São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Your Reliable Plan B
Secure citizenship in a safe and stable state in just 2 months. Our process is entirely remote, ensuring absolute confidentiality and providing an exclusive gateway to the European Union.
About the Program
Launched in August 2025, the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship Program has become a game-changer in the investment migration market. Today, it stands as the fastest and most affordable legal route to obtaining a second passport.
The program has no restrictions on participating nationalities, and the fist investors have already received their passports.
Aftera Consulting FZCO is the official marketing agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
The program has no restrictions on participating nationalities, and the fist investors have already received their passports.
Aftera Consulting FZCO is the official marketing agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment program.
6 Key Advantages of the Passport for Investors
- Unprecedented AffordabilityThe minimum entry threshold starts at $90,000, making this the most cost-effective program in the world — more affordable than programs in Vanuatu or the Caribbean.
- Lightning Speedhe average application processing time ranges from 6 to 8 weeks.
- 100% Remote ProcessAs of April 2026, the issuance of national ID cards and passports is conducted remotely via a secure video verification procedure. There is no need for international travel, language proficiency tests, or history exams.
- Family InclusionA single application can include a spouse, financially dependent children up to the age of 30, and parents or grandparents over the age of 55.
- Tax HavenSão Tomé and Príncipe does not impose taxes on global income, wealth, or inheritance for non-residents. Furthermore, the state does not participate in the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for the automatic exchange of tax information.
- Global MobilityThe passport provides simplified entry (visa-free or visa-on-arrival) to more than 60 countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Southern African nations. It also facilitates easy access to e-visas for the UAE and Qatar.
Strategic Bonus: The Portuguese Naturalization Advantage
The value of a São Tomé and Príncipe passport extends far beyond visa-free travel. As a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), São Tomé and Príncipe offers an exclusive, fully legal pathway to relocate to the European Union.
-
Simplified Portuguese Residency: CPLP citizens benefit from a special mobility regime. You can obtain a Portuguese residence permit online (via the AIMA portal), and during the visa application stage, you are exempt from the strict proof-of-funds requirements. - Accelerated Route to EU Citizenship: Under the new Portuguese legislation of 2026, the naturalization period for third-country nationals (non-EU and non-CPLP) has been extended to 10 years. However, a preferential 7-year pathway to a Portuguese passport has been preserved for citizens of CPLP nations, such as São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Language Test Exemption: When applying for Portuguese citizenship, CPLP nationals are completely exempt from the mandatory Portuguese language proficiency exam.
Global Mobility
According to the reputable Henley Passport Index, based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), as of 2026, the São Tomé and Príncipe passport ranks 74th in the global ranking. This status provides visa-free access or the right to obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) to 58 countries and territories out of 227 worldwide.
Cost of Obtaining Citizenship
The program has no hidden fees. The principal investment amount is transferred only after your application has received official government approval.
The fees for preliminary due diligence and the legal services of the official program agent are payable separately.
The fees for preliminary due diligence and the legal services of the official program agent are payable separately.
Non-refundable donation
Single Applicant
Single Applicant
Payable after the application is approved
$90,000
Non-refundable donation
Family of 2-4 members
Family of 2-4 members
Payable after the application is approved
$95,000
Non-refundable donation
per each additional applicant after 4
per each additional applicant after 4
Payable after the application is approved
$5,000
Application fee
Payable prior submission of the application
$5,000
Certificate of registration, passport and national ID fees
Payable after the application is approved
$750
per person
Step-by-step Procedure
The entire process is designed around your comfort and privacy.
Our team at Aftera Consulting FZCO handles all the legal intricacies on your behalf.
Our team at Aftera Consulting FZCO handles all the legal intricacies on your behalf.
Confidential consultation and preliminary background check (1 day)
We assess your eligibility and formulate a personalized strategy.
Document Preparation (1–3 weeks)
You provide the essential documents (passports, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, bank statements), while our experts assist with translations and the completion of all application forms.
Application Submission и Due Diligence (30–60 days)
Documents are uploaded to a secure portal, and the initial application fee ($5,000) is paid. The government then conducts a comprehensive due diligence background check.
Approval and Investment
The government issues an Approval in Principle letter. Only after this step do you transfer the principal contribution to the National Fund.
Video Verification and Passport Issuance
You complete a brief remote identity verification via video call. A few days later, your issued passports and citizenship certificates are delivered by courier to any location worldwide.
Competitive Comparison:
Why São Tomé is More Advantageous than Vanuatu or St. Kitts
Why São Tomé is More Advantageous than Vanuatu or St. Kitts
In today’s investment migration market, it is crucial to evaluate not only the cost of the passport but also the practical prospects for its utilization. Let’s compare the São Tomé and Príncipe program with its historically popular alternatives — Vanuatu and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Characteristics
São Tomé and Príncipe
Vanuatu
St. Kitts & Nevis
Donation - Single Applicant
$90,000
$130,000
$250,000
Donation - Family of 4
$95,000
$180,000
$250,000
Complexity of the due diligence procedure
Moderate
Easy
Very high complexity
Processing time
2-3 months
2-3 months
6-9 months
Visa-free access to Schengen
The "Visa-Free Schengen" Illusion
For years, the primary argument in favor of Caribbean passports was visa-free access to Europe. However, today the landscape is shifting rapidly:
- Vanuatu citizens have already completely lost their visa-free entry rights to the European Union and the Schengen Area due to security concerns regarding the program.
- Citizens of Dominica and St. Lucia have lost visa-free entry to the United Kingdom.
- In 2026, the European Commission and the European Parliament are actively implementing a new visa suspension mechanism directly aimed at countries offering citizenship by investment. There is a high risk that St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean nations will lose their visa-free status with the EU in the very near future.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a government initiative launched in August 2025, allowing foreign investors to obtain legal citizenship and a passport in exchange for a non-refundable contribution to the nation's economy. The program is regulated by Decree-Law No. 07/2025 and is entirely legitimate.
Currently, this is the most affordable program in the world. The minimum contribution starts at $90,000 for a single applicant and $95,000 for a family of 2 to 4 people. Additional government processing fees ($5,000) and document issuance fees apply.
Speed is one of the program's primary advantages. On average, the entire process—from document submission to passport issuance—takes between 6 and 8 weeks (approximately two months).
No, the process is 100% remote. You are not required to visit the country before or after receiving your passport. There are no requirements for language proficiency or history exams. As of April 2026, physical biometrics have been replaced by a convenient remote video verification procedure.
The program offers some of the most generous family inclusion terms. A single application can include a legal spouse, children under the age of 30 (provided they are unmarried and financially dependent on you), and parents over the age of 55.
São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a sovereign policy. The program is open to citizens of the vast majority of countries, including investors from Russia and Iran. The only legislative exception is for citizens of North Korea (DPRK)—their applications are not accepted.
Yes. Due to recent amendments in April 2026, the acceptance of new applications from candidates who already hold three or more citizenships (excluding citizenship by birth) has been temporarily suspended pending legislative updates. If you hold one or two passports, you may participate without issue.
Not directly. However, the passport provides visa-free access (or visa-on-arrival) to more than 60 countries, including major business hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Malaysia, and facilitates easy e-visa processing for the UAE and Qatar.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). This grants the right to obtain a Portuguese residence permit (VNH) via a simplified online process. Furthermore, CPLP citizens are eligible for an accelerated 7-year pathway to a Portuguese (EU) passport, with an exemption from the Portuguese language exam.
No, provided you do not reside in the country permanently. For non-residents, there are no taxes on global income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance. Additionally, the country does not participate in the OECD’s CRS (Common Reporting Standard) for automatic exchange of information, ensuring high financial confidentiality.
No. The laws of São Tomé and Príncipe fully recognize and permit dual citizenship. Information regarding your acquisition of a second passport remains strictly confidential.
Financial risks are virtually zero. The principal investment ($90,000 or $95,000) is only transferred to government accounts after you have successfully passed due diligence and received an official Approval in Principle letter. At the initial submission stage, you only pay a small processing fee.
The state conducts rigorous Due Diligence. Primary reasons for rejection include a criminal record (with a prison sentence exceeding three years), providing false information, appearing on international sanctions lists, or an inability to document the legal source of investment funds.
By law, investors cannot submit applications directly to the government. Aftera Consulting FZCO is an official, government-licensed marketing agent for the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program. We work directly with the CIU unit in Dubai, handling all paperwork, document legalization, and providing full legal support at every stage.
About Aftera
Aftera Consulting FZCO is an investment immigration boutique agency headquartered in Dubai, founded by experts with over a decade of industry experience.
We specialize in creating a reliable "Plan B" for both private and corporate clients. By working with a selective client base, we guarantee a personalized approach, where the focus shifts from cookie-cutter sales to an in-depth analysis of your unique situation. Our goal is to provide optimal solutions that ensure your freedom of movement and comprehensive asset protection.
Meet our founder in LinkedIn We specialize in creating a reliable "Plan B" for both private and corporate clients. By working with a selective client base, we guarantee a personalized approach, where the focus shifts from cookie-cutter sales to an in-depth analysis of your unique situation. Our goal is to provide optimal solutions that ensure your freedom of movement and comprehensive asset protection.
| | Embark on your journey to freedom and security today Book your free consultation |
Contact us:
+971 50 7803822
info@aftera.ae
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirate
info@aftera.ae
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirate
You can reach us out in the messengers:
