National Transformation Fund
US$90,000
Single applicant; US$95,000 for a family of 2–4; US$5,000 per additional dependant.
Overview
Launched in 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe's programme is among the lowest-cost citizenship by investment options: US$90,000 for a single applicant, plus fees, with the process handled remotely.
Investment options
Choose your route
Costs
What to budget for
Also budget for
- Government and application feesSet by the government; they rise with each family member included.
- Due diligenceBackground checks, charged for each adult applicant.
- Professional and legal feesFor preparing and filing your application.
- Ongoing costsSuch as health insurance, property upkeep or renewals.
Costs depend on who is included. We give you the exact figure for your family in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits
What you gain
Among the lowest-cost citizenships
Fully remote process
Citizenship for life
Dual citizenship allowed
Family included
Approval in about two months on average
Travel reach
Where this takes you
About 60 visa-free or on arrival; 93–99 if eVisa destinations are counted destinations without a visa in advance
Visa required for the Schengen Area
Family
Who can come with you
Main applicantEligible
Spouse or partnerEligible
ChildrenEligible
ParentsEligible
GrandparentsNot included
SiblingsNot included
Spouse, children under 18 and dependent parents (adult children on hold since April 2026)
Process
How the application works
Week 1
Free consultation
We check eligibility and explain the passport's travel access.
Weeks 2–4
Application
Prepared and filed remotely.
About 2–5 months
Due diligence and approval
Contribution paid after approval.
After approval
Passport
Certificate and passport issued.
Requirements
What you need to apply
Clean criminal record
Proof of lawful funds
Non-refundable US$5,000 submission fee
Things to know before you apply
- —Travel access is more limited than Caribbean passports and includes many eVisa destinations.
- —A new programme (2025) with a limited track record.
- —Since 10 April 2026, new applications from people who already hold three or more nationalities have been on hold, pending a change in the law.
- —A US$5,000 submission fee is charged on top of the contribution.
- —Passports for dependent children over 18 have been on hold since April 2026, pending a change in the law.
- —Passports have been issued more slowly than approvals in the programme's first year, so allow extra time for the passport itself.
- —Holders of this passport applying for a US visitor visa may be asked to post a refundable bond.
Ask about this programme
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FAQs
Questions, answered
Speak to an adviser about São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship
A free 30-minute call to confirm the route, costs and timeline for your family.
Book a consultationLast reviewed 5 Oct 2026. Figures are indicative and exclude fees unless stated. Programme rules change; we confirm current terms in writing before you commit.