Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenships

General Questions About São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship-by-Investment Program

The program for obtaining citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe through investment is fully governed and protected by national legislation, specifically by the Nationality Law No. 07/2022 and Decree-Law No. 07/2025 (Regulation on Citizenship through Investment or Donations).

Since 2024, Germans have been able to acquire another nationality without typically losing their German citizenship. Holding dual citizenship is legal and possible in Germany and a variety of other countries, too.

Yes, citizenship of São Tomé e Príncipe is permanent and can be passed down to future generations without restriction.

Citizenship may be revoked under the following circumstances:
– If the person acts against the security of the State of São Tomé or public health.
– If the person acquired São Tomé citizenship through forgery, fraud, or deception of the competent authorities.
– If the person has a final criminal conviction that justifies revocation.

In such cases, the person may under no circumstances regain São Tomé citizenship.

The program is designed to be of indefinite duration and is protected by its legal basis, as it is established and governed by national law. Any suspension or termination would require a formal legislative process.

Naturalization, Passport, Costs, Documents

Investment for 1 person: $90,000
Investment for 1 family (up to 4 members): $95,000
Investment for each additional dependent applicant: $5,000
Processing fee (São Tomé and Príncipe): $5,000
Processing fee (ARGO Fys GmbH): upon request

São Tomé and Príncipe passport: approximately $350 per person
São Tomé and Príncipe ID card: approximately $150 per person
São Tomé and Príncipe certificate of citizenship: $200 per person

The processing fees charged by the government of São Tomé and Príncipe and ARGO Fys GmbH are non-refundable. These are the only fees incurred when submitting the application. Any additional fees will only be due if the application is approved.

The standard processing time is 2 to 2.5 months from the submission of the complete application materials until the issuance of all citizenship documents, including the ID card, certificate of citizenship, and passport.

No. Applications can only be submitted through an official agent. ARGO Fys GmbH (the operator of this website) has been an official, state-licensed agent for applying for citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe since 2025.

Yes. ARGO Fys GmbH has been an officially licensed agent for applying for citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe since 2025, making it the first and only official agent in Germany. This offers several advantages for applicants: processing takes place in Germany, in German, and close to where you live. We have excellent knowledge of São Tomé and Príncipe, as well as strong connections with the relevant government agencies.

Of course! Passports from São Tomé and Príncipe are internationally recognized biometric documents that contain electronically stored data, making them suitable for digital passport checks.

Rights, obligations, taxes, and benefits

Acquiring citizenship alone does not give rise to any tax obligations. Tax obligations arise only when a citizen becomes a tax resident.

Citizens who acquire citizenship through investment enjoy the same rights as citizens born in São Tomé and Príncipe, including the right to vote, in accordance with the law.

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe who have been naturalized under this program are explicitly exempt from national conscription. Furthermore, military service in São Tomé and Príncipe is mandatory only for a very small number of young people (selected by lottery).

Of course. Even after naturalization, you can still access government services, including the renewal of passports and ID cards. Citizens can contact the nearest embassy, consular office, or similar agency for assistance.

The contributions go into the National Transformation Fund. The projects to be funded include an uninterruptible power supply for the population, renewable energy initiatives, and infrastructure improvements.

Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe for Families

Yes! The pricing reflects a very family-friendly and modern approach. While the investment for a single applicant is $90,000, a family of four (for example, two married partners and two children) can become naturalized for an investment of just $95,000. This reduces the investment fee per family member to $23,750.

São Tomé and Príncipe’s approach to including family members in the naturalization process reflects modern family structures while maintaining appropriate limits. The program allows for the inclusion of:

– Spouses (legally married partners),
– Children up to the age of 30 who are unmarried and financially dependent,
– Parents over the age of 55.

Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe (including children) who have been naturalized under the Citizenship by Investment program are explicitly exempt from national military service by law. Furthermore, military service in São Tomé and Príncipe is mandatory only for a very small number of young people (selected by lottery).

Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation located directly on the equator, offering tropical temperatures year-round. The country is characterized by unspoiled nature, friendly people, low crime rates, and a relaxed tropical lifestyle. Regular flights connect Europe and Africa to São Tomé International Airport (IATA code: TMS).

Photo: A peaceful scene in the state capital. Here, right next to the cathedral in front of the presidential palace.

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