Global Mobility with a São Tomé Passport: What US and Canadian Citizens Gain

Enhanced global mobility for São Tomé & Príncipe Citizens

Since 2025, everyone has been talking about this brand-new citizenship program in Africa. The island country of São Tomé and Principe has launched the most flexible and affordable citizenship available to date. 

Especially attractive for large families, who can apply with adult children and parents, and a flat application fee, São Tomé is on everyone's lips.

The program keeps striding firmly in its second year of existence. Today, we dive into São Tomé passport visa-free countries to find out how it can enhance your global mobility. 

How São Tomé citizenship can increase your possibilities worldwide

The country is on good terms with all nations, and it doesn’t suffer from internal political tension either.

Furthermore, it allows easier travel to many regions and financial centers. To travel to Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Dominica, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines, citizens don't need a visa. For Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, and the UAE, they can travel on an E-visa. Other relevant business, leisure, and lifestyle destinations, like Seychelles or Saint Lucia, ask for a visa on arrival. 

Become a part of a CPLP country and the alluring Portuguese culture

A rich history backs São Tomé, making it a fascinating landscape both culturally and environmentally. Being a former Portuguese colony, the nation is part of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese-language countries), along with Brazil, Portugal, Cabo Verde, Mozambique, and others. 

These countries have strong diplomatic bonds and actively cooperate with each other. Moreover, migration processes are simplified. In simple words, you could be paving your way to the Iberian business and lifestyle hub, Portugal, or the Latin American giant, Brazil.

Visa-Free / Visa-on-Arrival Destinations

Traveling visa-free to a country means that you can just fly in without lengthy processes, endless visits to the embassy, or expensive fees. Something similar occurs with a visa on arrival. 

As a citizen, you’ll be able to travel visa-free or with a visa on arrival to the following destinations:

• Angola
• Cape verde
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Madagascar
• Mauritius
• Seychelles
• South Africa
• Bangladesh
• Hong Kong
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• El Salvador
• Panama
• Cook Islands

E-Visa Access with a São Tomé & Príncipe Passport

• Nigeria
• Georgia
• Indonesia
• Kazakhstan
• Pakistan
• Qatar
• Thailand
• Turkey
• UAE
• Vietnam
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis

Disclaimer: This list of visa-free countries was taken from the most current source of information we could find. Please be aware that these lists are constantly changing, so make sure to confirm the country you're interested in through reliable sources. 

Citizenship by Investment in São Tomé & Príncipe

Overview of the Citizenship by Investment Program

By obtaining citizenship by investment, you also obtain a passport and the same rights as natural citizens. You enjoy advantages such as enhanced mobility to travel in Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, with key jurisdictions like Hong Kong, Singapore, Qatar, and the UAE on the list.

This shows us that the program may be only one year old, but it has already gained a positive reputation and established itself as quite a competitive alternative in the migration landscape. 

Investment Amount and Requirements

Moving on to other aspects, we continue to confirm the program’s benefits. If we look at the investment threshold, this is, at the moment of writing, the most affordable citizenship program in the world. 

A single individual can apply for only $90,000, while a family of four can apply for 95,000. For families with five members or more, $5000 are added per member. Even with this, it's more cost-effective than, for example, the Caribbean.

Regarding the fees, there's a single flat application fee of USD5,000 for the whole family and subsequent fees of 750 for each member.

Please consult the table below to see the total costs for families as the number of members increases.

*All fees include the flat fee of 5,000. Please note that legal fees and expenses are not included.

Disclaimer: The fees and program information shared in this article may be outdated at the time of reading. Please consult with certified professionals before applying for migration citizenship. This article doesn't constitute legal advice. 

Processing Time and Minimum Stay

Originally, the processing time was established at 2 months (after having received all documents). However, recently we've been informed that the process is taking longer. Either way, it is still quite fast and one of the fastest in the industry. Regarding physical presence, you’ll find the African nation to be highly flexible, not stipulating any minimum stay or number of visits to the island.

Ask for more information

Benefits of Citizenship by Investment

There are many benefits to citizenship by investment, especially in a place like São Tomé, which boasts a stable political environment and healthy international relationships. In our days, the mid and high net worth individuals are increasingly looking at second citizenship as a necessity more than a luxury. 

This is only natural considering the dramatic changes we have seen in the past 30 years. Starting with the increasing regulations on business and international finances, to the draconian measures during COVID, and the increasing geopolitical conflicts of our decade. 

Risks and Disadvantages of Citizenship by Investment

We can't actually say that there are any risks to obtaining citizenship by investment. All programs are highly regulated and have thorough due diligence procedures in place. Maybe the greatest example of compliance commitment recently is the Caribbean. 

By signing a memorandum of agreement, the 5 CBI jurisdictions committed to strengthening monitoring, application follow-up, and enforcement laws. All these measures are already being implemented.

It is said that CBIs have a bad reputation, but this is only a matter of perception and shouldn’t affect a decision. 

How to Obtain Citizenship in São Tomé & Príncipe

Applying through Mundo is applying safely: we are officially licensed

When moving to “how”, the first thing to consider is applying safely. Mundo has an official license issued by the São Tomé government, making us a reliable vehicle for applicants to obtain their desired migration status. 

Through us, the process is swift and straightforward because we help you gather and translate the documents. We also revise them carefully and pre-screen them to make sure there aren't any surprises along the way. 

If you don't conceal any information from us, and if your documents are complete, accurate, and clearly intelligible, there is no reason for rejection. The best part is that the contribution is not made until you have been cleared and approved. Only the flat fee of 5,000 dollars is non-refundable. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

As we mentioned above, the process starts when you send us your documents (notarized) for us to prescreen them. Once you have paid all the due fees, we will translate and prepare the package of documents and forms. 

After we submit your documents to the CIU, your application will be in their hands, and thus, the reviewing process begins.

Once approved, you transfer the money and later receive your certificate of nationality and passport. The transfer can be made through Mundo or directly to the government; this is entirely your choice.

Required Documentation

The reader should keep in mind that the document package varies on a case-by-case basis. However, for your reference, we give you a list of documentation required in general:

• Application forms
• Copy of the passport
• Copy of the birth certificate
• Second ID
• Four photographs
• Clean criminal record
• Proof of having a legit source of funds (shareholder certificate or employment letter)
• Bank reference
• Utility bill to prove address
• Medical certificate confirming good health
• Certificates to prove relationships with dependents
• Affidavit of support for dependents older than 18

Latest program news

We've learned from reliable sources that the CIU has paused applications of dependents older than 18, as they are revising a new framework. Another restriction has been applied to foreign citizens who have three or more nationalities. The CIU took such a measure based on the country's nationality law 07 from 2022. Nevertheless, legislative amendments are expected. 

On a brighter note, the program has recently established the possibility of providing biometric data remotely. Previously, the process was only carried out in person in São Tomé itself or at other collection points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to obtain citizenship in São Tomé?

Citizenship in São Tomé starts at $90,000, with a 5000-dollar flat fee and $750 for government fees. This doesn't include legal fees or other fees that may apply, and it applies to only a single applicant.

How long does the process take?

Neither Mundo nor anyone can promise an exact time frame for the process, as it depends on factors outside our reach. Although the program originally estimated a 2-month processing time after submission, you can estimate approximately three to four months at the moment of writing. Keep in mind that this may change quickly and may be different at the moment of reading.

What members of my family can I include in my application?

You can include your spouse, children until the age of 30, and parents from the age of 55.

Will my family be subject to due diligence, too?

Yes. All dependents being 16 or older are subject to due diligence. 

Can I apply with a de facto partner?

Yes, and this is actually one of the program’s strengths. To apply with your de facto partner, you must prove that you have been living together for at least two years having proof of residency in the same domicile. 

Are there any restrictions on multiple citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe?

Recently, the CIU stipulated a restriction of up to three nationalities; yet a legislative amendment is expected.

Get in touch and start your application process now

It's more than clear that São Tomé is currently the most advantageous CBI. While others are backed by years of reputation and long-term development of their monitoring processes, São Tomé is promising and flexible: It allows all nationalities and provides an ample age range for dependents. Thanks to its visa-free agreements, you can travel to key destinations across the globe and maintain a second citizenship under very flexible terms. 

Who we are

Mundo is a company that helps global citizens obtain second residency or citizenship in the country of their choice. We are licensed by the São Tomé government and thus can help you apply safely and straightforwardly. If you're interested in other jurisdictions, please do contact us and ask us about the Caribbean, Vanuatu, and Panama for residency. 

Start your path to second citizenship