Residence & citizenship
São Toméan Naturalisation and Citizenship
The acquisition of nationality by naturalisation after a qualifying period of residence, or through descent, birth or marriage, for those seeking full citizenship.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Official name
- Nacionalidade são-tomense (naturalização)
- Route type
- Naturalisation / citizenship
- Legal basis
- São Tomé and Príncipe Nationality Law
- Reported as Law 07/2022; confirm current text
- Residence requirement
- Reported as at least 5 years of residence
- Not confirmed on an official government source — verify
- Governing law
- Lei da Nacionalidade (Law No. 07/2022, of 10 March 2022)
- Nationality is also framed by the Constitution as amended.
- Language
- Knowledge of Portuguese or a national language
- Applicants must show sufficient command of the language.
- Multiple nationality
- Reported limit of no more than two foreign nationalities
- Figure from summaries of the 2022 law - flagged for verification.
- Where to apply
- Through the competent São Tomé authorities (civil registry / Ministry of Justice, via the SMF for migration status)
Who it is for
Long-term residents seeking São Toméan nationality, and people with São Toméan parents, grandparents or a São Toméan spouse/partner.
Requirements
- A qualifying period of lawful residence (reported as at least 5 years)
- Legal age and knowledge of the Portuguese language
- Good character and lawful means of support
- Approval by the competent authority (Ministry of Justice)
How to apply
- Confirm the current requirements and forms under the Nationality Law before applying
- Submit the naturalisation application to the competent Ministry of Justice authority with supporting documents
Documents you may need
- Valid passport and proof of identity.
- Evidence of your qualifying period of legal residence in São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Evidence of knowledge of Portuguese or a national language.
- Birth certificate and, where relevant, marriage or partnership certificate.
- Criminal-record / good-standing certificate as required by the authorities.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The nationality law provides for acquisition based on marriage or registered partnership with a São Toméan national, alongside routes for adoption and for children following a parent's acquisition. Each route has its own conditions - confirm them with the competent authority.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.