Get Your São Tomé and Príncipe Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
Let us make your citizenship journey simpler. With step-by-step guides and our AI assistant to help you understand eligibility, we give you clarity, confidence, and support every step of the way.
Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Citizenship is automatically granted to those born in São Tomé and Príncipe to at least one parent who is a citizen, or to stateless parents residing legally in the country.
- By Descent: Children born abroad to a São Toméan parent may acquire citizenship by descent by registering with local authorities.
- By Marriage: Foreign spouses of São Toméan citizens may apply for citizenship after 5 years of marriage and cohabitation.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply after 5 years of legal residence, good conduct, and knowledge of Portuguese.
- Special Exception – Dual Citizenship Allowed: São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship. Applicants are not required to renounce their previous nationality when becoming São Toméan.
Note: The law allows for simplified naturalization for Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) nationals and those of São Toméan origin.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm your eligibility through descent, marriage, or residency.
- Apply through the Civil Registry or at a São Toméan embassy abroad.
- Provide required documentation and attend interviews if requested.
- Receive a citizenship certificate after approval.
Benefits of São Toméan Citizenship
- Live and work freely in São Tomé and Príncipe
- Hold dual nationality with no renunciation required
- Vote and participate in civic life
- Visa-free or visa-on-arrival travel to several African and Lusophone countries
Sao Tome and Principe
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small island nation of two volcanic islands in the Gulf of Guinea, blanketed in lush tropical rainforest and home to extraordinary biodiversity including endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth, making it a celebrated destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The islands were uninhabited before Portuguese arrival in the 15th century and developed a unique Creole culture — Forro culture — expressed through the striking tchiloli theatrical performance, a UNESCO-recognised tradition blending African and Portuguese storytelling. The islands produce some of the world's most prized single-origin chocolate, with cacao grown in the fertile volcanic soil of former colonial plantations now cultivated by local farming communities.
- Capital: São Tomé
- Languages: Portuguese
- Currency: São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra (STN)
Frequently asked questions.
Does São Tomé and Príncipe allow dual citizenship?
Yes. São Tomé and Príncipe permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your current nationality when acquiring São Toméan citizenship.
Can I get citizenship through my São Toméan parent?
Yes. Citizenship by descent is available if you register your birth with the authorities and have a parent who is a São Toméan citizen.
Can I become a citizen through marriage?
Yes. Foreigners married to São Toméan citizens can apply after 5 years of marriage and living together.
How long must I live in the country to naturalize?
You need to reside legally in São Tomé and Príncipe for 5 years and meet language and conduct requirements.
Do I have to pay taxes in São Tomé and Príncipe as a citizen?
Tax residency determines your liability. Citizens living abroad are generally taxed only on income earned in São Tomé and Príncipe.