Applying for citizenship in the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is a transparent, government-regulated legal process. By law, applications must be submitted through authorized international marketing representatives like Sharif Group.
The entire procedure is executed remotely from Dubai without requiring international travel at any stage. Following a structured roadmap ensures prompt processing and passport delivery within 60 to 90 days.
Stage 1: Pre-Screening and Document Collection
The process begins with an initial compliance pre-screening conducted by Sharif Group. We verify your identification documents against international AML, PEP, and sanctions databases.
Once pre-cleared, our team provides you with a customized document checklist. Required paperwork includes certified passport copies, original birth certificates, marriage certificates, clean police clearance certificates from all countries lived in over the past 10 years, and standard medical fitness reports.
Sharif Group oversees all official Portuguese legal translations, notary public authentications, and apostille attestations to meet statutory government standards.
Stage 2: Official Submission and Due Diligence
Once your file is signed and compiled, it is officially registered with the national citizenship authorities in São Tomé. At this point, government processing and due diligence fees are settled.
The government conducts rigorous background checks in cooperation with international investigative agencies to verify source of funds and criminal records for all applicants aged 16 and older.
During this stage, applicants complete a brief, secure virtual video interview arranged by government verification officers to confirm personal identity details.
Stage 3: Approval in Principle and Capital Transfer
Upon successful completion of background checks, the government issues an official Letter of Approval in Principle under the authority of the Ministry of Justice.
This document confirms that your application has been accepted by the sovereign government. You then have 30 days to transfer the qualifying contribution amount into the official National Transformation Fund escrow account.
Because the transfer is only initiated after receiving written Approval in Principle, your capital is completely protected against processing risks.
Stage 4: Certificate of Naturalization and Passport Issuance
Upon confirmation of the treasury deposit, the government prints your official Certificate of Naturalization, signed and sealed by the Minister of Justice.
Using the naturalization certificate, the passport issuance application is processed directly by the National Passport and Migration Directorate.
Your biometric passports are printed, quality-audited, and prepared for secure diplomatic courier transit.
Stage 5: Passport Handover in Dubai
Your new passports and original Certificates of Naturalization are delivered directly to the Sharif Group corporate office in Business Bay, Dubai.
Our advisory team conducts a private handover briefing, walking you through your new travel privileges, passport renewal schedules, and family record maintenance.
From this day forward, you and your family enjoy the full rights and protections of São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship.
