The history of investment citizenship in the Caribbean began in 1984. For decades, the region has been a global leader, attracting thousands of applicants every year.

However, the market is evolving: new countries are now offering alternatives to traditional Caribbean programs. One of these is the citizenship by investment program of São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation located off the western coast of Africa.

We conducted a comparison of established Caribbean passports and this new program to help you identify the optimal option.

What Is Citizenship by Investment?

Citizenship by Investment (CBI) is a legal way to obtain a country’s passport in exchange for contributing to its economy. Main participation options include:

• Non-refundable contribution to a government fund

• Investment in approved real estate

• Purchase of government bonds or financing approved projects

Key features of CBI programs:

• Short processing times (usually 2–12 months)

• Remote process or minimal in-country requirements

• No obligation to reside permanently

• Family inclusion: spouse, children, and often parents

How to Obtain Citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe

The government of São Tomé and Príncipe launched its official CBI program last year. The main requirement is a non-refundable contribution starting at $90,000 to the National Transformation Fund. The total amount varies depending on the number of applicants. Applications are processed in approximately 2 months.

The process is fully remote; no visit to the country is required. In addition to the main applicant, spouses, children up to 30 years old (if unmarried), and parents over 55 years old can be included.

Basic eligibility criteria:

• Minimum age of 18

• No criminal record or legal issues

• No serious medical conditions

• Successful completion of due diligence checks

Cost of the São Tomé and Príncipe Program

• Single applicant: $90,000

• Family of 2–4 members: $95,000

• Additional mandatory fees:
  • Registration fee: $5,000

  • Additional dependent: $5,000

  • Inclusion of newborn: $500

  • Passport fee: $350 per person

  • National ID: $150 per person

  • Registration certificate: $250 per person

Advantages of São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship

• Low entry threshold: Starting at $90,000, one of the most accessible globally

• Fast processing: Applications take about 60 days

• Fully remote process: No visits, exams, or integration requirements

• Global mobility: Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to ~60 countries, including Singapore and Hong Kong

• Access to CPLP: Membership in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries facilitates residence, work, and business in Portugal, Brazil, and other member states

• Family-friendly: Spouse, children, and parents can be included in one application

• No residency requirements: Citizenship does not impose stay obligations

Could Caribbean Countries Face Schengen Restrictions?

Certain risks exist. In 2025, the EU tightened the mechanism for suspending visa-free travel, with active CBI programs now under closer scrutiny. This does not immediately revoke visa-free access for Caribbean nations but signals heightened EU attention.

Caribbean states are responding by raising investment thresholds, strengthening due diligence, and improving coordination with European regulators to preserve agreements.

Comparing São Tomé and Príncipe with Caribbean Programs

Each program has its strengths. Caribbean programs offer broad visa-free access and a range of investment options, while São Tomé provides a lower entry threshold and speed.

Caribbean programs remain popular but have downsides: higher entry thresholds (from $200,000), often longer processing times, and strict due diligence requirements. This makes the process less predictable and more expensive compared with new alternatives like Sao Tome and Principe citizenship program.