In January 2026, the authorities of São Tomé and Príncipe took a firm and necessary step — they revoked the license of a marketing agent who had been offering investors participation in the citizenship by investment program at a reduced price. The company (name undisclosed) promised citizenship for $89,000, undercutting the legally mandated minimum contribution of $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund.
This precedent sends a strong signal across the investment migration industry. Together with experts at Visa Digital Nomad, we explore why price dumping harms the reputation of state programs and what risks investors face when they agree to such “special offers.”
Why the Authorities’ Response Matters
São Tomé and Príncipe has taken a clear stance: the law is the law. The $90,000 investment threshold is established by national legislation (Law No. 07/2022 on Citizenship and Decree No. 07/2025) and cannot be altered at the discretion of a private agent.
In addition to the main contribution, every applicant must pay:
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A non-refundable application and due diligence fee — $5,000.
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Government processing fees for the passport ($350), national ID card ($150), and citizenship certificate ($250).
These costs are also fixed. Any attempt by an agent to “optimize” an investor’s expenses by underpaying mandatory fees or manipulating the contribution amount constitutes a direct violation.
“We are among the first licensed agents for São Tomé and Príncipe and maintain constant communication with government authorities and the program office,” comments Visa Digital Nomad. “This kind of response is essential — it builds trust in the state program and protects its reputation. If the authorities had turned a blind eye to dumping, the value of the São Tomé passport would have diminished in the eyes of the international community within a year.”
Dumping: A Known Issue in the “Golden Passport” Market
Unfortunately, cases of undercutting are not new to the investment migration industry. Similar schemes have repeatedly emerged in Caribbean programs (St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Antigua), where unscrupulous intermediaries offered “discounts” that bypassed official regulations.
Experience shows that such manipulations are eventually uncovered. And the consequences affect not only the agents who break the rules but also the investors themselves. There have been cases where citizenship was revoked years later if it was found that program conditions had been violated during the application process.
How a Transparent Program Operates
As of today, São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the most affordable citizenship by investment programs in the world. The process is fully regulated and transparent.
Current conditions (as of early 2026):
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Single investor: from $90,000 (contribution to the fund).
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Family of up to 4: $95,000.
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Processing time: approximately 2 months.
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Requirements: clean criminal record, proof of legal source of funds, medical certificate.
A key advantage is that the program is open to citizens of Russia and Belarus without restrictions. The passport grants visa-free access to 71 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Africa, and provides simplified access to residency in Portugal and Brazil through CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) membership.
In January 2026, authorities also simplified certain procedural requirements — for example, photographs can now be submitted electronically without notarization, sponsorship application rules have been clarified, and application forms have been updated.
Why Investors Should Choose a Licensed Agent
It is not possible to apply for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship independently — applications must be submitted through a government-accredited agent (referred to as a “managing organization”).
Working with a licensed intermediary guarantees:
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Full legal compliance — your dossier is prepared strictly in accordance with UCID requirements.
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Financial transparency — you pay exactly what the state requires and receive official payment confirmations.
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Risk protection — the agent bears responsibility for the accuracy of documentation and successful due diligence.
“We always speak openly about risks and regularly report cases of immigration fraud in various countries,” emphasize Visa Digital Nomad experts. “The São Tomé program launched in September 2025, and the first investors have already received their passports. It is a fully functional tool — provided you work with professionals.”
Conclusions
The revocation of a license for price dumping is not a cause for concern — it is confirmation of the integrity of São Tomé and Príncipe’s program. The state has made it clear: it values its reputation and will not allow investment citizenship to become a “bargain sale.”
The key lesson for investors is simple: if you are offered citizenship below the official price — walk away. You are likely either being deceived or drawn into a scheme that could result in passport revocation and reputational damage down the line.
Looking to obtain São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship safely and in full compliance with the law? Contact the experts at Visa Digital Nomad — we will guide you through every stage, from consultation to passport issuance, with no surprises and no “special offers.”
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