Full guide about São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment – Taxes & Visa-Free Countries 2026

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program offers investors a powerful combination of global mobility and financial optimisation. Starting from a minimum investment of 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.

What are Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship by Investment Conditions?

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 CIU unit is headquartered in Dubai, with applications handled through authorised agents.

Astons recognized as one of the program’s first licensed agents, providing investors with a secure and streamlined pathway to citizenship.

Key Highlights

The program is open to applicants of all nationalities, with the exception of North Korea.
The minimum government due diligence period is 2 months. The timeframe for obtaining citizenship depends on the individual case and on average takes 4–6 months.
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

Item	Cost / Fee
Submission fee	$5,000
Donation – single applicant	$90,000
Donation – family (2–4 members)	$95,000
Additional dependents	$5,000 per dependent
Newborn inclusion (after citizenship is obtained by the entire family)	$500
Passport fee	$350 per person
National ID	$150 per person
Certificate of registration	$250 per person

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 Get Citizenship: Step-by-Step-Guide

Consultation with Astons specialists
Our lawyers will carefully assess your case, conduct a preliminary due diligence check within 24 hours, and evaluate the likelihood of success. We will also explain the process in detail, provide a personalised list of all required documents, and answer any questions you may have.
Preparation and submission of documents to UCID (Citizenship by Investment and Donation Unit)
The application is submitted online via UCID. Astons, as a licensed agent of the citizenship program, will assist in preparing the full set of documents for participation.
Due diligence check
UCID conducts a due diligence review of the applicant and their family members. At this stage, a non-refundable due diligence fee of $5,000 is payable.
Approval in Principle
Once the due diligence check is successfully completed, UCID issues an Approval in Principle.
Investment contribution and payment of fees
After receiving approval, the investor makes the required contribution to the National Transformation Fund and pays the applicable fees for citizenship certificates, ID cards, and passports.
Oath of allegiance and issuance of documents
The investor signs the Oath of Allegiance to São Tomé and Príncipe. Following this, citizenship certificates, national ID cards, and passports are issued.

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.

Comparison with Caribbean & Vanuatu Programs

Feature	Sao Tome and Principe	Caribbean CBI	Vanuatu CBI
Minimum Investment	$90,000	$200,000+	$130,000
Processing Time	The minimum government due diligence period is 2 months. The timeframe for obtaining citizenship depends on the individual case and on average takes 4–6 months.	3–6 months	2-4 months
Visa-Free Access	60+ countries	140+ countries	90+ countries
Family Inclusion	Children, parents and spouse	Children, parents and spouse + grandparents in Grenada and Dominica programms; siblings in select states	Children, parents, grandparents and spouse

Where Can I Travel Visa-Free with São Tomé Passport?

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.

What are Tax Benefits of Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship?

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:

Annual Taxable Income (STN)	Rate	Approx. Income in $
Up to 25,000	0%	Up to 1,186
25,001 – 50,000	10%	1,187 – 2,374
50,001 – 150,000	15%	2,375 – 7,121
150,001 – 250,000	20%	7,122 – 11,868
Above 250,000	25%	Above 11,868

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.

Who Benefits Most from Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship?

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, 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.

FAQ