Due diligence and payment guide · checked 27 August 2026
When do you pay for Sao Tome CBI, and what happens during due diligence?
The official STP Citizenship by Investment Unit process puts licensed-agent intake, document preparation, application submission and comprehensive due diligence before citizenship is granted. The authorised agent fee FAQ says the main government contribution is paid only after Approval-in-Principle, so serious applicants should understand the sequence before wiring funds.
Sources checked: Official STP Citizenship by Investment Unit, Official marketing-agent register, Authorised marketing agent FAQ. 2026-08-27.
Quick facts
The points to know before you pay
Licensed start
Applications must begin through a licensed Marketing Agent listed by the official Citizenship by Investment Unit.
All applicants checked
The official process says every applicant undergoes comprehensive due diligence.
USD 5,000 sponsor DD fee
If a benefactor sponsors the file, the official FAQ says a USD 5,000 due-diligence fee applies for that benefactor.
About 2 months to approval
The official unit currently describes a typical decision time of approximately two months.
About 3-4 months to passport
The official unit says approval to passport currently takes approximately three to four months.
Main contribution after AIP
The authorised agent FAQ states the government contribution is paid only after Approval-in-Principle.
The practical payment sequence
Based on the official step list and the authorised agent FAQ, the normal order is: agent onboarding, KYC and document preparation, submission, government review and due diligence, Approval-in-Principle, contribution payment, citizenship grant, then national ID, certificate of registration and passport issuance.
What due diligence normally examines
The official and authorised-source descriptions point to identity records, criminal history, financial integrity, source of funds, reputational screening, residence history and the consistency of the applicant's documents and explanations.
Questions to settle before you pay anyone
Verify the agent on the official register, ask for the government and third-party costs in writing, disclose whether a spouse, parent or outside benefactor is involved, and clarify which civil, police and financial documents are already available.
References
Official and primary sources checked
- Official STP Citizenship by Investment Unit
- Official marketing-agent register
- Authorised marketing agent FAQ
FAQ
Common questions
Do I pay the main contribution before Approval-in-Principle?
No. The authorised agent FAQ says the government contribution is payable only after Approval-in-Principle.
What if someone else funds my case?
The official FAQ says an application can be sponsored, but the benefactor must provide documents and a USD 5,000 due-diligence fee applies for that benefactor.
Can future dependants be added later?
The official FAQ says eligible future dependants may be added, subject to applicable fees and due diligence.
What should I send for a payment-stage review?
Send nationality, current and previous residence, family members, whether a benefactor is involved, current document status and a short explanation of the source of funds.
Read next
Related Sao Tome guides
Official fee guide · checked 21 August 2026
How much does Sao Tome citizenship by investment cost in 2026?
Official Sao Tome CBI cost guide: USD 90,000 single applicant, USD 95,000 family of 2-4, submission and passport-document fees.
Process guide · updated 21 August 2026
How long does Sao Tome CBI take, and what can delay the case?
Sao Tome CBI processing-time guide: official two-month target, application stages, due diligence and common document delays.
Eligibility and documents · updated 24 August 2026
What are the Sao Tome CBI requirements before an application is filed?
Officially checked Sao Tome CBI requirements: age 18+, no criminal record, lawful source of funds, qualifying dependents and no residence requirement.
Family inclusion guide · checked 31 August 2026
Who can you include in a Sao Tome CBI family application, and can dependants be added later?
Officially checked Sao Tome CBI family guide: spouse or de facto partner, dependent children under 30, dependent parents or grandparents over 55, future dependants and sponsored files.