Imagine holding a second passport that took less than 90 days to obtain — legally, transparently, and with minimal disruption to your lifestyle. For investors, business owners, and global professionals based in the UAE and beyond, São Tomé and Príncipe’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme is quickly becoming one of the world’s best-kept secrets. And Abroad Routes is here to help you unlock it.
How To Get a 2nd Passport in 3 Months
Who Is This Programme Designed For?
This citizenship pathway is particularly well-suited for:
1. UAE-based business owners looking to diversify their global footprint
2.HNWIs seeking asset protection and international estate planning flexibility
3.Professionals from countries with restricted passport access (South Asia, Middle East, Africa)
4.Entrepreneurs wanting a Plan B residency or citizenship
5.Digital nomads and freelancers requiring greater travel flexibility
6.Families looking to secure a second citizenship for future generations
If you fall into any of these categories, this programme deserves your serious attention — and the timeline makes it uniquely attractive.
Eligibility of Dependents
The program permits applicants to include immediate family members under the same application.
Eligible dependents include:
Spouse: A legally recognized husband or wife.
Children:
Up to 30 years of age
Must be unmarried
Financially supported by the main applicant
Parents:
55 years or older
Financially dependent on the primary applicant
This structure enables families to secure citizenship together under one streamlined process.
The Strategic Benefits Beyond a Passport
Sophisticated applicants don’t just seek a second passport for travel. The São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship offers several strategic layers of value:
1. Global Mobility
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 70+ countries, with potential expansion as the country advances its diplomatic relationships. For UAE residents from South Asia or Africa, this dramatically increases their travel flexibility.
2. Tax Efficiency
São Tomé and Príncipe maintains a territorial tax system, meaning income earned outside the country is generally not subject to local taxation. For internationally active entrepreneurs, this creates meaningful planning opportunities.
3. Family Security
Your spouse and dependent children are included under the same application, securing citizenship for the next generation without any additional bureaucratic hurdles.
4. Business Credibility
Holding a second passport from an officially recognised state enhances your credibility in international business dealings and opens doors that a single passport might not.
Timeline, Requirements, Application Process
Step-by-Step Citizenship Process
Obtaining citizenship in São Tomé and Príncipe is designed to be efficient and transparent. Applicants begin by submitting the required documentation along with a application fee.
Once the Citizenship Investment Unit (CIU) completes its initial assessment and issues an Approval in Principle, applicants may choose between two qualification options:
1. Contribution Option
Single applicant: US$90,000 (non-refundable)
Family of up to four: US$95,000
Additional dependent: US$5,000 per person
2. Investment Option
Applicants may allocate the same qualifying amounts into authorized national development projects. Eligible sectors include infrastructure development, education, tourism, and other government-approved initiatives.
After the selected contribution or investment is finalized and all statutory fees are paid, the government proceeds with issuing:
Passport
National Identity Card
Official Certificate of Registration
The entire process is conducted remotely, does not require physical residence, and is typically completed within approximately six weeks.
How Abroad Routes Manages Your Application End-to-End
As a Dubai-based immigration consultancy with partnerships spanning legal counsel, government liaisons, and accredited educational and financial institutions, Abroad Routes provides a fully managed service from initial consultation to passport delivery:
1. Free eligibility assessment and programme matching
2.Document preparation, authentication, and translation
3.Liaison with licensed government-approved representatives
4.Due diligence support and application submission
5.Real-time tracking and client communication throughout the 90-day process
6.Post-citizenship support including banking, business setup, and tax planning introductions
Our team has successfully guided individuals and families across the UAE, GCC, South Asia, and Europe through citizenship by investment programmes and we bring that expertise to every São Tomé and Príncipe application.
FAQ's:
Q1: Is the São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship program officially recognized?
Yes. The program operates under the country’s Foreign Investment Law and is administered through authorized government channels. Abroad Routes partners only with licensed representatives to ensure full compliance.
Q2: Is travel required during the application?
No physical visit is required under the investment route. In rare cases, a short visit may be advised depending on individual circumstances.
Q3: Can family members be included?
Yes. Spouses and financially dependent children can apply together. Additional dependents may qualify subject to eligibility and applicable fees.
Q4: Will this impact my UAE residency or current citizenship?
The country permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your existing passport(s). UAE residency is not automatically affected, though personal tax advice is recommended.
Q5: What is the total cost?
Government investment contributions typically start from around USD 50,000, plus professional, legal, and administrative fees. A detailed cost estimate is provided during consultation based on your profile and family size.
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