The Sao Tome Citizenship by Investment program responded to market demand among investors seeking a budget-friendly option. In fact, the program was launched relatively quickly, and not all legislative aspects had been fully resolved. This played a significant role in processing investor applications. As a result, the Citizenship by Investment Unit clarified some aspects of its operations in April 2026, which are extremely important for applicants. It should also be noted that the Unit's work in Dubai (Headquarters) was affected by events in the Middle East.
“The São Tomé and Príncipe program entered the market at the end of 2025 (investments starting at $90,000). It is a more cost-effective alternative to Vanuatu's program (investments at $130,000). Vanuatu has the advantage of a proven processing system; we know the program well and what to expect from it. São Tomé's processing system should become sustainable through transformation», - says Nuri Katz, President and Founder of APEX Capital Partners.
Key changes
Sao Tome passports are definitely issued remotely. Yes, we've already written about this; the legislative amendment allowing remote issuance of National ID cards and passports was only recently adopted. Applicants will be required to undergo a short video verification process – details of the procedure will be announced soon.
Restrictions for applicants with three or more citizenships. Acceptance of new applications from such investors is temporarily suspended. Why is this happening? The current Citizenship Law of Sao Tome and Principe No. 07/2022 prohibits the granting of citizenship to individuals holding three or more foreign citizenships. Despite initial expectations, parliament has not yet finalized the legislative amendments, which are expected to be considered.
Rules for including children over 18 in Sao Tome citizenship applications. The development of a new system of dependents' rights legislation is in its final stages and will be published soon. This update will clarify the rules for including adult children (over 18) in citizenship by investment program. The issuance of passports to such dependents is currently suspended. However, application processing, review, and naturalization of approved applicants will continue.
We are pleased to announce that APEX Capital Partners is a licensed agent for the Sao Tome and Principe program. We also emphasize that APEX has over 35 years of experience in the citizenship by investment program market.
Required Investments and Fees
Investment. Contribution to the National Development Fund:
$90,000 USD for a single applicant
$95,000 USD for 2-4 applicants.
Applicants should also consider the costs of mandatory government fees, legal support, and courier services for passport delivery.
Q&A: How to obtain citizenship of Sao Tome and Principe?
Bank statements. Importantly, the main applicant is not required to provide statements from all of their bank accounts. This is an added benefit of the program, as it allows for faster file preparation.
How do I pay for participation? Please note that payment for the program is processed through a licensed agent (APEX). This is an official requirement of the São Tomé and Príncipe program. Therefore, a foreign bank account is not required to participate.
Remote processing and taxes in Sao Tome. As a result, there is no need to visit São Tomé for processing, and the investor does not automatically become a tax resident of São Tomé upon receiving citizenship.
São Tomé and Príncipe does not participate in the Common Reporting Standards (CRS), FATCA (the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), or similar automatic information exchange systems.
Bank Account in Sao Tome. If an investor wishes to open a bank account in São Tomé, they will need to visit the country. This is regardless of whether they are a São Tomé citizen.
How can a citizen of Sao Tome apply for a US visa? There is a US consulate in São Tomé's neighboring Angola (Luanda Province), where São Tomé citizens can apply for all types of US visas. São Tomé is not included in the recently published list of 75 countries whose citizens the US will not issue immigrant visas to.
"We always receive first-hand information about Sao Tome Citizenship by Investment. Ask our expert about the program—the consultation is free," explains Nuri Katz, President and Founder of APEX Capital Partners.
