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São Tomé and Príncipe real estate and citizenship by investment
Buying property in São Tomé and Príncipe does not lead to citizenship. The only route is a donation to the National Transformation Fund.
Answer and evidence
Can buying property in São Tomé and Príncipe get me citizenship?
No. São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment has no real-estate option. The only route is a donation to the National Transformation Fund, from USD 90,000 for a single applicant, payable after approval in principle. A submission fee and citizenship document fees apply on top, and the official timeline is 5 to 6 months in total.
- 01One option, a National Transformation Fund donation; no real-estate option listedOfficial São Tomé and Príncipe programme websiteOFFICIAL2 November 2026
The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship route
What qualifies for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment qualifies you through one route only, and that route is a donation rather than an asset you could later resell. The official pages list no real-estate, bond or business option. A family amount, a submission fee and per-person document fees change the total, so the table shows a minimum, not a budget.
Figures as held in our data, checked against the official programme website.
| Route | Minimum | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| National Transformation Fund donation | USD 90,000 | Single applicant; paid after approval in principle |
A submission fee and citizenship document fees apply on top. The official site publishes no due-diligence fee for a main applicant; we confirm the current position before you commit.
From application to passport
How does the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment process work?
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment is filed through an authorised marketing agent and reviewed by the Citizenship by Investment Unit. You receive a decision first, pay the donation after approval in principle, and then receive your certificate, national ID and passport. The whole journey takes 5 to 6 months in total, according to the official site.
- Fit and family review
We review your family and your goals, and we explain what the donation from USD 90,000 covers and what it does not.
- Documents and agent
Applications are lodged through an authorised marketing agent. We prepare your documents and guide the file through that channel.
- Submission and due diligence
The file goes in with the non-refundable submission fee, and the Citizenship by Investment Unit carries out due diligence on all applicants.
- Approval in principle
After approval in principle, the donation to the National Transformation Fund falls due, together with the citizenship document fees.
- Certificate, ID and passport
The certificate of registration, the national ID and the passport are issued after the final payment.
Citizenship without relocating
Do you need to live in São Tomé and Príncipe to hold citizenship?
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment requires no physical residence or relocation during or after the application, according to the official site. You therefore do not need a home in the country to apply. Buying one remains a private decision, separate from the citizenship file and from the donation.
No relocation
The official site states that no physical residence or relocation is required during or after the application process.
What the donation funds
The National Transformation Fund finances projects such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, education and infrastructure, and a deep sea port.
Family on one file
Eligible dependants may include a spouse or de facto partner, children and older parents or grandparents, within the official age limits.
Questions
What do people ask about property in São Tomé and Príncipe?
São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment questions centre on cost, timing and the official website. Property does not qualify, the donation starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant before fees, and the official timeline is 5 to 6 months in total. The answers below rest on cip.gov.st and our programme data, so they state one set of figures.
Does buying property in São Tomé and Príncipe lead to citizenship?
No. São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment has no real-estate option. The route is a donation to the National Transformation Fund, from USD 90,000 for a single applicant.
How much does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment cost?
The donation starts at USD 90,000 for a single applicant. A family of up to four pays a set family amount, and further dependants add more. A submission fee and per-person citizenship document fees apply on top, and professional costs are separate. The official site publishes no due-diligence fee for a main applicant.
How long does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment take?
The official site gives 5 to 6 months in total, from filing to passport, with a decision first and the passport after approval.
When is the São Tomé and Príncipe donation paid?
The donation to the National Transformation Fund is paid after approval in principle. The submission fee is paid earlier, with the application, and it is not refundable.
Do I need to live in São Tomé and Príncipe?
No. The official site states that no physical residence or relocation is required during or after the application process, so you do not need a home in the country.
Who can be included in a São Tomé and Príncipe application?
Eligible dependants may include a spouse or de facto partner, children and older parents or grandparents, within the official age limits. Future dependants may be added later, subject to fees and due diligence.
Can foreigners buy property in São Tomé and Príncipe?
The official citizenship programme does not address property ownership, so take local legal advice on any purchase. Whatever you buy, it gives you no credit towards citizenship and does not replace the donation.
What is the official website of the São Tomé and Príncipe programme?
The official website of the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment programme is cip.gov.st. It publishes the investment structure, the fees and an FAQ, and applications are lodged through authorised marketing agents.
Do I need a lawyer for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment?
The application is lodged through an authorised marketing agent, so the filing channel is set by the programme. Mirabello Consultancy prepares and guides your file through that channel, and you can take your own legal advice alongside.
How do I start with Mirabello Consultancy?
Book a free consultation with Mirabello Consultancy, available in all 11 languages. We review your family and your goals, set out the full government budget, and prepare your documents for filing through the authorised marketing agent.
Considering São Tomé and Príncipe?
We set out the full budget for your family and prepare your documents for filing through the authorised marketing agent.