination of affordability, speed, and lifetime citizenship makes it a strong strategic option— particularly as global mobility frameworks evolve.

For many individuals and families, São Tomé and Príncipe provides a practical “Plan B” that is both secure and cost-effective, without the lengthy commitments associated with residency-based immigration routes.

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