OpenSão Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Cost, Requirements & Processing Time (2026)

The short version

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment requires a minimum investment of €83,000 (philanthropic donation route), with residency in ~4–8 months and direct citizenship on approval.

Investment routes compared

Route type	Amount (EUR)	Notes	Primary?
Philanthropic donation	€83,000USD 90,000	Non-refundable government contribution.	Most common
Real estate	€184,000USD 200,000	Approved real estate, held 5 years.

At a glance

€83,000 minimum qualifying investment
~4–8 months expected end-to-end processing
Direct citizenship on approval citizenship timeline
No Schengen access travel rights
No minimum stay physical-presence requirement

Physical presence: No residency requirement.

Official program source · Source: São Tomé and Príncipe Government (secondary industry sources) · Last verified Apr 15, 2026 · Verify current rules with an authorized immigration adviser or the destination's consulate before applying.

Next review 2026-07-15.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?

The minimum qualifying investment is €83,000. ~€83K ($90K) minimum contribution — second cheapest CBI globally after Nauru. Qualifying routes: Philanthropic donation (€83,000); Real estate (€184,000) Most applicants use the Philanthropic donation route (€83,000).

How long does the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment take to process?

Expected end-to-end processing is ~4–8 months. Newer programme — processing times variable during early years.

Can I get citizenship through the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment, and when?

This programme grants direct citizenship on approval. Direct citizenship. São Tomé passport is a CPLP (Portuguese-speaking) country passport — may facilitate Portuguese naturalization through Lusophone fast-track. Visa-free ~65 countries.

What is the physical-presence requirement for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?

No residency requirement.

Are my spouse and children included in the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?

Spouse, minor children can be included.

Does the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment grant Schengen access?

No. São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment does not by itself grant Schengen-area travel rights.

Is the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment currently open to new applicants?

The programme is currently open. Henley Index 2026 debut #8. Newer programme with lower profile than Caribbean CBI.

Who regulates the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment?

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment is administered by São Tomé and Príncipe Government (secondary industry sources). The canonical source is https://www.gov.st/. Facts last verified 2026-04-15; next review 2026-07-15.

Route type

Amount (EUR)

Notes

Primary?

Philanthropic donation

€83,000USD 90,000

Non-refundable government contribution.

Most common

Real estate

€184,000USD 200,000

Approved real estate, held 5 years.