The global investment migration industry has long helped high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) seek greater freedom of movement, stability, and financial opportunity. For Russians and Belarusians, that path has become narrower. In recent years, geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and restrictions have limited access to many established Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. As a result, many have been shut out of the benefits of global mobility and economic inclusion.
For example, applicants from Russia and Belarus who had applied for St. Kitts & Nevis citizenship were affected after international sanctions from the EU and US. The government changed its law retrospectively. Those applications were cancelled, and all investments were refunded. Similarly, Malta’s Residency Agency has suspended new applications from Russian and Belarusian nationals “until further notice.” Existing beneficiaries are reviewed case by case, largely in line with shifting EU mandates.
Even before the current political situation intensified, many wealthy individuals from Russia and nearby countries were already leaving. About 5,500 HNWIs emigrated in 2019. That was around 6% of the nation’s millionaire population. The figure rose to a record 8,500 in 2022, or nearly 15% of Russia’s millionaires, according to the Private Wealth Migration Report 2023. Outflows slowed to roughly 1,000 in 2025. Analysts say this drop does not reflect greater stability. It reflects a smaller base of affluent people still left in the country.
The move has been driven by sanctions, financial isolation, market volatility, and reduced international access. Many Russian HNWIs now look to golden visa and low-tax residency programs. These options can offer mobility and a hedge against economic and political uncertainty.
A new generation of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs is changing how investors from restricted nationalities connect with the world. Among them, São Tomé and Príncipe has become one of the most inclusive and quietly groundbreaking options. Launched in 2025, the program has redefined accessibility in investment migration. It extends eligibility to nationalities often excluded elsewhere, including Russians and Belarusians.
The programme is also one of the most affordable in the world. Key features include:
Dependents may include:
This structure offers intergenerational flexibility for globally mobile households.
Located in Central Africa, the island nation is small but strategically connected. It is a member of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). It also belongs to key international organisations such as the United Nations, IMF, and World Bank. It has observer status at the World Trade Organization. These ties support its growing credibility as a stable and internationally engaged jurisdiction.
Despite its remote charm, São Tomé is also well connected. Expanding air routes link it to Europe and Africa. That makes it a practical choice for globally minded investors seeking both stability and mobility.
For Russian and Belarusian nationals, preparing documents and verifying financial records can involve extra scrutiny. São Tomé’s approach offers a transparent, inclusive, and solutions-oriented process. The government aims to attract diverse foreign investment that supports infrastructure, sustainability, and economic diversification. For investors, it is a way to secure citizenship in a cooperative and forward-thinking nation. It is also a chance to join a program that recognises global ambitions, free from the limits of geopolitics.
Programmes like São Tomé’s reflect a broader shift in global investment migration. The market is moving toward a more inclusive and diversified era. Smaller nations are creating new pathways for mobility and opportunity.
As an officially authorised government partner, Citizenship Invest stands at the forefront of this transformation. We help clients navigate every stage with discretion, expertise, and trust. Connect with our specialists today to explore how São Tomé’s inclusive approach can help you build a secure, borderless future.
