Step by step guide to your new São Tomé e Príncipe citizenship
Average processing time: Just two months. This is how naturalization works under São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment Program.
Applying for new citizenship is not something you do every day and can seem complicated. However, the process is quite clearly defined in the case of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Step 1 / Thorough preparation.
Applying for and preparing documents. Please contact ARGO Fys GmbH, the official partner of São Tomé and Príncipe in Germany. We would be happy to provide you with further details or any last-minute updates.
Step 2 / Documents and Fees.
Submission of documents and payment of processing fees for both the authorities in São Tomé and Príncipe and our services (totaling well under 15,000 euros). A list of the required documents is provided below.
Step 3 / Review of your application.
The relevant authorities in São Tomé and Príncipe are now reviewing your application. This process depends on the complexity of the information provided and may take several weeks.
Step 4 / Payment to the Transformation Fund.
If the review is successful, you will receive approval of your application for citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe. Only then must the investment be made in the National Transformation Fund.
Step 5 / Done. You will receive your citizenship.
Once payment has been received by the National Transformation Fund, the São Toméan authorities will issue your documents, and you will become a full citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe. Upon request, ARGO will be happy to present you with your naturalization certificate and passport during a small ceremony.
Photo: Beach houses in the southern part of the island of São Tomé.
The following documents are required:
– Proof of assets or income
– Passport and ID card
– Birth certificate
– Certificate of Good Conduct (issued within the last 3 months*)
– Bank statement (issued within the last 6 months*)
– Proof of address (issued within the last 6 months*)
– Medical certificate (issued within the last 6 months*)
If family members are to be naturalized as well: marriage certificate or official proof of joint residence, as well as all documents required of the principal applicant. (Exception: Proof of income or assets may be required only from the principal applicant.)
* As of the date the application is submitted
Total cost:
To apply for citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe through investment, you should expect total costs of approximately $105,000 for an individual and approximately $111,000 for a family.
The total costs break down as follows: a) an investment in the National Transformation Fund of $90,000 for an individual or $95,000 for a family of four, b) government application fees of $5,000, c) fees charged by ARGO GmbH, and d) costs for documents such as passports and naturalization certificates.
Latest changes (Sept. 2026):
São Tomé e Príncipe is currently working on law changes primarily concerning the co-naturalization of adult children and grandparents: Adult children aged 18 through 30, as well as parents and grandparents aged 55 and older (who are financially dependent, unemployed, and/or retired) may generally be included. However, the relevant legal provisions are currently being revised. The application can be submitted, processed, and approved. However, the naturalization process for the adult family member—including passport issuance—will then be suspended until the new law takes effect.
In all cases not affected by these changes, the government authorities of São Tomé and Príncipe continue to aim to complete the entire naturalization process within two months. São Tomé and Príncipe continues to allow up to three (3) different citizenships, including the National Santomean Citizenship.