New Citizenship by Investment Program in Sao Tome and Principe: a quick path to a second passport for $90,000

Sao Tome and Principe, located off the coast of West Africa, is entering the global investment citizenship market with a completely new program. Starting from August 1, 2025, the country offers the opportunity to obtain citizenship for a contribution to the national fund, opening up a new vector for wealthy people seeking diversification and legal flexibility.

Terms of participation: simple, transparent and fast

The main advantage of the program is the available entry threshold and the short processing time.

The application requires:

• Registration fee: $5,000 (single, regardless of the number of family members)
• Irrevocable contribution:
• One applicant — $90,000
• Family (up to four people) — $95,000
• Each additional dependent is +$5,000

Applications are processed in about 6 weeks, which makes this program one of the fastest in the world.

Program management: public-private format with international location

The process is coordinated by the Center for Investment Citizenship (CIU), a separate structure organized as part of a partnership between the government and the private sector.

• The central office is located in Dubai, one of the most important international business aviation hubs.
• Operational management is assigned to STP Service Advisory, based in the UAE.
• The CIU will be headed by a citizen of Sao Tome, which underlines the commitment to national interests.

This solution provides accessibility for investors, flexibility in managing applications and a high level of customer service.

Additional costs and categories of family members

After the candidate is approved, the following fees must be paid:

• Passport — $350
• National certificate — $150
• Certificate of citizenship — $250 per participant

The program can include:

• Spouse
• Children under the age of 30 (if they are not married and financially dependent)
• Parents over 55 years old

Later, you can add new family members by re-paying the registration fee and making an additional contribution ($10,000 for a spouse, $5,000 for a dependent).

Adding a newborn is $500.

No accommodation or interview requirements

The program is designed to be as convenient as possible:

• No obligation to stay in the country
• No interviews or tests
• Biometric verification is performed remotely, similar to proven models in the Caribbean

A geopolitically neutral approach

Sao Tome and Principe accepts applications from most countries of the world, including Russia and Iran.

The only exception is DPRK citizens.

This approach highlights the non-aligned policy of the state and its desire to attract capital regardless of geopolitical contexts.

Investments with real impact: energy, infrastructure, education

Financing through the program is directed to the National Transformation Fund, designed to develop the country's economy.

The first strategic project will be:

• Construction of renewable energy facilities, allowing the country to completely switch to green energy sources

Further directions:

• Improvement of housing conditions
• Development of the road network
• Investments in education and social infrastructure

According to officials, the program will allow to create jobs, increase the inflow of direct investment and modernize the country's economy.

Target applicants: for those who think strategically

Although the Sao Tome passport provides visa-free travel to 61 countries (including South Africa), the program is aimed at investors looking for a tool for long-term legal and financial diversification, rather than just freedom of movement.

Citizenship opens up opportunities for:

• International tax planning
• Legacy management
• Hedging of geopolitical and currency risks
• Business expansion
• Increase asset confidentiality

Conditions for agents and prospects

• Standard agent's commission: $20,000 for each approved case, regardless of family composition
• Agents may set additional professional fees at their discretion

Until the end The opening of the diplomatic mission of Sao Tome in Abu Dhabi is expected this year, but for now, all issues related to certification will be supervised by CIU in Dubai.

The start of accepting applications is scheduled for the first week of September.

A new reliable route to global citizenship

Sao Tome and Principe offers a rare combination:

• reasonable cost
• high speed
• simple rules
• real national projects where funds are directed

For investors looking for a reliable, non-politicized and stable jurisdiction, this is a timely decision that can bring both personal benefits and a contribution to the development of the country.