Citizenship of Sao Tome and Principe is often viewed as a tool for visa-free travel, but its true strategic value lies deeper. As a member of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), this citizenship opens a unique and legal path to a European Union passport.
Key Benefits of a Sao Tome and Principe Passport
Affordable Cost: The minimum entry threshold starts at $90,000 for a single investor, making the program one of the most affordable on the market.
- Speedy Time: The entire process, from submitting documents to receiving a passport, takes approximately two months. Application review takes approximately six weeks.
- Family Program: A spouse, children, and parents can be included in a single application. Family members can be added after the original passport has been received.
- Access to EU opportunities: Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe, as part of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), are eligible for accelerated Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence, paving the way to an EU passport.
- Remote processing: Obtaining a passport does not require a personal visit to the islands. All stages, including document submission and verification, are completed remotely.
- Visa-free travel: The passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to over 70 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and the Schengen area.
✅ Investor Requirements
The main applicant must meet the following basic criteria:
- Be over 18 years old.
- Have a clean reputation (no criminal record, sanctions, or entry bans to visa-free countries).
- Prove the legality of their sources of income and capital.
- Be in good health (no serious illnesses posing a threat to society).
Investment options
The main and most popular option is a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund:
For a single applicant: $90,000.
For a family of up to four: $95,000 (single contribution).
For each additional family member (fifth and above): + $5,000.
Step-by-step passport application process
1. Free preliminary screening (1 day)
Expert assessment of your chances of success based on the information you provide.
2. Document preparation
Our lawyers assist with collecting, translating, certifying, and apostilling the complete package of documents.
3. Application and Due Diligence
Official submission to the government’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) and payment of the due diligence fee ($5,000). The CIU conducts a thorough due diligence process.
4. Approval and payment of the investment
After successful screening, the investor receives approval and transfers the contribution amount to the government fund.
5. Passport collection
After payment confirmation, the investor receives a certificate of naturalization and a biometric passport, which is valid for 5 years and can be renewed.
Basic documents for application
Each applicant will need:
- A completed citizenship application.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- A certificate of no criminal record for the last 5 years from the countries of citizenship and residence.
- Proof of legal source of income and tax documents.
- A medical certificate of the established format.
- Proof of residential address.
Why choose Visa Digital Nomad?
Direct partnership: We partner with official authorized program agents, guaranteeing transparency, security, and legal compliance at every stage.
Full support: Your personal manager and lawyers will guide you every step of the way—from the initial consultation to passport delivery and subsequent matters.
Comprehensive services: Our assistance doesn’t stop with your passport. We assist with opening bank accounts, obtaining a tax identification number (TIN), document legalization, and other aspects of life in your new jurisdiction.
Ready to take the first step toward São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship? Get a free quote for your family and a detailed consultation from our expert.
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