In the current era of constantly changing global travel regulations, cross-border business, and evolving family development needs, an increasing number of families are beginning to secure a second identity in advance to create more options for the future.
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program offers a more cost-effective new path for families in need of a second identity, thanks to its lower threshold, faster approval process, and flexible handling.
Maximum cost-effectiveness, applications starting from $90,000
On August 1, 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe officially launched its Citizenship by Investment Program. On the same day, Decree No. 07/2025, "Regulations on Acquiring Nationality through Investment or Donation," officially came into effect, providing a clear legal basis for the implementation of the program.
The program allows foreign investors to obtain citizenship and a passport by donating from $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund (FNT).
Approval before donation, for greater financial peace of mind
The program adopts a "pre-approval, post-donation" processing model.
Applicants first submit their documents for government review, and only after receiving approval in principle do they pay the corresponding donation. Confirming the approval result before completing the investment helps reduce financial pressure and concerns for applicants.
The program has a fast approval speed, with processing typically completed in about 2 to 3 months.
Entirely remote, saving time and worry
The São Tomé program offers flexible processing methods; applicants do not need to travel to the country, and there are no mandatory residency requirements. The application process can be completed remotely.
The program has no requirements for language, education, or business background, and does not impose any immigration detention. Applicants do not need to change their existing work or life arrangements, making it more suitable for families with busy business schedules or those who find frequent travel inconvenient.
CPLP member status, expanding more possibilities
São Tomé and Príncipe is an official member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). This organization includes countries such as Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and São Tomé.
In 2021, CPLP member states adopted an agreement on the mobility of persons between member states, establishing a facilitation framework for citizens of member states to apply for visas and residence permits in other member states.
According to the agreement, after obtaining a São Tomé passport, applicants can, as citizens of a CPLP member state, further plan for residence permits in Portugal or Brazil, provided they meet the relevant policies and application conditions.
After meeting local residency, language, and other requirements, they can continue to plan for permanent residency or citizenship paths in the future, adding more possibilities for families to enter Portuguese-speaking countries.
Convenient travel, connecting multiple countries and regions
The São Tomé passport allows travel to more than 90 countries and regions worldwide via visa-free, visa-on-arrival, or e-visa, covering business and tourism destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Macau (China), Malaysia, and South Africa.
For applicants with needs for cross-border business, overseas travel, and international living, this can reduce some of the burden of visa processing and improve travel flexibility.
Behind the low threshold lies more flexible family choices
In summary, the advantages of the São Tomé Citizenship by Investment Program are very clear:
Applications starting from $90,000, covering four generations of the family, pre-approval before donation, processing in about 2 to 3 months, entirely remote, and no mandatory residency requirements.
More importantly, São Tomé not only provides a second passport, but its status as a CPLP member state also provides extended space for applicants to plan future residence and development paths in Portuguese-speaking countries like Portugal and Brazil.
For families who wish to reduce the cost of configuring a second identity, improve family travel flexibility, and add options in advance for children's education, cross-border business, and future overseas life, the São Tomé Citizenship by Investment Program is a new path that is worry-free, cost-effective, and time-saving.
For detailed inquiries in Mainland China: 400-138-2929, Hong Kong (China) Customer Service Center: (852)2802 8798