São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has introduced three operational changes that affect eligibility and passport processing.
Key updates
- Eligibility restriction – Applicants holding three or more citizenships are temporarily barred from applying. This follows Nationality Law No. 07/2022, which currently excludes such individuals. Amendments are under discussion but not yet enacted.
- Adult‑dependent passports – Issuance of passports to dependents over 18 years old is on hold while a revised dependency framework is finalized. Until the new rules are published, adult dependents will not receive passports.
- Remote biometric verification – Identity capture can now be completed via secure video with the Civil Registry and Notary Office, eliminating the need to travel to São Tomé and Príncipe or to designated embassies in Lisbon or Brussels.
Context and implications
- The program, launched in late 2025, offers citizenship starting at USD 90,000, positioning it among the most affordable CBI options worldwide.
- Early demand has been robust, with applications from a diverse set of nationalities. The government has also taken enforcement actions against non‑compliant agents, indicating a focus on regulatory compliance.
- The temporary suspension of triple‑nationality applicants is expected to affect only a small segment of the investor pool, but it underscores the importance of continuous legal review for prospective applicants.
- The pause on adult‑dependent passports may cause short‑term delays for families with grown children, but it aims to standardize eligibility criteria before the new framework is released.
- Remote biometric enrollment reduces travel costs and processing time, improving accessibility for globally mobile families while maintaining stringent identity‑verification standards.
Practical considerations for investors
- Eligibility assessment – Verify current citizenship holdings against the three‑nationality restriction and monitor any legislative amendments.
- Family planning – Anticipate possible delays for adult dependents and factor this into timing decisions.
- Process preparation – Arrange for a secure video session with the Civil Registry and Notary Office to complete biometric capture remotely.
- Compliance focus – Engage with advisors who can interpret evolving legal provisions and ensure applications align with both existing and forthcoming regulations.
These adjustments illustrate a broader trend in the investment‑migration sector: governments are tightening legislative consistency, enhancing due‑diligence procedures, and improving operational transparency, while investors seek faster, more reliable pathways to mobility. São Tomé and Príncipe’s recent changes reflect an effort to balance accessibility with robust governance as the program moves toward maturity.
Source article: www.artoncapital.com
