São Tomé and Príncipe, a quiet island nation off the West African coast, has officially introduced its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, marking a significant step into the global investment migration market. Launched on August 1, 2025, the program offers foreign nationals a direct path to citizenship through a minimum donation of US$90,000 to the country’s National Transformation Fund.
This new initiative, approved by the country’s Council of Ministers, aims to attract capital to fund key national development goals, particularly in the renewable energy sector. According to official statements and sources, the program will be managed by a newly established Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) based in Dubai, structured as a public-private partnership to ensure efficient application processing.
Simple, Fast, and Inclusive
Applicants can expect a straightforward process with minimal bureaucracy. No residency, interview, or language tests are required. The CIU aims to deliver citizenship approvals in just six weeks.
The program is open to applicants of all nationalities, except North Koreans. Notably, it includes groups often excluded from other CBI programs, such as nationals from Russia and Iran.
Dependents allowed under the program include spouses, children up to the age of 30, parents above 55, and even future dependents, giving families the flexibility to add more members post-approval.
The total cost begins at US$90,000 for a single applicant and US$95,000 for families of up to four, with an additional US$5,000 per extra dependent. Applicants must also pay a US$5,000 submission fee. Upon approval, each applicant must cover passport issuance (US$350), national ID (US$150), and a registration certificate (US$250).
How São Tomé Plans to Use CBI Funds for National Growth
The São Tomé and Príncipe government plans to use all funds from its new citizenship program to support national development. The main goal is to build a renewable energy system that could help the country run fully on clean energy.
Other areas of focus include building affordable housing, improving education and roads, and supporting small local businesses. The program is designed to bring in foreign investment and create jobs while helping the country grow in a sustainable way.
Why Investors Might Start Paying Attention to São Tomé and Príncipe
With the official launch of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, São Tomé and Príncipe is stepping onto the global stage as a fresh option for investors seeking alternative citizenship in a peaceful, forward-thinking jurisdiction.
This small island nation, nestled in the Gulf of Guinea, offers an unhurried lifestyle and unspoiled natural beauty, qualities increasingly valued by global investors looking beyond overexposed destinations. As a former Portuguese colony, it blends historical charm with emerging potential, offering a stable environment with low crime and a welcoming approach toward foreigners.
But São Tomé isn’t just selling sunshine. The government has laid out serious plans for national transformation, anchored in sustainability and clean energy. Investments made through the program will support infrastructure upgrades, renewable energy expansion, and eco-tourism development indicators that the CBI scheme is meant to fund more than just passports.
For those evaluating long-term value, the country’s visa-free and visa-on-arrival access to 57 countries adds mobility benefits. More importantly, the program allows a wide definition of dependents, minimal bureaucracy, and no physical presence requirements—features that are likely to appeal to globally mobile families and entrepreneurs alike.
In a post-pandemic world where quality of life and flexibility have taken center stage, São Tomé and Príncipe’s offering stands out not for grandeur, but for its simplicity and vision.
A Rising Contender for 2025 and Beyond
São Tomé and Príncipe’s CBI program isn’t just another passport play, it reflects a strategic effort to build a stronger, more sustainable national future through global participation. With a price point significantly lower than most Caribbean and European offerings, and a strong commitment to clean energy and infrastructure, it may quickly gain traction among investors seeking both access and impact.
As investment migration becomes more regulated and value-driven, São Tomé and Príncipe could emerge as a compelling new destination on the map.
