The latest São Tomé citizenship updates reveal a strong first year for the country’s Citizenship by Investment Program, with 548 applications submitted, 350 applications approved and more than USD 9.8 million generated for the National Transformation Fund.
The figures were published in the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment First Year Report, released on September 1, 2026, providing the most comprehensive official picture of the Program’s performance since its launch in September 2025.
The report also shows that applicants came from 72 nationalities, highlighting the Program’s growing international reach during its inaugural year.
Latest São Tomé Citizenship Updates : 548 Applications Submitted
One of the biggest São Tomé citizenship updates from the report is the scale of applications received during the Program’s first 12 months.
According to the official statistics:
- 548 applications were submitted
- 350 applications were approved
- 186 applications remained in process
- 12 applications were rejected
- 117 citizenships were granted
- 29 passports were issued
The Program reported a fastest approval time of 26 days, while its average time from application submission to approval was approximately two months. The reported average time from application to passport was four months.
These figures provide the first full-year benchmark for the São Tomé Citizenship by Investment Program since formal operations began.
The Citizenship by Investment Unit also acknowledged that the issuance of citizenship documents had not progressed at the same speed as application approvals. According to the report, the Unit is working with national authorities to streamline post-approval procedures, improve coordination and expand operational capacity.
São Tomé Citizenship Updates: More Than USD 9.8 Million in the First Year
Another significant development among the latest São Tomé citizenship updates is the Program’s contribution to national development.
Of the 350 approved applications recorded during the reporting period, approximately 50% had completed their qualifying contribution payments, generating more than USD 9.8 million for the National Transformation Fund.
The National Transformation Fund channels contributions generated through the Citizenship by Investment Program into infrastructure and public-sector projects aligned with São Tomé and Príncipe’s long-term development objectives.
During the first year, CBI funds supported projects in two notable areas: energy infrastructure and government digitalization.
The report states that investments funded the installation of new power generators designed to increase national electricity capacity. Funding was also directed toward upgrading IT equipment across government ministries and other public institutions.
Further investment is planned across electricity generation, renewable energy, water quality and supply, wastewater infrastructure, waste management and the digitalization of public services.
São Tomé Citizenship Updates: Applicants From 72 Nationalities
The latest São Tomé citizenship updates also reveal significant geographic diversity among applicants.
During its first year, the Program received applications from individuals across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, representing a total of 72 nationalities.
China was the largest source market, with 159 applications, representing 29.01% of the total.
Russia followed with 122 applications, while Iran accounted for 50 and Germany for 28. The Program also recorded 10 applications from stateless applicants, while 179 applications came from other nationalities.
China and Russia alone therefore accounted for more than half of all applications submitted during the Program’s first year.
| Nationality | Number of Applications | Share of Total Applications |
| China | 159 | 29.01% |
| Russia | 122 | 22.26% |
| Iran | 50 | 9.12% |
| Germany | 28 | 5.11% |
| Stateless | 10 | 1.82% |
| Other Nationalities | 179 | 32.66% |
Families Represent More Than Half of Applications
The report also gives a clearer picture of who is applying for São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment.
Families of two to four accounted for 47% of all applications, representing 256 applications.
Single applicants represented another 43%, with 234 applications, while families of five to eight accounted for the remaining 10%.
This means 57% of applications involved families of two or more people, indicating that family applications have played a major role in the Program’s first-year demand.
Families of three and four alone represented a combined 35% of all applications.
Key Milestones During the Program’s First Year
The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program officially launched in September 2025, with the first applications received during the same month.
Several milestones followed during its first year.
In January 2026, a legislative amendment enabled the remote issuance of National Identity Cards and passports, making it possible for international applicants and their families to complete this part of the process remotely.
The Program also issued its first passport in January 2026.
In April 2026, São Tomé and Príncipe strengthened its presence in the UAE with the establishment of its embassy in Abu Dhabi.
By August 2026, the Citizenship by Investment Unit had received its 500th application.
What Do the Latest São Tomé Citizenship Updates Mean?
The first-year numbers show that the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program has moved from its launch phase into an established operational stage.
In only its first year, the Program received 548 applications from 72 nationalities, approved 350 applications and generated more than USD 9.8 million for the country’s National Transformation Fund.
At the same time, the report identifies areas that remain under development, particularly the post-approval and citizenship-document issuance process.
As the Program enters its second year, the Citizenship by Investment Unit says its priorities include strengthening operational processes, maintaining high compliance and due diligence standards and continuing to grow the Program responsibly.
These developments make São Tomé citizenship updates an area to watch as the Program enters its second full year of operations and further CBI-funded infrastructure projects move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About São Tomé Citizenship Updates
What are the latest São Tomé citizenship updates?
The latest official first-year report shows that the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program received 548 applications, approved 350 applications and attracted applicants from 72 nationalities. More than USD 9.8 million was generated for the National Transformation Fund.
How many São Tomé citizenship applications were submitted?
The Citizenship by Investment Program received 548 applications during its first year. Of these, 350 were approved, 186 remained in process and 12 were rejected.
How many São Tomé citizenships have been granted?
According to the first-year report, 117 citizenships had been granted and 29 passports issued during the reporting period.
How fast is São Tomé citizenship by investment approval?
The Program reported an average approval time of approximately two months, with the fastest recorded approval taking 26 days. The average timeline from application to passport was reported as four months.
How much has the São Tomé CBI Program generated?
The Program generated more than USD 9.8 million for the National Transformation Fund from qualifying contribution payments completed during its first year.
Which nationalities apply most for São Tomé citizenship?
China ranked first with 159 applications, followed by Russia with 122, Iran with 50 and Germany with 28. Applicants represented 72 nationalities in total.
Where does São Tomé CBI investment go?
Contributions are directed to the National Transformation Fund. The first-year report states that funding has already supported electricity-generation capacity and government IT infrastructure, with additional projects planned in water, wastewater, waste management, energy and public-service digitalization.
When did the São Tomé Citizenship by Investment Program launch?
The Program officially launched in September 2025 and began receiving applications that same month.