How to Obtain São Tomé Citizenship in 2026: Full Step-by-Step Guide for North Americans

Overview of the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program

Given the increased interest in how to get São Tomé citizenship, especially from Canadian and U.S. citizens, we present once again a full step-by-step guide about the said program. We focus on the African island because of its incredible flexibility, attractive conditions, and cost-effective frameworks, as we will state in the following article. 

Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

Wider travel possibilities thanks to São Tomé 

One of the main reasons to obtain a dual citizenship is that it comes with a passport, that is, a travel document that will allow you to enter different countries under a new nationality. 

In many cases, this can open doors to easier entries, which is particularly convenient for frequent travelers and international businesspeople.

Those who are citizens in São Tomé enjoy strong bonds with key jurisdictions in the Middle East and Asia, and due to its history as a former Portuguese colony, with countries belonging to the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries).

Besides the alluring cadences of bossa Nova and fado, the Portuguese language offers many advantages as it is the official language in important economic and cultural centers like Portugal and Brazil.

Investment Safety

Applying to a CBI is one of the safest things an investor can do, and this applies to whatever type of contribution (donation or real estate) you choose. Investment citizenship programs are highly regulated, and overseen by international organs. A good example has been the Caribbean, especially in the past two years, in which they have committed to strengthening monitoring, follow-ups, and accountability. 

Citizenship for the Whole Family

One of the main advantages of dual citizenship is the possibility of applying with family. The program accepts the spouse and children together with parents and grandparents who are 55 years old or older. 

When it comes to children after 18 years of age, they have to prove being financially dependent on the main applicant, which is proven with the simple requirement of submitting an affidavit of support.

Married children do not apply, and neither do children who have been married before (divorced). Nevertheless, after obtaining citizen status, if they do get married, their wife/husband and their children can become citizens. This also applies to children of the main applicant born after approval. 

A similar case can be seen when it comes to the main applicant's spouse. If the applicant gets divorced and remarries, the new spouse and the children from this marriage will be eligible as dependents. 

A common inquiry is whether children from previous marriages can apply, and the answer is yes as long as the other parent (or guardian) provides due approval.

Overview of the dependents that can be added to São Tomé

• Husband or wife
• De facto partner providing proof of living together
• Children under 18
• Children older than 18, as long as they're financially dependent on the main applicant
• Children from previous marriages, as long as the other guardian provides due consent
• Future children of the main applicant (after approval and issuance of nationality)
• Future children of the applicants' children
• Parents of the main applicant older than 55 years of age
• Grandparents of the main applicant older than 55 years of age

Useful conclusion

In short, you can apply with all your family except your siblings, and children who are born after approval can also obtain the status: all children born to São Tomé citizens have that right. Overall, citizens who obtain their status through the program stipulated by Decree 07/2025 have the same rights as locally born citizens. 

No Residency Requirement

Flexibility when it comes to physical presence is vital. In general, Americans and Canadians who choose paths like this one are focused on global movement, international business, and an international lifestyle. In such cases, mandatory travel can be a hindrance, and luckily, in São Tomé, they don’t have to deal with this. The program doesn’t stipulate a minimum stay requirement. 

Confidentiality

The African country is a reputable jurisdiction that aligns with international standards and regulations; therefore, it applies all confidentiality rules accordingly.

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São Tomé Eligibility Requirements

Main Applicant

Besides being in good health, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, have no criminal record, and prove that his income comes from legal sources. After all documents and forms are submitted, the applicant and dependents must undergo a comprehensive due diligence. 

Family Members

Practically all the family members are accepted in São Tomé except for siblings. Children can apply up to 30 years of age, as long as they are unmarried and financially dependent on the main applicant. Finally, parents and grandparents are accepted under the same conditions, and being 55 years old or older.

Investment Options

Non-Refundable Contribution

The process is carried out through a non-refundable contribution of $90,000 for a single applicant, and 95,000 for a family of four (the typical family of two parents and two children), while for every additional dependent, $5000 must be added. Although the donation is non-refundable, it is made only after the due diligence checks and once the approval is secured. 

Additional Costs

Constituting one of the program's most attractive features, there is one single submission fee for the entire family. This means that all four members pay one application fee of $5000. Additionally, the family will have to pay $750 per applicant to cover the processing costs, plus legal fees and additional costs entailed, such as apostilles, translations, and extra documentation (these depending on the complexity of the case).

Application Process

Step 1: Consultation with an Immigration Specialist

The first step is to contact the Mundo team, as we will assess your case and pre-screen your application. At this stage, the Mundo expert analyzes the chances of approval as well as all the points that may need further documentation or may lead to rejection.

Step 2: Document Preparation

At this stage, the applicant must gather all necessary documentation and fill out the forms. The documents needed depend on the case, so we have prepared a list of general documents that apply to most cases: 

• Passport to prove identity
• Birth Certificate to prove being related to the children
• Certificate of legal adoption for adopted kids
• Consent from parent or tutor if the children are from previous marriages
• Second ID to confirm identity
• Photographs
• Marital Status through a marriage certificate
• Proof of living together for the facto couples
• Proof of Address
• Source of Funds
• Bank Reference Letter
• Police Clearance
• Government Forms
• Affidavits
• Medical Form

Step 3: Submit Your Application

With the help of a Mundo expert, you will submit your application fully online, which is highly convenient.

Step 4: Due Diligence Check

This will be implemented by the unit while, for the applicant, this is a waiting period. 

Step 5: Receive Approval and Make the Contribution

When you obtain approval, you can proceed with making the contribution.

Step 6: Obtain Citizenship Certificate and Passport

Only once the donation is made does the unit approve the nationality.

Timeline for Processing Applications

Check out the following table to see the approximate timing of each step. The reader should consider that these are approximate timings, so this has to be confirmed with the Mundo expert.

*Note: these processing times are approximate; please consult with your Mundo expert before applying. 

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Costs and Fees

Application Fee

The fee is $5000 per application (one fee, regardless of how many family members applied)

Government Fees

There are other fees applicable of $750 for each dependent. If the citizen wishes to add more dependents after approval, it is possible with the following fees: spouse ($10,000), child ($5000), parent or grandparent ($5000), newborn ($500).

* Disclaimer: these numbers do not include legal fees and other costs. This article does not constitute legal, migration, or investment advice. Before applying for any migration by investment program, always consult with certified professionals. 

Investment Amount

As stated above, the minimum amount is $90,000 for a single applicant, 95,000 for the basic family, and 5000 extra per applicant for any dependents added after those first four. This means that a family of five will require a donation of $100,000, a family of six $105,000, a family of seven $110,000, a family of eight $115,000, and so on.

This makes São Tomé the most affordable CBI in the industry. Check out the following graph comparing São Tomé with two Caribbean programs (the most affordable and the least affordable), and Vanuatu, for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to obtain citizenship?

The process is fast track, taking approximately 2 months after all documents and forms have been submitted. 

Is there a risk of making the contribution and not receiving nationality?

No, because the donation is made only after approval. Nevertheless, once the donation is made, it is not refundable. 

What is the minimum investment required?

$90,000 for a single applicant and $95,000 for a family of four (spouse and two children).

Can family members be included in the application?

Yes, all family members can be included except for siblings. 

Can I include dependents after approval?

Yes, you can, with the corresponding fees: $10,000 for a spouse, $5000 for other family members except for newborns (the fee is $500 in this case).

Are there any residency requirements?

No. São Tomé is quite flexible in the sense that it doesn't stipulate a minimum physical presence. 

Embrace São Tomé, one of the most affordable alternatives

Very few jurisdictions in the world offer fast-track alternatives at such affordable prices. São Tomé ticks all the boxes because it accepts practically every family member at convenient costs and with only one single application fee. 

The program is also flexible after approval, as it doesn't stipulate any minimum stay requirements and allows you to add more dependents. These are extremely convenient features for frequent travelers, global citizens, and busy business people. 

The Mundo team is made up of experts who, with the help of advisors, agents, and lawyers, help international investors achieve their goals. Talk to us if you're thinking about obtaining migration by investment, opening a bank account, constituting a company, buying real estate, or organizing your assets through family office services. We're here for you, one click away, ready to receive your message. Write to us by clicking the button below. 

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