SAO TOME – The Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) of São Tomé and Príncipe has officially announced a series of significant operational and legislative changes to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The updates, confirmed via a memorandum dated April 10, 2026, introduce a mix of streamlined technology and stricter eligibility criteria.
Remote Biometric Enrollment: A Major Operational Win
The most positive update for global investors is the introduction of remote identity verification. Previously, applicants were required to travel in person to São Tomé, Lisbon, or Brussels for fingerprint and signature capture.
Under the new legislative amendment, biometric enrollment can now be completed via video verification with the Civil Registry and Notary Office. CIU Director Disney Leite Ramos emphasized that this move is focused on “full compliance and proper identity verification” while significantly removing travel friction for international applicants.
The "Three-Nationality" Rule: Immediate Hold
In a move that caught some advisors off guard, São Tomé has placed an immediate hold on applications from individuals already holding three or more foreign nationalities.
This restriction stems from Nationality Law No. 07/2022. While an amendment to relax this rule was expected, Parliament has yet to finalize the procedures. Director Ramos confirmed that the hold will remain in place until “requisite parliamentary procedures” are complete. Industry experts suggest that while this impacts a niche group of “ultra-global” citizens, the overall market impact remains limited.
Adult Dependents in Legislative Limbo
The third major update concerns dependent children over the age of 18. The CIU has paused the issuance of passports for this category while a revised dependency framework is finalized.
- Status: Current applications for adult dependents are on hold.
- Timeline: The revised law is “underway” and expected to be implemented soon.
A Young Program Adjusting in Real-Time
Since its launch in September 2025, São Tomé and Príncipe has positioned itself as a disruptive player in the investment migration market. With a US$100,000 donation (updated for 2026) to the National Transformation Fund, it remains one of the most affordable pathways to a second citizenship.
However, these rapid updates reflect a program that is still aligning its operational ambitions with its legal framework. For investors, the message is clear: São Tomé offers high accessibility through technology (remote issuance) but maintains a rigid stance on legislative compliance.
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