São Tomé and Príncipe vs Vanuatu: Which Citizenship by Investment to Choose in 2026?

Key Differences Between the Programs: A Brief Overview

For ease of comparison, we have highlighted the main parameters of both programs. This information will help you quickly form a first impression.

Main Characteristics

Minimum Investment

• São Tomé and Príncipe: Non-refundable contribution from $90,000.
• Vanuatu: Non-refundable contribution from $130,000 (under the DSP program).

Processing Time

• São Tomé and Príncipe: From 2 months.
• Vanuatu: From 1 month.

Visa-Free Access

• São Tomé and Príncipe: ~61 countries (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa).
• Vanuatu: Up to ~100 countries (Singapore, Hong Kong, Maldives, and others).

Availability for Citizens of RF/RB

• São Tomé and Príncipe: Open without restrictions.
• Vanuatu: Open without restrictions.

Key Advantage

• São Tomé and Príncipe: The lowest entry threshold on the market; access to Portugal via CPLP.
• Vanuatu: One of the fastest programs; zero taxation (no income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes).

Vanuatu

Detailed Comparison of Investment Programs

1. Investment Terms and Cost

São Tomé and Príncipe (program launched in September 2025): This is the most affordable program on the market in 2026. Obtaining citizenship requires a non-refundable contribution to the National Transformation Fund.

• For a single applicant: $90,000.
• For a family of 2–4 people: $95,000.
• Additional Payments: Registration fee, government fees for passports and documents.

Vanuatu (program active since 2017): Offers two main routes, both requiring a non-refundable contribution.

• Vanuatu Development Support Program (DSP): The standard path.
• Single applicant: $130,000.
• Family of four: $180,000.
• Capital Investment Immigration Plan (CIIP): Includes a refundable investment portion. The total payment for a family of up to 4 is $155,000, of which $50,000 can be returned after 4 years.

2. Speed and Processing Procedure

Both programs are among the fastest in the world.

• São Tomé and Príncipe: The process takes from 2 months and is conducted completely remotely, with no need to visit the country.
• Vanuatu: Faster processing times – from 1 month. Biometrics must be submitted at a Vanuatu Consulate in the UAE, Hong Kong, or another location. In our expert opinion, this is the fastest investment program on the market.

3. Passport Power and Visa-Free Access

This is one of the main differences, depending on your goals.

• São Tomé and Príncipe: The passport provides visa-free access or visa on arrival to approximately 61 countries. Key destinations include Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Africa. Important advantage: as a member of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), São Tomé opens a path to simplified procedures for residence and work in Portugal, Brazil, and other CPLP member countries.
• Vanuatu: The passport is stronger and provides access to about 100 countries without a visa. It includes important destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Russia. Critically important: since December 2024, the visa regime with the Schengen Area has been reinstated, and a new agreement is required for visa-free travel to Europe, the timing of which is unknown.

4. Tax Regime

• Vanuatu holds a significant advantage here. The country does not levy income tax, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax, making its passport exceptionally attractive for financial planning and tax optimization.
• Information on the specific tax regime of São Tomé and Príncipe for new citizens needs to be worked out individually for each applicant.

5. Family Inclusion and Special Conditions

• São Tomé and Príncipe: The application can include a spouse, children under 30 (provided they are unmarried), and parents over 55.
• Vanuatu: The program also allows for family inclusion: spouse, children (often up to 25 years old), and financially dependent parents. For children over 18, proof of full-time study is usually required.

6. Geopolitical Situation and Availability

• Availability for Citizens of Russia and Belarus: This is a key factor in 2026. São Tomé and Príncip is officially and without restrictions accessible to citizens of RF and RB. The Vanuatu program currently also remains open to them.
• Program Stability: Vanuatu has a long history and has established itself as one of the most accessible citizenship by investment programs in the world. São Tomé and Príncipe is a new program, which could mean both potential for growth and possible future changes in conditions.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Who Should Choose Which Program? An Expert Verdict

Choose citizenship of São Tomé and Príncipe if:

• Your main priority is the minimum cost of entry into the second citizenship market.
• A program accessible to citizens of Russia or Belarus is critically important to you.
• You are interested in prospects in the Portuguese-speaking world (Portugal, Brazil) through CPLP membership.
• You are willing to consider a new program that is just gaining momentum.

Choose citizenship of Vanuatu if:

• The speed of obtaining a passport is paramount for you.
• You need the widest possible visa-free access (except for Schengen), including the UK.
• Zero-tax planning is one of the main goals of obtaining a second passport.
• You prefer a proven, well-established program with many successful cases.

Expert Conclusion from the IST Hungary Team

Comparing São Tomé and Príncipe and Vanuatu clearly shows that in 2026, there is no single best choice – there is an optimal solution for your unique goals.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a bold and economical step into the world of second citizenship with a unique Portuguese perspective (simplified obtaining of residence permit, permanent residence, and Citizenship of Portugal).

Vanuatu is a fast and reliable tool for global mobility and financial optimization.

Emergency Processing and Official Partnership

For clients who find themselves in a situation requiring an urgent solution – whether it’s the need to quickly obtain a second passport to preserve assets, ensure family safety, or for seamless travel – choosing the right and reliable partner is of key importance.

Our Hungarian consulting company, IST Hungary, acts as the official and direct authorized agent of the Governments of both countries. Our direct cooperation with the state bodies of São Tomé and Príncipe and Vanuatu allows us to:

• Guarantee the legitimacy and safety of all procedures.
• Ensure the shortest possible processing times for applications, even in complex cases.
• Offer emergency support for clients who need to obtain citizenship in extremely short timeframes.

Important Warning: Obtaining citizenship by investment is a complex legal and financial process. You cannot apply for citizenship directly, because the program requirement mandates that the investor must cooperate only with authorized government agents and conduct thorough due diligence both on the program and on the consultants.

If you are ready to determine which program will become the ideal key to your global freedom? Then you can contact our experts for a personal analysis of your situation, calculation of the full cost, and support at all stages of obtaining a second citizenship.