On August 1, 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe officially introduced its maiden Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program—one of the newest additions to the global citizenship landscape. While the island nation may be small, this initiative arrives with big ambition, combining low entry cost, fast processing, and a modern, Dubai-based infrastructure backed by a public-private model.
Key Features at a Glance
- Donation Structure: US $90,000 for single applicants. Families of two to four pay a combined US $95,000, with US $5,000 per extra dependent.
- Submission Fee: Non-refundable US $5,000 required on application.
- Supplementary Government Fees: Additional charges include passport issuance (US $350), national ID (US $150), and certificate of registration (US $250 per person) upon approval.
- Processing Timeline: Promises 6-week processing, starting from September when applications officially open.
A Dubai-Based Strategy: Globalizing an African CBI
What really sets this program apart is institutional design. The Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) is based in Dubai and operates as a public-private partnership. The initiative is designed to offer global reach, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning—framing São Tomé not as a “local option,” but an internationally managed program for sophisticated investors.
According to Alfredo Trinidade, head of São Tomé’s Promotion, Commerce and Investment Agency (APCI), that structure allows “faster processing than traditional government departments,” tapping into Dubai’s business infrastructure and global networks.
What You Get—and What to Ask
Many clients are drawn to this program because it’s affordable (under USD 100K for a single applicant) and fast. But with simplicity, you must ask the right questions:
- Are due diligence standards independently managed or influenced by sponsors?
- How transparent is the fund usage, particularly in the National Transformation Fund backed by application donations?
- Which visa-free countries are included—and will that status change?
While attractive on paper, investors should remember that initial cost and speed don’t always equate to strategic value or long-term mobility benefits.
Citizen Benefits and Limitations
Currently, São Tomé’s passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 61 destinations, including South Africa and many other African, Latin American, and Asian countries—but not the EU or UK  . If European access or US visa-free travel is your goal, Caribbean passports remain stronger alternatives.
Still, São Tomé citizenship may better serve those focused on Africa-based interests, Lusophone connections, or diversified geopolitical identity.
Supporting National Development Goals
A significant portion of the program’s appeal comes from how investment funds are being used. Applications contribute to the National Transformation Fund, which is earmarked for initiatives like:
- Renewable energy infrastructure aimed at powering the nation sustainably
- Housing, education, healthcare, roads, and broader socioeconomic development.
The flagship project—renewable energy—is designed to put São Tomé on the map as one of the region’s first green-powered nations.
Final Thoughts: Who Might It Suit?
São Tomé’s CBI program can be a compelling tool for:
- Investors seeking cost-effective, fast citizenship
- Those with interests concentrated in Africa or Portuguese-speaking networks
- Clients prioritizing sustainable development, ESG alignment, and strategic diversification over travel alone
That said, for individuals prioritizing EU or UK access, established programs like Dominica or Saint Kitts may offer better mobility outcomes despite higher costs.
Ready to Explore Further?
If you’d like a side-by-side comparison with Caribbean or Pacific programs—or want to assess fit based on your personal goals of mobility, tax planning, and asset security—let’s schedule a strategy session. We can build a tailored roadmap based on your priorities.
Alessandro Rocco Pietrocola is an entrepreneur, fintecher, investor, blogger and author based in London and operating mainly in Europe, Asia and Oceania with main focus on UK, Baltic Countries, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, UAE, Middle East and New Zealand as area of interest! At the moment is the CEO of Astorts Group. He is an UK FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) and NZ FSPR (Financial Service Provider Register) Approved Person and has great experience as director of regulated companies.
He uses to dedicate part of his life to inspire others and help them achieve the most out of their lives. Since he was 20, he had successfully founded and managed several companies operating in the field of management consulting, wealth management and fintech. He is Member of Institute of Directors in London, Member of Changer Club in Riga, Member of Fintech Association of Hong Kong, Member of Singapore Fintech Association, Member of Non Executive Director Association in London and Member of Alumni Network of Draper University in San Francisco. He loves travelling, he is a cigars lover, an amateur golfer and a dapper man.
He uses to dedicate part of his life to inspire others and help them achieve the most out of their lives. Since he was 20, he had successfully founded and managed several companies operating in the field of management consulting, wealth management and fintech. He is Member of Institute of Directors in London, Member of Changer Club in Riga, Member of Fintech Association of Hong Kong, Member of Singapore Fintech Association, Member of Non Executive Director Association in London and Member of Alumni Network of Draper University in San Francisco. He loves travelling, he is a cigars lover, an amateur golfer and a dapper man.
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