Can you keep your São Tomé and Príncipe citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen?
Allowed with conditions
Only in some cases
São Toméans of origin generally keep their citizenship when acquiring another nationality, but naturalized persons must renounce other nationalities and some officeholders are barred from dual nationality.
What the law says
- Dual nationality has been allowed for nationals from birth in most cases since 2003.
- The 2003 constitution stated that São Toméans of origin could not be denaturalized.
- The president and Prime Minister must hold only São Toméan nationality.
- Naturalization applicants must renounce other nationality.
- The nationality law requires denaturalization for native citizens who act as nationals of another country or serve another state's government or military.
“São Tomé and Príncipe has allowed dual nationality for nationals from birth in most cases since 2003.”
What about the U.S. side?
The United States allows dual citizenship. At the oath ceremony you promise to renounce allegiance to other countries, but U.S. law does not make you formally give up your other passport. The question is only whether São Tomé and Príncipe lets you keep yours.
Source: São Toméan nationality law (Wikipedia, summarized on 2026-11-11). Laws change — confirm with the São Tomé and Príncipe embassy or consulate before your oath ceremony. This is not legal advice.
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