São Tomé & Principe Citizenship vs Caribbean CBI Programs

The first citizenship by investment program in the Caribbean appeared back in 1984. For decades, the region remained the undisputed leader in the global investment migration market, offering fast, reliable, and internationally recognised “golden passport” solutions. Even today, Caribbean citizenship by investment programs attract thousands of investors annually thanks to their speed, flexibility, and strong visa-free travel benefits.

However, the market is evolving rapidly. New jurisdictions are entering the citizenship-by-investment landscape, offering alternative solutions to the traditional Caribbean model. One of the most notable newcomers is São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in Central Africa that launched its own CBI program in 2025.

In this guide, we compare the long-established Caribbean citizenship programs with the emerging São Tomé and Príncipe option, analysing costs, processing timelines, travel freedom, and suitability for different investors profiles, so you can determine which second passport best aligns with your goals.

A Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows foreign investors to legally obtain a country’s citizenship and passport by making a qualifying economic contribution.

Unlike traditional naturalisation, which often requires years of residence, language exams, or cultural integration, CBI programs are designed to be fast, transparent, and investment-driven.

Typically, citizenship is granted after one of the following investments is made:

• A non-refundable contribution to a government development or transformation fund
• An investment in approved real estate projects
• The purchase of government bonds or participation in state-approved business or infrastructure projects

Most CBI programs share several defining characteristics:

• Fast processing times, usually ranging from 2 to 12 months
• Remote application procedures or minimal physical presence requirements
• No mandatory residence obligations before or after citizenship is granted

Family inclusion, allowing the main applicant to include a spouse, children, and often parents, siblings, or grandparents under a single application
Because of these features, citizenship by investment has become a popular solution for investors seeking greater global mobility, long-term security, and a reliable “Plan B” passport without relocating permanently.

A Sao Tome and Principe passport can be obtained through the country’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program by making a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. The minimum investment starts from $90,000, with the final amount depending on the number of family members included in the application.

One of the key advantages of this program is its speed and simplicity. The average processing time is around 2 months from the submission of a complete application, making it one of the fastest citizenship programs currently available.

The entire procedure is fully remote. Applicants are not required to visit São Tomé and Príncipe at any stage of the process, and there are no language exams, interviews, or residency obligations.

The program allows family inclusion under a single application.

In addition to the main applicant, the following dependents may be included:

• A spouse
• Children (up to 30 years old, provided they are unmarried)
• Parents aged 55 and over

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have no criminal record and be in good legal standing
• Have no serious medical conditions
• Successfully pass mandatory due diligence checks

Once approved, citizenship is granted for life and can be passed on to future generations, providing long-term security and an additional nationality without any ongoing obligations to the country.

Cost of Participation in the São Tomé and Príncipe Program

The Caribbean has been a leading region for investment citizenship for over 30 years. Countries offering CBI include Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia. Investors can choose between options such as government fund contributions, approved real estate purchases, or shares in resort projects.

Each program has its strengths. Caribbean countries offer broader visa-free access and more investment options, while São Tomé and Príncipe stands out for its low entry threshold and fast processing.

Caribbean programs remain in demand but have notable drawbacks: higher entry thresholds, longer processing times, and stricter due diligence with extensive source-of-funds documentation, making them less predictable and more expensive than alternative options.

Choosing between São Tomé and Príncipe and Caribbean programs depends on your mobility goals, investment budget, and lifestyle priorities. Each option offers unique benefits and may better suit different investor profiles.

If You Need Schengen Access

If your primary objective is access to the Schengen Area or broader European mobility, combining a second passport with a European residency solution may be the most strategic approach.

A São Tomé and Príncipe can be obtained quickly, often within 2 months, offering global mobility and a neutral second nationality. However, its visa-free access list (around 60 countries) does not include the full Schengen Area by itself.

For investors who want both a second passport and Schengen rights, Astons offers a combined solution starting at €370,000:

• São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship (fast and affordable), and
• Greek Golden Visa residency for the entire family, including legal and government fees.

This strategy provides:

• a Plan B nationality that can later support future mobility goals, and
• a renewable EU residency with visa-free travel across all 29 Schengen countries, plus access to European healthcare, education, and banking.

This solution is particularly attractive for applicants prioritising European freedom of movement without immediate relocation or long-term stay requirements.

If You Hold Another Citizenship with No Restrictions

If you already hold a strong passport (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, or similar) and do not face travel restrictions, the choice between São Tomé and Príncipe and Caribbean programs may centre on global mobility and lifestyle flexibility.

Caribbean CBI programs remains highly competitive for this provide:

• Broad visa-free access (typically 135-155+ countries, including Schengen and the UK)
• Family inclusion options that often extend to spouses, children, parents, siblings, and grandparents
• Low investment thresholds relative to other citizenship options
• Flexible investment paths, including government donations, bonds, and real estate

Specific perks by country include:

• Grenada: Access to the U.S. E-2 visa and visa-free entry to China
• Saint Lucia: Refundable government bond option
• Antigua & Barbuda: Flexible family inclusion and a short visit requirement
• Dominica: Fastest approvals and lowest entry cost
• St. Kitts & Nevis: Longest track record and strong passport ranking

For holders of robust primary passports, these programs offer added global mobility and strategic advantages without major changes to current travel patterns. They are ideal when the second passport’s strength and tax planning are priorities, rather than relocation or regional integration.