2026 Program Guide
Sao Tome and Principe Citizenship by Investment
Sao Tome and Principe, through its program launched in 2025, offers citizenship by investment through a donation from USD 90,000. With no residence requirement and a process carried out entirely remotely, it is one of the fastest and most economical new programs, providing a passport in about 4-10 weeks.
Last updated: 2026-07-07 · Reviewed by: Burak Ünal
At a glance
- Program type
- Citizenship by investment (launched in 2025)
- Minimum donation
- USD 90,000 (single), USD 95,000 (family of 4)
- Processing time
- Approximately 4-10 weeks
- Residence requirement
- None
- Process
- Entirely remote
- Family
- Spouse, children up to age 30, parents 55+
Who is it for?
- Those wanting a low-cost passport within weeks (4-10 weeks).
- Those wanting a process with no residence requirement, carried out entirely remotely.
- Families wanting broad family coverage (children up to age 30, parents 55+).
- Those with risk tolerance wanting to seize an early opportunity in a new program.
A New Program Launched in 2025
Sao Tome and Principe launched its citizenship-by-investment program in 2025, and the first passports were issued in early 2026. As it is a new program, its operation, fees, and the passport's international acceptance are still maturing; it is therefore important to jointly confirm the current status and the visa-free access list before applying.
Cost and Broad Family Coverage
The donation to the National Transformation Fund is USD 90,000 for a single applicant and approximately USD 95,000 for a family of up to four; an additional application and documentation fee of approximately USD 5,750 applies. Family coverage is broad: a spouse, dependent children up to age 30, and parents over 55 can be included.
Assessing a Newly Launched Program
Sao Tome and Principe is a young program, and that shapes both its attraction and the caution it deserves. The attraction is obvious: one of the lower donation levels available, a decision measured in weeks rather than months, no requirement to visit, and a family definition generous enough to bring in adult children up to the age of 30 and parents aged 55 and over. For a household that wants a second passport quickly and at a contained cost, few routes are as direct. The caution is that newly launched programs have shorter records. Recognition, banking treatment and processing practice all mature over time, so be clear about what the passport is for and whether it meets that purpose today. The route runs through a preliminary assessment, an application filed by a licensed agent, due diligence, then the donation and passport. Applications cannot be made independently of an agent, so choosing a competent one matters more here than in older programs. Application and documentation fees sit alongside the donation. Prepare character and source-of-funds evidence carefully, and confirm the current terms with an advisor before you commit.
Benefits
- One of the fastest programs (within weeks).
- Low-cost donation option.
- No residence requirement; the process is completed remotely.
- Broad family coverage and dual citizenship.
Requirements
- Be over 18 and of good character.
- Application and donation through a licensed agent.
- Pass due diligence checks.
Costs
- National Transformation Fund donation (single)
- USD 90,000
- Family (up to 4 people)
- USD 95,000
- Application and documentation fees
- Approximately USD 5,750
Process
Preliminary assessment
Eligibility check and document preparation.
Application
Official application through a licensed agent.
Due diligence
Security and due diligence process.
Donation and passport
Making the donation after approval and receipt of the passport.
FAQ
- Is the program new?
- Yes, it was launched in 2025 and the first passports were issued in early 2026; it is advisable to confirm the current operation with your advisor.
- How long does it take to get the passport?
- The process usually takes 4-10 weeks.
- Is residence required?
- No, there is no residence requirement and the process is carried out remotely.
- Who from my family can be included?
- A spouse, dependent children up to age 30, and parents over 55 can be included in the application.
- What is the total cost?
- The donation is USD 90,000 for a single applicant and approximately USD 95,000 for a family of four; an additional fee of approximately USD 5,750 also applies.
- What is the visa-free travel option?
- As the program is new, the visa-free access list is developing; we confirm the current status before application.
Sources
Disclaimer: Golden Visa Partners is an investment and immigration advisory firm; it does not provide legal or attorney services. The investment amounts, timelines and program conditions on this page are for general guidance only and, because regulations change quickly, may be out of date. Before making any decision, we recommend consulting current official sources and obtaining independent legal and financial advice.
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