How to obtain a second passport in São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment program in 2026

The cost of obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport

The cost of obtaining citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe includes a basic application fee, as well as additional fees for each family member:

The principal investment is non-refundable and must only be transferred after the application has been preliminarily approved. An additional comprehensive due diligence fee of USD 5,000 is charged.

If an investor applies for citizenship for family members after their own application has been approved, they will need to pay the due diligence fee and make additional payments:

For a single applicant, the cost of obtaining citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe is USD 95,000—the basic application fee plus the due diligence fee.

For a family of 4 (2 spouses and 2 minor children), the cost is USD 100,000. If another child is born after this period, a separate application costing an additional USD 5,500 will be required.

Additional minor expenses may include document preparation, translation, certification, passport production, and delivery. To determine the exact cost of citizenship-by-investment for your case, consult immigration specialists.

How to obtain citizenship of Sao Tome and Principe: step-by-step guide

An application for citizenship by investment in São Tomé and Príncipe can only be submitted through an intermediary—a licensed agent authorized by the country’s government. The investor’s primary responsibility is to prepare a complete set of documents, which most investors do in consultation with a lawyer. Once your application is approved, you will become a full citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe. This lifetime status can be inherited by your children. Your passport will be delivered by mail.

1. Consultation and preliminary screening.

Before applying for citizenship, it is important to thoroughly research the program and ensure that it is right for you. It is recommended that you consult with immigration specialists who specialize in «golden passport» programs to do this. These specialists will explain the details of the process and the benefits of a second passport. If necessary, they will suggest alternative options.

They will also conduct a preliminary assessment of your application. If they identify risks that could lead to citizenship denial, they will offer the best solution. For example, they will help you properly confirm the legality of your funds.

2. Selecting a licensed agent

Since investors cannot submit applications independently, they must contact a licensed agent and sign a contract with them. Mirsatori is accredited and officially handles citizenship-by-investment applications for São Tomé and Príncipe.

3. Collection and preparation of documents

Mirsatori specialists will provide you with a list of documents needed for your citizenship application. This typically includes:

• A fully completed and signed application.
• Copies of valid passports for the investor and their family.
• A certificate of no criminal record issued within the last 3 months. This certificate must be obtained in the country of citizenship and in all countries where you have resided for the last 5 years.
• Proof of residence, such as a residence permit for the country in which you live, if applicable.
• A statement of the legal source of funds, to which bank statements must be attached.
• A medical certificate confirming the absence of infectious diseases.
• A receipt for payment of the due diligence fee.

All documents must be translated into English or Portuguese and certified with an apostille. Collecting, translating, and certifying documents is a crucial step in obtaining a second citizenship, so Mirsatori lawyers manage this process entirely. Doing so greatly reduces the likelihood of citizenship denial.

4. Submitting an application to the UCID and conducting a legal review

Once the application is ready, Mirsatori lawyers submit it to UCID. Within 15 days, the government conducts a preliminary review and may request additional information about the applicant.

A legal review is also conducted at this stage to rule out the possibility of money laundering. The UCID engages independent organizations to conduct comprehensive checks on the investor and their dependents. Authorities may also schedule an online interview to confirm or clarify information.

5. Obtaining preliminary approval

If the legal review goes well, UCID sends the application and file to the prosecutor’s office for preliminary approval. If the prosecutor’s office has no objections, the government will make a final decision on granting citizenship within 15 days.

6. Making an investment

To obtain second citizenship quickly, you must invest the full amount in the FNT—USD 90,000 or more, depending on your family size. You have 90 days from the authorities’ final decision to do so. The funds are transferred under an agreement with a Fund representative.

7. Taking the oath and obtaining citizenship

UCID independently sets the date for taking the oath. Usually, foreigners take the oath abroad at the São Tomé and Príncipe consulate or embassy.

Within 5 days of taking the oath, information about the new citizen is sent to the country’s civil registry office. Afterwards, a citizenship certificate (USD 250), an ID card (USD 150), and a passport (USD 350) are issued. These documents are delivered to the investor by mail.

8. Passport renewal

You can renew your São Tomé and Príncipe passport at any consulate or embassy in the country. Alternatively, you can visit the country and apply at a civil registry office. Bring the following:

• a valid passport;
• 2 passport-sized color photographs;
• a receipt showing proof of payment of the fee, which is usually around USD 20.

The renewal application must be completed on-site. If you apply at a consulate abroad, the processing time is up to 60 days.

Citizenship processing time for São Tomé and Príncipe

Application processing takes approximately 2 months.

However, the entire process of obtaining a São Tomé and Príncipe passport may take slightly longer. This time is required to collect and prepare all the documents, as well as to produce and deliver the passport.

Benefits of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

The main advantages of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment are the fast processing times and the absence of a residence or visit requirement. Furthermore, the program has the lowest investment requirement worldwide and is open to all foreigners.

Sao Tome and Principe citizens enjoy the following benefits:

• The opportunity to permanently reside in one of the safest and most politically stable countries in the world.
• Visa-free or simplified entry to 71 countries, including many in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
• Citizenship can be passed on to children and grandchildren.
• Simplified access to foreign banks, which may be limited with current citizenship.
• The right to retain your original citizenship and hold 2 passports simultaneously.
• Simplified residence permit processing in the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP); for example, you won’t need to provide proof of income or insurance to move to Portugal.
• Opportunity to receive a grant to study in Portugal.
• Eligibility for European investment programs.
• Lifetime exemption from compulsory military service.
• Simplified access to African markets thanks to São Tomé and Príncipe’s proximity and visa-free travel to many African countries.

Brief informational overview of São Tomé and Príncipe

São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation located in the Gulf of Guinea, off the coast of Central Africa. Its neighbors are Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The country has a population of approximately 240,000. The official language is Portuguese, though English and French are also widely spoken in tourist areas.

It is a democratic country with a stable political system. In recent years, the government has invested in economic development, launching a citizenship-by-investment program. The economy is based on agriculture, particularly the export of coconut oil and cocoa, and tourism. The country plays an important role in trade logistics, as many companies use local ports to refuel their ships.

The island can be reached by plane, and the international airport is located near the city of São Tomé. From there, you can fly to the island of Príncipe. Most people come here for tourism and to relax in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The average annual temperature in São Tomé and Príncipe is 27°C.