Client story
Client's story
Where they started
The client is an elderly person for whom travel is difficult: long flights and trips were a challenge. However, he needed a second passport as a safety net and backup option. The main obstacle appeared to be the requirement to travel somewhere and be present in person.
Why the standard route did not work
Many programs involve visits, biometrics on-site, or residence periods—for an elderly person this is a serious barrier, sometimes even a deal-breaker. The client feared he would have to undertake travel that was no longer within his capability.
What BRIDGES had to solve
However, the São Tomé and Príncipe program is conveniently structured for such cases: it is entirely remote—requiring no residence or in-person presence in the country, processed remotely, with one of the shortest timelines, approximately two months. All interaction—document collection and certification, application submission, investment—is conducted without the client traveling, with support at every step.
Why a standard answer would not do
The client came to BRIDGES specifically for this accessibility: to obtain São Tomé citizenship entirely remotely, without flights and in-person presence, straightforwardly and on a turnkey basis.
At my age, long trips are a real ordeal, and I was certain I would have to fly somewhere and be present in person for a passport. Igor reassured me: the São Tomé program is entirely remote, without residence or travel requirements. Everything—documents, application submission, investment—was handled remotely, and I was supported at every step. I received my passport in approximately two months without leaving my chair. For someone who finds travel difficult, this was the ideal solution.
