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The lowest formal threshold in the index — but the programme is very new

São Tomé & Príncipe
citizenship by investment

The lowest formal entry threshold of any programme in this index — from $90,000. The programme only launched in 2025, and the advertised timeline has already diverged from practice: the originally promised 2–3 months has stretched to at least 8.

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Contribution from
$90,000
Time to status
7–8+ mo.
Stay requirement
not required
Visa-free countries
~60

One route — a National Transformation Fund contribution

A non-refundable contribution, with no alternative routes like real estate or bonds that more mature programmes offer.

ROUTE
AMOUNT
WHAT TO KNOW
NTF contribution, single applicant
AMOUNT$90,000
Plus a separate $5,000 filing fee — $95,000 total upfront.
Family of 2–4
AMOUNTfrom $95,000
Family-rate wording differs between sources — confirm the current grid with the appointed firm.

What the full cost consists of

The programme is simple in structure — nearly the entire budget is the contribution itself plus a small filing fee.

COST ITEM
RATE
APPLIES TO
National Transformation Fund contribution
RATE$90,000
per applicant, non-refundable
Application filing fee
RATE$5,000
per application, separate from the contribution
Legal representation
RATEmarket rate
per family

How the process runs

01
Initial consultation and document gathering
Preparing the KYC package and source-of-funds documentation — this stage is not always described in detail for a programme this new.
02
Filing with the CIU
Formal submission of the document package to the dedicated unit.
03
Due diligence and government review
Official materials cite 2–3 months, but recent data shows a real timeline of at least 8 months.
04
Cabinet decision
The final decision is made by the Cabinet based on a due-diligence recommendation.
05
Citizenship and passport issuance
After the confirmed contribution is paid.

A good fit if

Your budget is genuinely tight — this is the lowest formal threshold of any programme in this index.
You accept that the programme is new and practice has not yet settled — timelines and details may differ from official materials.
You do not need broad visa-free access to top destinations — the passport covers parts of Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America, but not the US, UK, or Schengen directly.
You budget extra time beyond the advertised figure — realistically 7–8 months and possibly more.

A poor fit if

You expect the regulator’s advertised 2–3 months — recent data shows a real timeline of at least 8 months, a substantial gap.
You need broad visa-free access to the US, UK, or Schengen — a São Tomé passport does not grant direct access to these.
A long track record matters to you — the programme launched only in 2025, and its practical track record is still forming.
You need certainty on a family pricing grid — the wording on dependant surcharges differs between sources.

Who runs this programme

Your request goes to two or three firms from this list. You see exactly which ones before it is sent, and you can exclude any of them.

Henley & Partners
Лондон, Великобритания · since 1997
The largest advisory firm in the industry — over 70 offices worldwide; also advises governments on designing migration programmes.
NTL Trust
Карибский регион (офисы в Латинской Америке, Европе, на Ближнем Востоке и в Азии) · since 1994
30+ years in citizenship and residence by investment, officially accredited by several Caribbean governments; also trust and corporate services.
Arton Capital
Монреаль, Канада · since 2006
Global financial advisory firm specialising in residence and citizenship by investment.
Astons
Дубай, ОАЭ (основана в Лондоне) · since 1989
One of the oldest firms in the market, over 9,000 clients from 100+ countries; Golden Visa, citizenship and RBI worldwide.
CS Global Partners
Лондон (Мэйфэр), Великобритания · since 2012
Holds an official government mandate to promote the citizenship-by-investment programmes of St Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, and Saint Lucia.
Savory & Partners
Дубай, ОАЭ · since 2009
Over 70 specialists across 8 offices on three continents, 20+ jurisdictions, over 11,000 clients.

This is an independent list of firms in the market, not our partners — we do not forward requests to them or receive payment for referrals. Contact them directly via the link.

Frequent questions

Why doesn’t the advertised timeline match reality?

The programme only launched in 2025. Official materials originally promised 2–3 months, but recent data shows applications now take at least 8 months — practical implementation is still forming, so budget more time than the marketing promises.

Where does this passport grant visa-free access?

Sources differ: some cite about 24 fully visa-free countries plus visa-on-arrival for a further ~69, others cite around 60 destinations total. The US, UK, and Schengen require a visa either way.

What if due diligence turns up an issue?

The $5,000 filing fee is not refunded regardless of outcome — it pays for the check itself.

Where does the contribution money go?

Into the National Transformation Fund — the stated purpose is green energy, infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and sustainable tourism.

Is there a stay requirement?

No, neither during review nor after citizenship is granted — the process is fully remote.

Who can be included in the application?

Family-rate wording differs between sources — confirm the exact spouse and child surcharges directly with the appointed firm before filing.

Sources

Henley & Partners — official breakdown of the programme and contribution structure↗Bayat Group — detailed breakdown of process stages and 2026 timeline discrepancies↗

Figures are for reference only. Verified against official sources on 26 August 2026. A precise quote is issued by the appointed firm after document review. This material is not legal advice, a public offer or investment advice.