Citizenship by investment
Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe by investment
- Government costs
- from $95,750
- Timeline
- plan 6-9 months
- Trips
- none needed
A second passport for the family with one contribution, and no move.
Citizenship for a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund. You do not need to live in the country or visit it, and there is no language requirement or exam. The main contribution is paid only after approval.
Government costs, one applicant
$95,750
$90,000 contribution, $5,000 review and processing, $750 documents. A family of four: $103,000. The services of the agent and BRIDGES are calculated under the contract, separately.
Calculate for my family2months
to a decision after the full document set, officially; plan 6-9 months for the whole route
59destinations
without a prior visa, passport ranking 2026
0trips
to the country for the application: filing and video check are remote
Before you apply
Six things to weigh before you apply
We discuss them before the contract, not after it. Some may not matter for your family, and some may change the choice of programme.
Checked on 3 November 2026
Family
Adult children and parents do not get passports for nowChildren aged 18-30, parents and grandparents aged 55+ can join the application, but naturalisation and passports for them are paused until new rules. There is no date, so we do not promise such a family a common timeline. After filing, a relative cannot be added, except a newborn.
Citizenships
No more than two foreign citizenshipsApplications from people with more citizenships have not been accepted since 10 April 2026. A naturalised citizen who acquires a fourth citizenship loses São Tomé citizenship at once.
Timeline
Plan 6-9 months from filingOfficially about 2 months to a decision and from 12 weeks after it. In practice documents come out more slowly: on 1 September 2026, with 350 approvals, 29 passports had been issued. Timelines are not guaranteed.
Travel
59 destinations, the major ones by visa onlySchengen, the UK, the US, Canada, Portugal, Brazil and Russia by visa only. Since 3 August 2026 a bond of $10,000-20,000 applies to US B-1/B-2 visas.
Elections
A new government may change the approachThe MLSTP party came first in the election of 27 September 2026 with 24 of 55 seats. It promised to review the programme, and its leader demanded the repeal of the decree in 2025. ADI and MCI-PS/PUN signed an agreement covering 29 seats. The government is acting in a caretaker role for now, so the Council of Ministers stage may take longer.
Court
The court upheld the decree, but the debate continuesOn 22 January 2026 the Constitutional Court refused ADI deputies’ request to declare the decree unconstitutional. The vote split 2:2 and the president’s vote decided it; the prosecutor’s office supported the applicants. A group of lawyers applied separately, and we are confirming the status of that application.
What you getSão Tomé and Príncipe
A second citizenship without moving
Full citizenship, a registration certificate, a national ID and a passport. According to the programme’s management, there is no difference from citizenship by birth.
A state programme under Decree-Law 07/2025- 01One contribution for a family of up to four
A single applicant pays $90,000, and a family of two, three or four pays $95,000. Each further participant adds $5,000.
- 02The main contribution comes after approval
$5,000 is paid at filing. The contribution and documents are paid after the decision, within 90 days. If you are refused, the contribution is not due.
- 03No move and no exams
You do not need to live in the country or visit it, and there is no language requirement or exam. Filing is electronic, and since 10 April 2026 the ID is issued after a short video check.
- 04Your first citizenship stays
You do not have to give up your current passport. There is one limit: no more than two foreign citizenships at the time of application.
- 05Permanent exemption from military service
The decree-law permanently exempts naturalised citizens from military service, including during a state of emergency.
- 06Portugal: 7 years instead of 10
The passport does not give the right to live or work in Portugal. It shortens naturalisation to 7 years instead of 10 once a person already lives there legally, and gives access to a CPLP permit through a consular visa.
CostDecree-Law 07/2025
One route and open government payments
The programme has no real estate and no refundable options. Below are only the payments to the state under Decree-Law 07/2025 and the programme portal.
One applicant
$95,750to the state, in totalCouple
$101,500to the state, in totalCouple and a child
$102,250to the state, in totalCouple and two children
$103,000to the state, in total| Payment | Amount | When | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and processing, per application | $5,000 | At filing | No |
| Contribution, one applicant | $90,000 | After approval, 90 days | No |
| Contribution, family of 2-4 | $95,000 | After approval, 90 days | No |
| Each further participant | +$5,000 | After approval, 90 days | No |
| Documents per person: certificate $250, passport $350, ID $150 | $750 | After approval, second invoice | Being confirmed |
| Sponsor check, if a third party pays | $5,000 | At filing | Being confirmed |
The final amount is confirmed by the invoice of the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU). The services of the licensed agent and BRIDGES are calculated under the contract and are not included above. Translation, certification, certificates, medical checks, apostille, courier and bank fees are paid as incurred.
CalculationGovernment costs
What the state charges for your family
Choose who is in the application. The calculator shows what is paid at filing and what is paid after approval.
Government costs for 4 people
São Tomé and Príncipe
A third party pays (sponsor)
At filing
$5,000
After approval, 90 days
$98,000
Total to the state
$103,000
The services of the licensed agent and BRIDGES are calculated under the contract and are not included in this amount.
An approximate calculation of government payments, not a decision of a government body.
How we work
First the check, then the first payment
We have been working since 2004 and more than 8,000 families have come through us. The programme is young, so what matters most is seeing in advance what could get in your family’s way, and saying so before the first payment.
Free eligibility check
The check comes before the first payment- 01A check before the contract
All citizenships, family, refusals, convictions, public-person status, sanctions, court records and publications. On convictions we apply the strictest threshold in the law and the application form.
- 02A map of the source of funds
We build a chronology of your capital and decide whether a sponsor is needed. For approval, a clean and documented history of the money, matching data and disclosure of all facts matter most.
- 03Filing through a licensed agent
The application is filed with the Citizenship by Investment Unit by a licensed agent of the programme, using the agent’s current checklist and forms in force. Money goes only to the official account.
- 04A straight conversation about risks
We go through the freeze on adult dependants, the citizenship limit, timelines and political risks before the contract. If another programme suits your family better, we say so at once.
Compare with Vanuatu
Stagesplan 6-9 months
Six steps to the passport
A decision usually comes about 2 months after a full set of documents is filed. Issuing citizenship and the passport goes through the government, the President and the registry and now takes from 3 months, in some cases noticeably longer. Plan 6-9 months from filing. Timelines are not guaranteed, and issuance is paused for adult children and parents.
- 01Check before the contract
All citizenships, family, source of funds, refusals, convictions and public-person status.
We do it - 02Documents
Originals and certificates, certified copies, apostille, translation into English or Portuguese.
Together - 03Filing
A licensed agent files electronically and the Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) issues an invoice.
You: $5,000 - 04Review
Due diligence and the prosecutor’s visa. An interview is usually not needed, but it is possible.
About 2 months - 05Decision and payment
Written approval. 90 days for the contribution and documents, in dollars, with no instalments.
You: payment - 06Citizenship and passport
Oath form, Council of Ministers and President, registry, video check, passport.
From 12 weeks
TravelPassport ranking 2026
Where you can travel and where you need a visa
According to the international passport ranking for 2026, the passport gives 59 destinations without a prior visa and 78th place. This is an accessible second status, not a passport for freedom of travel.
59 destinations without a prior visa27
visa-free
29
visa on arrival
3
online authorisation
Visa in advance
Schengen, Portugal, the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Japan, China, Brazil, Russia and Turkey by visa only. Since 3 August 2026 a bond of $10,000-20,000 applies to US B-1/B-2 visas.
Visa-free, examples
South Africa · Panama · Ecuador · Malaysia · Singapore · Philippines · Hong Kong
Visa on arrival, examples
Egypt · Jordan · Maldives · Mauritius · Nepal · Sri Lanka · Tanzania
E-visa, examples
UAE · Qatar · Saudi Arabia · Thailand · Vietnam · Australia · South Korea · Georgia
Entering São Tomé
Yellow fever vaccination certificate · passport valid 7 years, 3 years for children under 16
The entry regime is set by the receiving country and it changes. Before a trip we check the regime for your destination as at the date of departure.
ComparisonFive programmes
Where the programme wins and where it loses
The programme wins on the entry price and loses on travel and track record. If speed and freedom of travel matter more, other programmes will suit you better.
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Vanuatu | Dominica | St Kitts and Nevis | Antigua and Barbuda | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution from | $90,000 | $130,000 | $200,000 | $250,000 | $230,000 |
| Timeline | plan 6-9 months from filing | 30-60 days | from 6 months | from 4 months | from 6 months |
| Visa-free Schengen | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Programme runs since | 2025 | 2017 | 1993 | 1984 | 2013 |
Amounts are minimum contribution thresholds without fees and documents. Timelines are not guaranteed and depend on the checks and the work of government bodies.
TeamBRIDGES
People who guide your application
Your application is run by a permanent team: the programme lawyer, a tax specialist and a family coordinator. You know everyone by name from the first day.
Questions
What clients ask first
Is it legal?+
Yes. The basis is Nationality Act No. 7/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025, in force since 1 August 2025. In January 2026 the Constitutional Court refused to declare the decree unconstitutional, although the debate around the programme continues.
What does the client receive?+
Full citizenship, a registration certificate, a national ID and a passport. The biometric passport is issued for 7 years, and for 3 years for children under 16. Citizenship passes to descendants.
What is the minimum cost?+
$95,750 to the state for one applicant and $103,000 for a family of four. Agent services and document preparation are calculated separately.
Can another agent do it for less?+
No. The minimum price is protected: an agent who offers less loses the licence.
When is the main contribution paid?+
After approval, within 90 days, in dollars and with no instalments. If the deadline is missed, the application is terminated and the $5,000 is not returned.
What do I lose if refused?+
The $5,000 for review and processing, services and document costs. By the time of a refusal the contribution has not yet been paid.
How long does it really take?+
About 2 months to a decision and from 12 weeks after it. Plan 6-9 months from filing. Timelines are not guaranteed: on 1 September 2026, with 350 approvals, 29 passports had been issued.
Do I need to travel to São Tomé?+
No. The application is filed remotely, the oath is completed according to the instructions of the Citizenship by Investment Unit, and since 10 April 2026 the ID is issued after a video check.
Is there an interview?+
Usually not, but the decree allows one to be requested in person or by video.
Do I need Portuguese?+
Not for this programme. You will need it to naturalise in Portugal.
Do I have to give up my first citizenship?+
No. But no more than two foreign citizenships are allowed at the time of application.
I have two or three passports. Can I apply?+
With two you can: São Tomé becomes your third, but acquiring another citizenship after that will cost you São Tomé citizenship. With three you cannot for now: such applications are suspended and the amendment has not been adopted.
Who can be included in the application?+
A spouse or partner, children under 18, as well as dependent children aged 18-30 and dependent parents and grandparents aged 55+. Naturalisation and passports for adult dependants are paused for now. Brothers and sisters file separate applications.
My child is 19 and my parents are 60. What happens?+
They can be included in the application, but naturalisation and the passport are paused for them until new rules. There is no date, so we do not promise such a family a common timeline and we go through this in writing before the contract.
Can I add a relative later?+
Not after filing and before status is granted, except a newborn. After status is granted you can, but it costs more: spouse $10,000, other dependant $5,000, plus $5,000 per request and $750 documents per person. A child born after citizenship is granted: $500 under the age of 1.
Can someone else pay?+
Yes, a sponsor. That adds $5,000 and a full set of documents on the sponsor’s funds.
Does the passport give visa-free entry to Schengen?+
No. Schengen, the UK, the US, Canada, Portugal, Brazil and Russia by visa only. In total, 59 destinations without a prior visa according to the international passport ranking for 2026.
What does the passport give for Portugal?+
The passport does not give the right to live or work in Portugal. It shortens naturalisation to 7 years instead of 10 once a person already lives there legally, and gives access to a CPLP permit: first a residence visa at a consulate, then checks and a card. You will need Portuguese and knowledge of the country’s culture and history.
Will the programme be closed?+
There is a risk. The MLSTP party, which promised to review the programme, came first in the election of 27 September 2026. The decree can be repealed by a new act. Citizenship already granted usually stays, but there is no legal guarantee for pending applications.
Can citizenship be lost?+
Yes: for deception, forgery, a threat to security, or acquiring a fourth citizenship. For 6 more months after issue the prosecutor’s office can file an objection in court. A false answer in the application form is grounds for revocation.
Are there annual payments?+
No, except for documents when they are renewed. Renewing a passport costs about $500.
Are Russian citizens accepted?+
Yes, 122 applications were filed in the first year. Russian citizenship is retained, and the Interior Ministry must be notified of the second citizenship within 60 days, or within 60 days of entering Russia if it was obtained abroad. The payment route is agreed before the contract.
Why take it if the passport is weak?+
It is an accessible way to obtain a second citizenship for the whole family and to speed up naturalisation in Portugal if you really move there. Other programmes are better for freedom of travel.
TimelineOfficial decisions
What has changed in the programme
- 27 September 2026
Parliamentary election. MLSTP won 24 of 55 seats, ADI 23, MCI-PS/PUN 6, Basta 2. ADI and MCI-PS/PUN signed an agreement covering 29 seats. The government is acting in a caretaker role for now.
- 17 September 2026
The Citizenship by Investment Unit clarified the rules for unmarried partners and the procedure for refusal, withdrawal of an application and appeal.
- 1 September 2026
First-year report: 548 applications filed, 350 approved, 12 refused, 186 under review, 29 passports issued. Applicants from 72 countries.
- 29 June 2026
The Citizenship by Investment Unit gave a benchmark: about 2 months to a decision and from 12 weeks after approval, payment and documents.
- 19 May 2026
Portugal set the naturalisation period: 7 years of legal residence for citizens of CPLP and EU countries, 10 years for others. The count starts from the date the permit is issued.
- 16 April 2026
A new passport issuing system came into operation.
- 10 April 2026
The ID is issued after a remote video check. Applications from people with more than two foreign citizenships are suspended. Naturalisation and passports for adult dependants are paused until new rules.
- 22 January 2026
The Constitutional Court refused to declare the decree unconstitutional. The vote split 2:2 and the president’s vote decided it.
- January 2026
The first passport under the programme was issued.
- 1 August 2025
Decree-Law 07/2025 was published in Diário da República No. 33 and entered into force. Applications opened in September 2025.
Photos: Josep M. Gracia, Ji-Elle, Paulacastelli (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikimedia Commons.
First we check your family, then we give the numbers
Tell us who will be in the application and which citizenships you hold. We will show the government payments, the timeline and what could get in the way, before the first payment.
- Everything about São Tomé and PríncipeProgramme, banks and articles in one place
- Vanuatu citizenshipA faster route with more travel options
- Nauru citizenshipAnother programme with a low entry point
- Compare programmesPrice, timeline and travel side by side
- Passport indexWhere a passport lets you in
- All citizenship programmesThe Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific
INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Tell us what outcome your family needs
We will design a solution for your case, choose the country and the right status, and take the whole process through to the result.
