Sao Tome and Principe is the only country among Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) that offers official citizenship by investment program. One of the most important benefits of Sao Tome citizenship is the simplified backdoor residency in Portugal and Brazil. The combination of Sao Tome citizenship and CPLP residence is a great low cost alternative to Portugal golden visa program. We cover the Portugal part in this article.
CPLP Residence permit
The CPLP Residence Permit is an excellent opportunity for citizens of CPLP member countries who wish to live, study and work in Portugal. Sao Tomé and Príncipe citizens can apply for a CPLP visa (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) for simplified entry and residency in Portugal or Brazil. , it offers benefits such as access to healthcare, the right to work and education, and even the possibility of becoming eligible for Portuguese nationality after five years,
Schengen Area
New changes to Immigration Law no. 9/2025 of 13 February approved in Feb 2025 made important amendments to CPLP residence permits. will now be a card format, aligning with European Union standards. This change will facilitate visa free movement within the Schengen Area and equal rights with other residence permits ending discrimination
CPLP Visa
To apply for CPLP residence permit, a CPLP visa issued by Portuguese embassy. To obtain the residence permit online, you must have submitted an expression of interest by 31 December 2022 or have a CPLP residence consular visa issued after 31 October 2022.
For the CPLP visa, CPLP citizens are exempt from presenting means of subsistence upon presentation according to embassy instructions..how it is required to produce a no criminal record certificate.
• Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised;
CPLP Residence permit
This residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for 3 years upon verification of the following:
• Proof of continued means of subsistence
• Valid health insurance or registration with the National Health Service
• Updated criminal record
Citizens of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) now apply online for a residence permit in Portugal through cplp.aima.gov.pt
