Language

Portuguese

Car traffic

Right-hand

Phone code

+239

Currency

Dobra

Recognition of dual citizenship

yes

Covid

Need vaccination or negative test

Health

Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required

Insurance policy

Insurance policy recommended

Resident Visa

Citizenship

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit or permanent residence permit is regulated by Law No. 5/2008 "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in Sao Tome and Principe" dated August 12, 2008.

A foreign citizen who intends to stay permanently in Sao Tome and Principe must obtain a resident visa (issued in case of contract work, study, change of marital status and in other cases related to a long stay in the country), and also submit a request for a residence permit to the Migration and Border Service of the state.

Citizenship can be obtained in Sao Tome and Principe at birth or later in life through naturalization.

By birth

As a rule, nationality at birth is determined jus soli in Sao Tome and Principe. Those who meet the requirements include:

Persons born in Sao Tome and Principe, provided that the parents are residents and do not have diplomatic immunity.

Orphans, with no visible evidence of their parents' nationality.

Individuals born in Sao Tome and Principe who would otherwise be stateless.

By naturalization

Naturalization can be granted to persons who understand the Portuguese language or another dialect and have lived in Sao Tome and Principe for a sufficient period of time to demonstrate that they understand the customs and traditions of the country.

The general requirements are that these individuals have not committed crimes against the state or crimes that carry serious punishment, and have the financial capacity to support themselves.

Applicants must prove residency for at least five years.

In addition to eligible foreigners, other individuals who may apply for naturalization include:

Persons born abroad to parents who are residents of Sao Tome and Principe may acquire citizenship upon reaching the age of 18, if their birth has been registered at consular offices.

Spouse of a citizen of Sao Tome and Principe.

Children of naturalized residents of Sao Tome and Principe.

Children adopted by citizens of Sao Tome and Principe are automatically granted citizenship.

Individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their country may be eligible for naturalization without eligibility.

Loss of citizenship

Citizens of Sao Tome and Principe are allowed to renounce their citizenship, provided they do not become stateless. Individuals who have previously lost their right to naturalization in Sao Tome and Principe may repatriate if they have lived in the country for at least two years.

Dual citizenship

Sao Tome and Principe has allowed dual citizenship since 2003. The main restriction on dual citizenship is that the president and prime minister must only own citizenship of Sao Tome and Principe.

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