What is The CPLP Advantage?

The CPLP Advantage is the unique access granted to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) through STP citizenship. This membership offers streamlined residence permits in Portugal and Brazil, giving investors a powerful, accelerated pathway toward potential European Union (EU) citizenship rights.

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment: Unlock CPLP Mobility and Strategic Global Advantages

Q: Why São Tomé and Príncipe?

STP is the world's most affordable CBI program, offering citizenship for a donation of just US $90,000. It features rapid, remote processing in approximately six weeks and has no residency requirement. This strategic African passport is a perfect, low-cost solution for family security and international diversification.

Q: How Does the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program Work?

The process is streamlined and remote. After paying a US$5,000 application fee and passing due diligence, an Approval in Principle is granted. The main donation (US$90,000 minimum) is then made, followed by the swift issuance of the passport and citizenship documents within about six weeks total.

The world of citizenship by investment (CBI) is evolving rapidly, and with the launch of São Tomé and Príncipe’s pioneering program, global investors and their families now have an unprecedented gateway not only to Africa but to an entire community spanning economies across four continents. JH Marlin remains at the forefront—offering strategic pathways, rigorous legal protection, and authoritative support every step of the way.

This new CBI program’s cutting-edge structure, combined with the unique benefits of membership in the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), makes it one of the most compelling and forward-looking options available today.

Why São Tomé and Príncipe? A Game-Changer in Global Citizenship

São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is emerging as a compelling option for a second citizenship. Launched in 2025, the São Tomé and Príncipe program redefines accessible citizenship investment, offering a smooth path to São Tomense citizenship. This game-changer offers a strategic African passport.

Here is why STP is worth exploring:

US $90,000 for a single applicant—the most affordable citizenship investment in the world.
Family packages at US $95,000 for up to four members; additional dependents for nominal fees.
Zero residency or linguistic requirements, with processing conducted by a Dubai-based unit that ensures international standards, transparency, and six-week processing—remarkably quick for any global CBI program.
Fully regulated under Decreto-Lei n.º 07/2025, guaranteeing legal reliability and clarity.

This program is specifically tailored to high-net-worth individuals seeking diversification and international options that extend beyond the traditional Caribbean offerings. The low cost, inclusive family structure, and rapid approval process stand unmatched.

Learn more about São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship by investment

The CPLP Advantage: Linguistic Unity and Mobility for the 21st Century

The strategic value of São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) goes far beyond mere visa-free travel. It provides a unique CPLP gateway. For ambitious global citizens, STP citizenship unlocks access to a powerful economic and political community across four continents.

CPLP: What Is It and Why Is It Powerful?

The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is the world’s foremost Lusophone alliance, including Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Timor-Leste, Equatorial Guinea, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

With the full rollout of the 2021 Mobility Agreement, these benefits are now a reality:

CPLP nationals obtain streamlined residence permits and long-term visa options in Portugal and Brazil.
Portuguese banks and professional services are more open to CPLP nationals, simplifying business expansion and wealth management.
Mobility and work rights are expanding across the network, including simplified access for diplomats and businesspeople.
For ambitious families, it means a realistic path from rapid CPLP gateway citizenship to long-term European Union rights.

Strategic pathways:

São Tomé → CPLP Mobility → Portugal residency → Portuguese (and thus EU) citizenship. This progression, as emphasized in the recent in-depth piece at CitizenX, is becoming more attractive as migration policies globally tighten for non-CPLP nationals.

Beyond São Tomé: Why CPLP Citizenship Matters

São Tomé and Príncipe’s CBI program does much more than provide a passport—it opens the door to the CPLP, a community with:

Over 300 million Portuguese speakers across Africa, Europe, South America, and Asia.
A $2.3 trillion collective GDP, encompassing economic opportunity and diplomatic reach unrivaled by almost any other grouping outside the EU.
The 2021 CPLP Mobility Agreement, now in full implementation, which enhances business, residence, and travel pathways across all nine member countries.

What does this mean for investors?

Strategic Mobility Progression: São Tomé’s passport is a rapid access point into the CPLP. For investors, this means the ability not only to travel visa-free to dozens of nations but also to leverage accelerated and preferential migration routes to Portugal, Brazil, and beyond—potentially leading all the way to EU citizenship via Portugal.
Legal and Business Integration: CPLP citizenship can mean easier establishment of companies, bank accounts, and partnerships; increased openness to business and professional services (especially in Portugal, where CPLP nationals now receive streamlined residence permits); and highly preferential treatment for business and professional activities.
Community and Cultural Connection: For families seeking to embrace a rich, multilingual heritage and have access to business, educational, and social networks across four continents, CPLP citizenship is a powerful asset.

If you want to make the most of the CPLP mobility agreement, JH Marlin can get the São Tomé citizenship by investment process started for you!

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How Does the São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program Work?

The São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program provides a clear path to a second passport. Managed by the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU), the streamlined application process involves due diligence and investment. Upon approval, the swift issuance of your passport completes your journey to global mobility.

Structure and Procedures

Step 1: Submit a US$5,000 application fee, after which your background, source of wealth, and required documents are checked by international due diligence professionals in Dubai.
Step 2: Upon “Approval in Principle,” make the main non-refundable donation (€90,000 single, US$95,000 family).
Step 3: Receive your citizenship certificate, passport, and national ID within approximately six weeks of initial submission—one of the world’s fastest timelines.

What’s Included?

Main applicant (US$90,000)
Family of four (US$95,000)
Processing and documentation (plus approximately US$750 in government documentation fees per person, and legal/advisory fees are additional)
Full inclusion of spouse, dependent children (up to 30), and parents/grandparents (over 55)
No residency, language, or “in-person” requirement—entirely remote processing

Who Should Apply For São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Program?

This program is best suited for high-net-worth individuals and global families seeking:

Rapid, cost-effective citizenship for diversification and asset protection.
Access to Africa’s fastest-growing markets and the $2.3 trillion CPLP economic bloc.
A platform for progression toward EU mobility and citizenship rights—unrivaled among new CBI programs.
Family security, educational advantages, and the ability to transfer citizenship to future generations.
Transparent, predictable, and fully legal pathways facilitated and protected by direct engagement with a licensed professional.

Additional Notes

The program specifically targets global entrepreneurs and families prioritizing African market access, community integration, and political diversification. While visa-free access is currently limited to 67 countries, the true value lies in membership and progression opportunities within the CPLP, not simply immediate global travel.

Does São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship suit you? Talk to our experts today!

How Does São Tomé Compare to the Caribbean and Other CBI Programs?

São Tomé and Príncipe offers the world’s most affordable CBI program, challenging the dominance of Caribbean nations. While the travel access is more regional, its low minimum investment ($90,000), fast processing (6 weeks), and CPLP access offer a unique, cost-effective second citizenship option.

Cost: The São Tomé program undercuts most Caribbean programs (which generally exceed US$100,000 for a single applicant), and is more inclusive of full families at a similar or lower price point.
Processing: Six-week remote processing outpaces the often months-long timelines seen in other jurisdictions.
Community: Caribbean programs do not offer regional integration benefits comparable to CPLP membership, and none provide a legal pathway to the EU.
Due Diligence: Dubai-based international processing standards mean concerns about emerging-market program transparency are addressed directly.

Why Choose JH Marlin: Legal Expertise and Credibility

JH Marlin is unique among agents—clients are represented by a fully qualified, licensed individual (not an unregulated agent or broker). As previously outlined in our July 2025 guide, we provide:

Direct, personal legal attention throughout your application.
Confidential pre-screening and due diligence to maximize success rates.
Transparent and accurate cost structure—including all government, and service fees.
Guidance not just on São Tomé but on progression to Portugal, understanding CPLP rights, and structuring global portfolios for optimum results.
Up-to-date insight: With evolving CPLP frameworks and shifting global regulatory trends, only a professional fully engaged in global law practice can provide advice you can rely on.

Next Steps: Secure Your CPLP Advantage Now

The São Tomé and Príncipe program provides a rare opportunity to unlock African and global opportunities for the cost of a single Caribbean citizenship—while opening the door to a full community and future European Union rights. Processing times, family inclusiveness, and legal clarity are outstanding for 2025.

If you and your family are seeking strategic advantages, diversification, and access to the opportunities of the Lusophone world, São Tomé’s citizenship by investment program—supported by JH Marlin’s world-class guidance—should be your next move.