Astons has been officially accredited as a licensed government agent for the Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship by Investment Program. This authorisation allows us to promote the program, process applications, and assist clients at every stage of obtaining citizenship and a passport.

Key Terms of the New Program

  • Contribution: $90,000 for a single applicant (total $95,750 including all fees).
  • Family of four: $103,000 (including passports, ID cards, and certificates).

Program Development Timeline

The legal framework for the program was approved by the national parliament in 2022, but its launch was delayed due to political instability. The current government finalized the regulatory structure, drawing inspiration from successful citizenship-by-investment models in Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Vanuatu, and Nauru.

Record Processing Time

The program operates through a public–private partnership managed by STP Advisory Services, a UAE-based company under government supervision. This structure enables competitive speed — with a target processing time of just six weeks — while maintaining rigorous due diligence standards.

Key Features and Details

  • Passport renewals can be handled via consulates in Beijing, Brussels, Lisbon, or the program office in Dubai.
  • Open to applicants of all nationalities except North Korea.
  • Applications may include spouses, dependent children up to 30 years old, and parents over 55.
  • Payments are accepted only in USD; cryptocurrency is not permitted.
  • The São Tomé and Príncipe passport provides visa-free access to 90+ countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Qatar (the EU and the UK require visas).
  • The program emphasises absence of international banking restrictions.

Why Consider the São Tomé and Príncipe Passport?

Although the program is brand new and the first successful applications are still pending, the São Tomé and Príncipe passport already holds significant strategic and practical value for global investors.

Firstly, it offers a neutral, politically independent passport from a stable island nation with no international sanctions or banking restrictions. This makes it a practical tool for investors who want to diversify their citizenship portfolio and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks.

Secondly, Sao Tome and Principe’s program provides an accessible entry point to second citizenship at a lower cost compared to most Caribbean or Pacific alternatives. The six-week processing target makes it one of the fastest routes to a new passport currently available.

In essence, the São Tomé and Príncipe passport is more than just a new CBI option — it’s an innovative bridge between emerging and established residency and citizenship programs, offering strategic advantages in an evolving global landscape.