In August 2025, São Tomé & Príncipe introduced its new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, now viewed as one of the most affordable options for investors seeking an alternative citizenship and passport. A CBI program, in simple terms, grants citizenship to foreign applicants who make a qualified financial contribution to the host country. Unlike many higher-cost alternatives, São Tomé’s program is designed to be accessible, efficient, and closely aligned with national development priorities. It allows investors to obtain citizenship without needing to visit the islands, and there is no residency requirement to maintain it. The contributions made through the program directly support key public projects and the country’s long-term economic development.
Country Overview and Key Economic Metrics
São Tomé & Príncipe is a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the west coast of Central Africa. Formed by two main islands: São Tomé and Príncipe. The country is known for its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Politically, it is a stable democracy, and in recent years it has been moving gradually toward more private-sector-driven development.
Economically, São Tomé & Príncipe remains relatively small but strategically positioned. The country has a population of about 240,000, with a GDP of roughly $0.8 billion. In 2024, the GDP per capita was approximately $3,245, according to World Bank estimates. Although the domestic market is limited, the country’s geographic location, natural resources, and tourism potential provide it with room for long-term growth.
Like many small island economies, São Tomé faces structural challenges, including high energy costs and reliance on imports. The government is actively working to reform the energy sector, strengthen key industries, and attract more foreign investment. Despite these obstacles, the outlook remains positive: growth is expected to accelerate in the coming years, driven by tourism, agriculture, and continued economic reforms.
As the country continues to modernize and expand its economic base, São Tomé & Príncipe stands out as a compelling option for investors considering CBI programs.
São Tomé & Príncipe CBI Program Details & Advantages
The Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program in São Tomé & Príncipe is based on a donation model: applicants make a non-refundable contribution to a National Transformation Fund (NTF), which is overseen by the government. This fund is used for national priority projects such as renewable energy, infrastructure, education, health, and eco-tourism — so investor money supports real development on the islands.
To become eligible, investors go through a due diligence process that includes background checks, proof of legal source of funds, and identity verification. The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) manages applications from its office in Dubai, UAE, allowing the entire process to be handled efficiently and remotely. Once an applicant is approved “in principle,” they make their donation to the NTF, and citizenship is granted.
In terms of cost, a single applicant must contribute at least $90,000, plus a submission fee of $5,000. For a family of up to four, the donation is $95,000; additional dependents can be added for $5,000 each. After citizenship is approved, there are standard administrative fees per person: $350 for a passport, $150 for a national ID card, and $250 for a registration certificate.
One of the program’s biggest advantages is its speed: the government aims to approve applications in principle within six to eight weeks. There is no residency requirement — investors do not need to move to São Tomé or even visit. Dual citizenship is allowed, so applicants can retain their existing nationality. Family members such as spouses, dependent children (up to around 30 years old), and parents are eligible to be included.
Beyond simply holding a second passport, São Tomé citizenship brings several benefits. Investors gain a stable, peaceful citizenship in a sovereign African state, and they receive full political rights. The Santomean passport also provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 61 countries. Some of these destinations include Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa in Africa; Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines in Asia; and Panama, Costa Rica, and Barbados in the Americas.
For non-residents, the tax regime is potentially favorable: the program is structured to allow tax optimization, with no global income tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax in certain circumstances.
Investor Fit & Global Comparisons
The São Tomé & Príncipe CBI program is especially well-suited for several types of investors. First, it appeals to cost-conscious high-net-worth individuals seeking a second citizenship at a far lower cost than most Caribbean options, where the minimum investment requirement starts at $200,000. With a total contribution below $100,000, it stands among the most affordable CBI pathways worldwide.
Second, it’s attractive to businesspeople and families who want mobility and security without relocating. Because there is no residency requirement and due diligence is relatively streamlined, São Tomé citizenship can serve as a practical “Plan B” or wealth-preservation tool – a hedge against geopolitical or economic uncertainty, offering security and flexibility. It is ideal for people who want to diversify their life and jurisdictional risk, but don’t want to uproot their lives.
Third, the program resonates with impact-driven investors. Contributions support national projects in education, infrastructure, health, and renewable energy, meaning applicants are not just acquiring a passport but participating in a broader development mission.
To put São Tomé’s program in context, we can compare it with other small-country CBI options. Vanuatu, for instance, has had a CBI scheme for years and is known for relatively fast processing with the minimum investment requirement starting from $130,000. However, its program has faced regulatory and reputational challenges, particularly as countries worry about due diligence, and the EU has cracked down on visa-free travel tied to CBI schemes. On the other hand, Nauru has floated similar low-threshold CBI options (starting from $105,000), targeting sustainable funding and climate-resilient development. Like São Tomé, these states use CBI not just as a fundraising tool but as a way to leverage foreign capital into meaningful national transformation.
For investors seeking affordability, impact, and flexibility, São Tomé is highly competitive. However, applicants should conduct proper due diligence: understand the governance of the National Transformation Fund, review visa-free access limitations, and work with accredited agents. The relatively modest diplomatic reach of a São Toméan passport means that the strategy must be aligned with personal mobility goals, fiscal planning, and long-term legacy needs.
How Bayat Group Can Help?
As the official marketing agent for São Tomé’s CBI program, Bayat Group provides end-to-end support throughout the application process. From document preparation and due diligence to submission and approval, clients benefit from a secure, guided pathway managed by seasoned professionals.
This program is unique in combining global mobility with impact investing. Applicants gain citizenship while contributing to sustainable development across the islands. With Bayat Group’s expertise and official mandate, investors can be confident that their application is handled with precision, transparency, and full compliance.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Citizenship by Investment programs are subject to change, and eligibility, fees, and processing requirements may vary. Prospective applicants should seek independent professional advice and consult with Bayat Group or other authorized agents before making any decisions.