São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Why Processing Times Are Longer Than Expected

Over the past few months, we have received numerous enquiries from clients regarding the current processing timelines for the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program. The program’s Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has now addressed the issue for the first time by issuing an official memorandum to licensed agents.

The key message is clear: the program remains fully operational. Applications continue to be accepted and processed. At the same time, the authorities acknowledge that actual processing times are currently longer than those originally communicated when the program was launched.

What Has Changed in the Processing Timeline?

According to the memorandum:

• Application assessment takes approximately two months until a decision is reached.
• Following approval, payment of the government contribution, and submission of all required documentation, citizenship issuance takes at least 12 weeks.

However, based on our experience, the first group of investors has already experienced longer timelines than those outlined in the memorandum. In several cases, more than six months have passed since approval, while applicants are still awaiting their first official documents, including their national ID cards.

Why Are Applications Taking Longer?

São Tomé and Príncipe operates one of the world’s newest Citizenship by Investment programs. As application volumes continue to grow, the government is simultaneously strengthening its Due Diligence procedures and refining coordination between the various public authorities involved in the process.

Once an application is approved, it moves through several mandatory stages. It is first endorsed by the Council of Ministers before being submitted to the Office of the President for the signing of the naturalisation decree. The application is then processed by the civil registry authorities, which issue the national ID card, after which the passport can be be produced. Each stage involves a separate government authority and its own administrative procedures, contributing to the overall processing timeline.

What Is the Government Doing to Speed Up the Process?

According to the memorandum, the authorities are already implementing measures to accelerate processing by increasing staffing levels, improving coordination between public institutions, and streamlining administrative procedures.

Vanuatu vs. São Tomé and Príncipe: Which Program Is Faster?

If speed and predictability are your primary considerations, Vanuatu currently remains the more established and predictable option. The program has been operating for many years, its administrative procedures are well established, and citizenship is typically granted within approximately four months.

Astons is an accredited agent of the Vanuatu Citizenship by Investment Program. Our experts provide end-to-end support throughout the entire process, from preparing the required documentation and fulfilling the investment requirements to submitting the application and obtaining the passport.

We understand the concerns of clients whose applications are still in progress. Astons remains in regular contact with representatives of the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program and continues to monitor developments closely, ensuring that our clients receive the latest information on processing timelines and the progress of their applications.