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São Tomé and PríncipeCitizenship

Citizenship by marriage in São Tomé and Príncipe

The programme allows the foreign spouse of a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe to acquire citizenship of the country through marriage. The applicant must have a valid marriage registered with the competent authorities of the state. The documents are filed with the civil registry office together with an application addressed to the minister of justice. The state provides two options for processing the application — one faster and one standard — with different timelines and fees. Once all the documents are approved, the applicant receives a certificate of acquisition of citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Source: Directorate General of Registries and Notaries of São Tomé and Príncipe (DGRN)

Processing options

The application for citizenship by marriage is filed under the processing option chosen. Both routes lead to citizenship and differ only in timeline and cost.

Ordinary procedure

  • Preparing and checking all the documents
  • Filing the application with the civil registry
  • Awaiting consideration and the decision

Urgent procedure

  • Preparing and checking all the documents
  • Filing the application marked as urgent
  • Priority consideration and the decision

When this programme will not suit you

If the marriage is not registered with the competent authorities

The marriage must first be officially registered with the civil registry authorities

If one of the spouses has a criminal conviction

Consultation with the DGRN will be needed on whether this is a bar to naturalisation or whether an exception is possible

What it costs

Ordinary processingConsideration within the standard timeline2 000 STN
Urgent processingConsideration within the accelerated timeline2 600 STN

Paid separately

  • Translator's or notary's services — Borne by the applicant; not included in the state fee

Documents to gather

The following set of documents must be provided to the civil registry authorities in order to file the application.

  • Birth certificate of the applicant (the foreign spouse)
  • Birth certificate of the spouse who is a citizen of São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Certificate of no criminal record from the applicant's country of origin
  • Certificate of no criminal record from the spouse's country of origin (if applicable)
  • Marriage certificate issued by the competent authority
  • An application addressed to the minister of justice
  • A certified copy of the foreign spouse's passport or national identity card
  • Standard school-format 25-line paper (several sheets will be needed)

How the process runs

The procedure for obtaining citizenship through marriage comprises the following stages at the civil registry authorities.

  1. 1

    Preparing the full set of documents

    The applicant gathers all the required documents: birth certificates, criminal-record certificates, the marriage certificate and a copy of the passport. All foreign documents must be duly certified in accordance with the requirements of São Tomé and Príncipe.

  2. 2

    Filing the application with the civil registry

    on the day of filing

    The applicant attends the civil registry office (Conservatória do Registo Civil) with the complete package of documents. The chosen processing option (ordinary or urgent) is stated and the corresponding fee is paid into BISTP account 1294068.

  3. 3

    Consideration of the documents by the DGRN

    depends on the option chosen

    The competent authorities check that all the documents are complete and genuine, and also check that the applicant meets the programme's requirements and that there are no grounds for refusing naturalisation.

  4. 4

    Receiving the certificate of citizenship

    Following a favourable decision, the applicant is issued with a certificate of acquisition of citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe, which serves as official proof of the status of citizen of the state.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to citizenship

Yes, it leads to citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Frequently asked questions about Citizenship by marriage

Is there a minimum period of living together in marriage before filing the application?
The official DGRN website does not state a minimum duration of marriage required to apply for citizenship. It is advisable to contact the Directorate-General of Registries and Notaries directly to clarify this requirement.
To which bank account should the state fee be transferred?
The fee for arranging citizenship is transferred to BISTP account 1294068. The amounts are stated in the costs table and depend on the processing option chosen (ordinary or urgent).
What are the timelines for consideration of the application and for obtaining citizenship?
The timelines depend on the processing option chosen and are stated in the costs table. The two options differ in cost and in the length of consideration of the documents.
Which criminal convictions are a bar to obtaining citizenship?
The programme requires criminal-record certificates from both the applicant and their spouse. The official DGRN website does not state which types of conviction may be a bar. For detailed information on the criteria for refusal it is advisable to consult the DGRN.

Other ways to move to São Tomé and Príncipe

Every route in one list — migration programmes: São Tomé and Príncipe.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.