São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by investment Guide

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment programm offers investors a powerful combination of global mobility and financial optimisation. Starting from a minimum investment of $90,000 through a government donation, applicants can obtain a second passport that provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60+ countries.

 

Beyond travel, São Tomé delivers attractive tax benefits: no capital gains, inheritance, or wealth taxes, alongside competitive corporate tax rates and access to double taxation avoidance treaties if you decide to reside in the country. Let’s find out more about one of the best second passport options in Africa in our special guide below.

 

A São Tomé and Príncipe passport is available through a minimum donation of $90,000 to the National Development Fund, which supports projects in renewable energy, housing, and other strategic national initiatives. The programm is a public-private partnership, enabling fast-track processing through the Dubai office. Applications are only accepted via certified agents, with Astons recognized as one of the program’s first licensed agents, providing investors with a secure and streamlined pathway to citizenship.

Key Highlights

• Passport renewals can be processed at consulates in Beijing, Brussels, Lisbon, or directly via the program office in Dubai.
• The programm is open to applicants of all nationalities, with the exception of North Korea.
• Payments must be made in US dollars; cryptocurrency is not accepted.
• The São Tomé passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 60+ countries, such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
• São Tomé and Príncipe holds a neutral status internationally and imposes no banking restrictions.
• No interview requirements or residency obligations; biometric-based model.

Participation Costs

Requirements

To apply for citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe, the main applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
• Have no criminal record and be in good legal standing.
• Be in good health.
• Successfully pass a Due Diligence check.

The main applicant has the right to include the following close family members in the application:

• Spouse.
• Unmarried children up to 30 years old (financially dependent on the applicant).
• Parents over 55 years old, fully supported by the applicant.

How to Obtain Citizenship: Step-by-Step-Guide

1. Consultation with Astons Experts

Our specialists will carefully assess your individual situation, explain the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program, and provide a tailored list of all required documents.

2. Application Preparation

Astons experts compile the complete document package and submit the application to the UCID (Citizenship by Investment and Donation Unit) on your behalf.

3. Due Diligence Check

Government authorities perform a thorough background check on the applicant and eligible family members. At this stage, the registration fee of $5,000 is paid.

4. Preliminary Approval

Once the due diligence process is successfully completed, the UCID issues an Approval in Principle.

5. Investment Contribution

The applicant makes the required contribution to the National Transformation Fund, starting at $90,000 depending on family size, and pays fees for citizenship certificates, IDs, and passports.

6. Receiving Citizenship

Finally, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance to São Tomé and Príncipe and receives their official citizenship certificate and passport.

Required Documents

• Completed and signed citizenship application form.
• Certified copies of valid passports for the applicant and all dependents.
• Documentation proving statelessness, if applicable, for the applicant and descendants.
• Criminal record certificates from all countries of nationality and residence for the past 5 years.
• Proof of current residence.
• Declaration verifying lawful source of funds, supported by relevant bank statements or financial documents.
• Evidence of payment of the registration or application fee.
• Due diligence report issued by a UCID-recognized entity.
• Any additional documents requested by the authorities or UCID to facilitate and expedite the application process.

Sao Tome and Principe opens doors to 60+ destinations visa-free or visa-on-arrival, including Sri Lanka, South Africa and Nicaragua.

Africa

São Tomé citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 40 African countries, such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, etc.

Europe

For Sao Tome and Principe citizens, travelling to Europe requires obtaining a visa in advance through embassies or consulates. However, due to the nation’s longstanding ties with Portugal, applications submitted via Portuguese consulates enjoy one of the highest approval rates among African nationals.

Asia & Latin America

The passport allows visa-free entry to countries in Latin America such as Bolivia and Ecuador. Some Asian states — Hong Kong (SAR China), Macao (SAR China), Nepal, Sri Lanka — are not an exception for unrestricted entry, facilitating business and leisure travel.

São Tomé and Príncipe citizens benefit from moderate personal (0–25%) and corporate (25%) tax rates, and no wealth, inheritance or capital gains tax. There is no foreign income tax, unless you spend more than 183 days per year within the country.

Citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe does not automatically create tax obligations — you only become a tax resident if you actually relocate there. However, the favorable conditions can be an attractive benefit for those conducting business in Africa, for instance, offering opportunities to consider company relocation or strategic business planning.

Personal Income Tax

Residents are taxed on worldwide income, but non-residents pay only on São Tomé–sourced income.

Rates are progressive:

Corporate Tax

Corporate tax in Sao Tome and Principe is 25%.

Capital Gains & Inheritance

• No capital gains tax for property held abroad.
• Inheritance tax is not imposed, however, certain administrative fees apply.

International Tax Treaties

São Tomé and Príncipe has established Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with several countries, including Portugal, Angola, and Cape Verde. These treaties cover key areas such as income, corporate tax, and withholding taxes on dividends, interest, and royalties.

• African Investors: High-net-worth individuals seeking a fast, low-cost second passport with visa-free access to 60+ countries and no residency requirement.
• Middle East & Turkey: Investors benefit from quick processing (as little as 6–8 weeks), inclusion of family, and easier travel options for business or personal purposes.
• Asia: Nationals seeking affordable citizenship for global mobility, tax planning, and a strategic second passport without mandatory residence.

São Tomé and Príncipe offers one of the most cost-effective, fast, and secure citizenship programs in Africa. With visa-free access, tax benefits, family inclusion, and flexible investment options, it represents a strong solution for high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs.

Astons is one of the world’s first licensed agents for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program.