Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe Through Investment

Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe Through Investment

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. The country has a population of about 220,000 and an area of just over 1,000 km². Despite its modest size, in 2024–2025 the republic unexpectedly drew the attention of specialists in investment migration. The reason was the official introduction of a new category of naturalization — citizenship based on investment contribution or donation to the national development fund.

Legal Framework

The right to citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe is governed by the Constitution and the Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade), updated in 2022. A major milestone came with the issuance of Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025 — “Regulamentação da Nacionalidade por Investimento ou Doação” (Regulation of Citizenship by Investment or Donation), published in the Diário da República, No. 33 of August 1, 2025.

The decree established, for the first time, an official legal framework for obtaining citizenship por investimento ou doação and introduced the Unidade de Cidadania por Investimento e Doação (UCID) — a dedicated government unit responsible for administering applications, verifying the origin of funds, and coordinating with other state bodies.

It also created the Fundo Nacional de Transformação (FNT) — the National Transformation Fund — which accumulates investor contributions to finance priority projects in eco-tourism, green energy, education, and infrastructure.

Key Program Parameters

According to Annex I of Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, the minimum contribution to the FNT is set as follows:

• USD 90,000 — for a single applicant;

• USD 95,000 — for a family of two to four members;

• + USD 5,000 — per additional dependent;

• USD 5,000 — non-refundable due diligence fee.

Additional administrative and legal verification fees apply. All payments must be made in U.S. dollars to an official FNT account verified by the Ministry of Finance.

The decree requires mandatory verification of the source of funds, absence of criminal record, and compliance with international sanctions. The UCID conducts due diligence jointly with the Office of the Attorney General (Ministério Público). Only after a positive review may the applicant make the contribution and proceed to naturalization.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Preliminary Inquiry.
The applicant contacts UCID or a diplomatic mission of São Tomé and Príncipe to obtain the official list of required documents and current conditions. Proof of source of funds and background checks are mandatory.

Due Diligence.
UCID performs a multi-level background review using international databases, sanctions lists, and financial traceability checks. In certain cases, an additional opinion from the Attorney General may be required.

Fund Contribution.
Once approved, the candidate receives authorization to transfer the required amount to the National Transformation Fund (FNT). Bank transfers must be made exclusively through licensed financial institutions in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Naturalization.
After confirmation of payment, UCID forwards the applicant’s dossier to the Ministry of Justice for a final decision. In some cases, the Council of Ministers or the President may issue discretionary approval.

Although the decree does not fix a total processing time, administrative stages are defined: up to 90 days for contribution and 30 days for dossier review. In practice, the process may take 3–6 months, depending on due diligence outcomes.

Compliance and International Transparency

São Tomé and Príncipe is not an offshore haven and has been modernizing its financial system. The country participates in OECD’s AEOI/CRS initiatives (Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information) and enforces KYC/AML standards for all financial institutions.

Therefore, the program cannot be used to conceal assets — all transactions are subject to banking and legal verification. Investors should work only through officially registered representatives approved by UCID.

Geopolitical Context and Jurisdiction Reliability

São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a stable political system and cooperates closely with international partners — particularly Portugal, Angola, and the European Union — under development and climate resilience programs. However, in 2025, domestic discussions emerged regarding the transparency of the new citizenship scheme, as reported by local media such as Téla Nón.

The parliament has debated measures to strengthen oversight of contracts with foreign program operators. Thus, potential investors should be aware of the legal and reputational risks associated with this newly established framework.

Passport Strength: Opportunities and Limitations

A São Tomé and Príncipe passport allows visa-free or simplified entry to around 80 countries and territories, including Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and several Caribbean states. However, visa-free access to the EU and the United States is not available, meaning it is not a “global mobility” passport.

For some applicants, the program’s appeal lies not in visa strength but in the exclusivity of the document and the opportunity to participate in sustainable development projects on the African continent.

Program Advantages

• Legal legitimacy: The program is enshrined in Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025 and published in the Diário da República.

• Accessible investment threshold: Starting at USD 90,000, it is among the most affordable CBI options globally.

• Focus on sustainability: Funds support eco-friendly and development-oriented sectors.

• Flexibility: Applicants can choose between a donation or an approved investment project.

Limitations and Risks

• Limited visa strength: No visa-free access to the EU or U.S.

• New legal regime: The framework is recent, and practical implementation is still developing.

• Discretionary approval: Final decisions may involve political discretion.

• Reputation considerations: Banks and immigration authorities may conduct additional checks.

• Regulatory changes: UCID and the Ministry of Justice periodically update guidelines and fees.

Practical Recommendations

• Verify information through official sources — Diário da República (dre.gov.st) publishes all relevant laws and amendments.

• Use authorized channels — applications must be submitted to UCID directly or through accredited legal representatives.

• Ensure compliance support — choose advisors capable of full KYC/AML validation and coordination with financial regulators.

• Define your goals — if visa mobility is a priority, consider combining São Tomé participation with residence in another jurisdiction.

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe has formally established a legal framework for obtaining citizenship through investment or donation under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025.

To minimize legal and reputational risks, investors are strongly advised to engage only verified advisors and licensed intermediaries.

For transparent and secure participation, rely on GARANT.IN — a trusted expert agency in global investment migration, providing full legal and compliance support for citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe through investment.