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.
A client — a pensioner from Russia who owns property in Bulgaria — approached us wishing to simplify regular trips to Bulgaria and free movement within the Schengen area given the increasingly complex visa process. We arranged a Bulgarian residence permit for him on the basis of his pension, prepared the full document package for the D visa, and accompanied him to the submission. He successfully received a 6-month visa. Upon arrival in Bulgaria, we helped him apply for a residence permit, and within a few weeks he obtained a Bulgarian residence permit valid for one year and renewable annually. He now regularly visits Bulgaria, lives in his property, travels freely around Europe, and we continue to support him with status renewals.
A client from Georgia approached us with the goal of moving to France with his family, opening a company there, and running a business. We proposed a French Passeport Talent – Créateur d'entreprise residence permit. To this end we prepared a business plan, a justification of the project's economic value for France, and a full dossier for submission to the Ministry of the Economy. After the project was approved, the client and his family received D visas valid for 3 months and arrived in France. We assisted with setting up the company, making the required investments, and applying for the Passeport Talent residence permit, which they received for 4 years. The client now lives in France with his family and is growing the business, while we continue to support his operations, including accounting support and document preparation for future residence permit renewals.
A client approached us wishing to obtain long-term status in one of the European countries. While analysing her situation, we found that her grandmother had lived in Brest between 1918 and 1939 and was of Polish origin. We carried out archival research, confirmed her ethnicity, and arranged a Karta Polaka for her — a document confirming Polish heritage. On the basis of the Karta Polaka, the client applied for a Polish permanent residence permit and successfully received it. She is currently preparing to confirm her knowledge of the Polish language at A2 level so that she can later apply for Polish citizenship.
A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.
A client from Russia with property on the French Riviera and an account with a French bank contacted us, having trouble obtaining long-term Schengen visas. To preserve access to the account and continue travelling to France, we arranged a French residence permit for financially independent persons, issued for one year and not requiring permanent residency. As a result, the client travels freely around France and the Schengen area and continues to use their bank account.
A family of entrepreneurs who regularly travel to Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia faced growing difficulties obtaining visas and approached us for an alternative solution. After reviewing several options, we suggested Paraguayan citizenship, which can be obtained in about 2.5 years with no investment, residency, or language requirements. The family needed only three visits to the country, and during the last one they received their passports, allowing them to travel freely around the world and respond quickly to their business needs.
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: citizenship by investment in Caribbean countries - from 3 to 6 months, Malta - 12-14 months, naturalisation in EU countries - from 5 to 10 years. We will help you choose a program that fits your timeline.
Yes, most programs allow you to include minor children in the application. Some programs also let you include adult children up to 26-30 years old, 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, UAE). We will advise you on each specific case.
Citizenship by investment programs are offered by: Malta, Montenegro, Turkey (in Europe), Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, Grenada (Caribbean region), Vanuatu (Oceania). Minimum investment - from USD 100,000.
A residence permit is a permission to reside that needs to be renewed. Citizenship is full membership in a state with the right to vote, a passport and social guarantees. Citizenship is passed on by inheritance.
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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
