São Tomé and Príncipe is an island nation in Central Africa, situated in the Gulf of Guinea. Despite its small territory, the country is distinguished by its unique tropical landscapes, endemic flora and fauna, and rich colonial heritage. As a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) and a nation fostering partnerships with the EU, São Tomé and Príncipe offers its residents and citizens a range of advantages, including a low crime rate, a favorable climate, a developing economy, and a stable political system.
Citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe grants visa-free or simplified entry to over 60 countries—including all member states of the African Union—as well as access to the Schengen Area (for up to 90 days), provided the passport contains a previously obtained Schengen visa.
Citizens of São Tomé and Príncipe have the opportunity to legally work and study in Portuguese-speaking countries (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique) under preferential terms established by CPLP agreements, without the need to obtain a full-fledged visa.
Public healthcare services are available to all citizens. Residents may benefit from healthcare agreements with Portugal and Cuba, as well as access affordable private insurance plans that provide coverage at regional clinics.
Citizens and residents of São Tomé and Príncipe can open accounts at local banks—as well as at banks in Portugal (under bilateral agreements)—without restrictions and without facing strict blocking measures from international regulatory bodies.
The requirements regarding Portuguese language proficiency for obtaining a Residence Permit are minimal (survival level). The state recognizes Portuguese as its official language; a local Creole language (Forro) is also widely spoken.
Minimal bureaucracy, provided conditions are met—the Residence Permit can be renewed without leaving the country; resident status leads to Permanent Residence after 5 years and a streamlined path to citizenship.
São Tomé and Príncipe is one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Africa, featuring a very low crime rate, an absence of social conflicts, and a mild tropical climate year-round.
Citizenship grants you a passport, full civil rights, visa-free travel, and access to education and healthcare. The holder has the right to permanent residence and can pass citizenship to their children.
Citizenship is granted under an investment program established by the country's current legislation. The program enables foreign investors to obtain citizenship by making a non-refundable contribution to the State Development Fund.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a member state of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which grants the opportunity to obtain residency in Portugal through a simplified procedure.
São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship; therefore, you will not be required to renounce your current passport upon obtaining citizenship.
The entire application process is conducted remotely, with no requirement to visit the country at any stage.
The average processing time for the application and passport issuance ranges from 2 to 3 months.
As part of the vetting process, a Due Diligence review is conducted to analyze sources of income, business reputation, and the absence of any sanctions-related or criminal risks.
Submitting an application requires a standard set of documents, including a passport, civil status certificates, a criminal record clearance certificate, proof of income, and financial records.
The application may include a spouse, children, and other dependents, who will receive citizenship simultaneously with the principal applicant.
Our experts will thoroughly analyze your case, suggest the optimal solution and answer all your questions
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We transform the concept of dual citizenship and global residency into a strategic tool for increasing and preserving wealth. With Global Resident, obtaining a second citizenship or residence permit becomes a transparent and straightforward process.
About Company
We exceed deadlines, industry leaders in document preparation speed. 100% approved applications thanks to streamlined processes.
Thanks to our own teams in different countries, we quickly prepare various documents. This significantly accelerates the process and reduces timelines.
We work without intermediaries, so we can offer competitive prices and transparent terms without additional markups.
The company has been operating since 1999 and has processed over 1,500 documents for clients from different countries — our experience allows us to understand the process down to the smallest detail.
We were approached by a client—a Russian pensioner owning property in Bulgaria—who wanted to simplify his regular trips to the country and gain the freedom to stay in other Schengen Area nations, given the increasingly complex visa application process. We arranged for his Bulgarian residence permit based on his pension status, prepared the complete document package for a Type D visa, and accompanied him to the submission appointment; the client subsequently received a six-month visa. Upon his arrival in Bulgaria, we assisted with the residence permit application, and a few weeks later, he obtained a one-year Bulgarian residence permit, which is renewable annually. He now regularly visits Bulgaria, stays at his property, and travels freely across Europe, while we continue to assist him with the renewal of his status.
We were approached by a client from Georgia who wished to relocate to France with his family to establish and run a company. We proposed obtaining a "Talent Passport – Business Creator" (*Passeport Talent – Créateur d'entreprise*) residence permit for him; to this end, we prepared a business plan, a justification of the project's economic value to France, and a comprehensive application dossier for submission to the Ministry of Economy. Following the project's approval, the client and his family received three-month Type D visas and arrived in France. We assisted them with incorporating the company, making the required investments, and applying for the "Talent Passport" residence permit, which was granted for a four-year term. The client currently resides in France with his family and is developing his business, while we continue to provide ongoing support, including accounting services and the preparation of documentation for the future renewal of his residence permit.
A client approached us seeking long-term residency status in a European country. Upon analyzing her situation, we discovered that her grandmother had lived in Brest between 1918 and 1939 and was of Polish descent. We conducted archival research, confirmed her heritage, and secured the *Karta Polaka* (Pole's Card)—a document certifying belonging to the Polish nation—for the client. Based on the *Karta Polaka*, she applied for and successfully obtained permanent residence in Poland. She is now preparing to demonstrate Polish language proficiency at the A2 level in order to subsequently apply for Polish citizenship.
We were approached by a client from Russia who owned property on the French Riviera and held a French bank account but was facing difficulties obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To ensure continued access to the account and allow for ongoing travel to France, we secured a residence permit for financially independent individuals; this permit is valid for one year and does not require permanent residence. As a result, the client can now travel freely within France and the Schengen Area while continuing to use their bank account.
We were approached by a client from Russia who owned property on the French Riviera and held a French bank account but was facing difficulties obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To ensure continued access to the account and allow for ongoing travel to France, we secured a residence permit for financially independent individuals; this permit is valid for one year and does not require permanent residence. As a result, the client can now travel freely within France and the Schengen Area while continuing to use their bank account.
A family of entrepreneurs who frequently travel to Europe, the USA, Canada, and Australia faced increasing difficulties in obtaining visas and turned to us for an alternative solution. After analyzing various options, we proposed Paraguayan citizenship, which can be obtained in approximately two and a half years without the need for investments, residency, or language proficiency. The family made just three trips to the country; during the final visit, they received their passports, enabling them to travel freely worldwide and efficiently manage their business affairs.
Global Resident specialists will thoroughly analyze your case, suggest the optimal solution and answer all your questions.
We opened a bank account in Cyprus remotely in just 2 weeks. Without Global Resident, it would have taken months. Thank you for the efficiency and professionalism!
Yandex
They quickly and professionally processed work visas for me and my team in the UAE. No bureaucracy — they handled everything. Now we work in Dubai.
Yandex
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about obtaining citizenship, to quickly understand the key stages and opportunities.
Timelines depend on the program: Caribbean citizenship-by-investment takes 3 to 6 months, Malta takes 12–14 months, and naturalization in EU countries takes 5 to 10 years. We will help you choose a program that fits your timeframe.
Yes, most programs allow you to include minor children in the application. Some programs also allow the inclusion of adult children up to the age of 26–30, provided they are financially dependent on the applicant.
In most cases, no. Many countries allow dual or multiple citizenship. However, there are exceptions (for example, Singapore and the UAE). We will provide advice on each specific case.
Citizenship-by-investment programs are offered by: Malta, Montenegro, and Turkey (in Europe); Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Grenada (the Caribbean); and Vanuatu (Oceania). Minimum investments start at $100,000.
A residence permit is an authorization to reside in a country that requires renewal. Citizenship entails full membership in the state, including the right to vote, a passport, and social guarantees. Citizenship is passed down by descent.
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Office address:
Downtown Dubai, Boulevard Plaza Tower One, Level 03 P.0. box 334155Phone:
+971 4 123 4567Email:
dubai@globalresident.com
