Gizane Campos Moving to Nauru is not your typical move to Australia or Fiji. There’s no luxury real estate, no endless diners, and no high-rise apartments overlooking the ocean or a New York-style city skyline. Instead, life in the South Pacific island nation is simple, slow, and deeply tied to the ocean. But for those looking for a truly off-the-grid adventure, an investment opportunity, or an escape from modern life, Nauru offers a close-knit community where everyone knows your name and island life is lived in its purest form.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about moving to the Republic of Nauru, including the benefits of moving there, visa options, and what to consider before relocating.
Why move to Nauru?
Moving to Nauru isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
- A Simple Life: Nauru is peaceful, quiet, and laid-back, with no rush hour traffic or crowds.
- A Close-knit community: With a population of under 12,000, everyone knows everyone, so it’s easy to make friends and feel at home quickly.
- Investment opportunities: Nauru is one of the least visited small island states, and tourism there is untapped, presenting opportunities for boutique accommodations and sustainable tourism projects.
- Low cost of living: Some imported goods are expensive, but essentials and local products are cheap.
- Unspoiled nature: The entire island is green and surrounded by clean water, with secluded beaches.
- Economic citizenship: The Nauru citizenship by investment program smooths out the relocation process while offering protection with dual citizenship and a second passport.
- No taxes: Nauru residents do not pay income tax. Businesses registered in Nauru are also not required to pay corporate taxes.
Requirements for Moving to Nauru
Anyone considering moving to Nauru must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for one of the country’s visas:
- Have a valid passport
- Be in good health
- Have a clean criminal record
The Government of Nauru provides several visa options for moving to the island nation.
Business Visa: A one-year visa that allows foreigners to build and run a business in Nauru, with the option to renew annually, provided they meet the necessary compliance requirements.
Local Business (Employment) Visa: A one-year visa for foreign workers, filling key skill gaps in Nauru’s essential industries.
Citizenship by investment: Second citizenship for foreign investors who contribute to the country financially through the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
The business visa starts at $6,000, with the cost varying depending on the activity. Employment visas in Nauru cost $8,000. A visa application form can be submitted in person at a Nauru consular office or through the naurugov.nr online application portal.
Nauru citizenship program
Foreign nationals can easily relocate to the tiny island nation through the Nauruan citizenship by investment program. Officially called the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, applicants must make a non-refundable donation of $105,000 to the Nauru Treasury Fund. The has been introduced to support Nauru’s sustainable development and vital climate resilience projects.
The total investment for acquiring Nauru citizenship includes due diligence, application, and passport fees. The Nauru Program Office processes applications and investors must submit their Nauru citizenship application and required documents through an Authorized Agent.
Successful applicants obtain citizenship, allowing them to move to Nauru permanently. The dual citizenship benefits mean they receive a Nauru passport, bypassing visa requirements when entering and exiting the country, in addition to enhancing visa free access.
Essential Tips for Relocating to Nauru
Cost of living in Nauru
While many basic groceries and everyday items in Nauru are affordable, the island’s limited space, infrastructure, and resources mean that other living costs can be high, especially accommodation. Below is a breakdown of key living expenses comprising the cost of living in Nauru versus the US and Australia.
Item | Nauru | USA | Australia |
One-bedroom Apartment (Monthly) | $1,890 | $1,590 | $1,200 |
Three-bedroom Apartment (Monthly) | $4,190 | $2,650 | $1,960 |
Milk (1ltr), Fresh White Bread (500g), Chicken Filets (1kg) | $17.28 | $16.83 | $12.14 |
Inexpensive Meal | $6.98 | $20 | $15.86 |
Mid-Range Meal for Two People | $26.96 | $75 | $76.13 |
Basic Utilities (Monthly) | $253.75 | $207.86 | $170.84 |
Broadband Internet (Monthly) | $25.38 | $71.45 | $51.53 |
International Primary School (Annually) | $9,515 | $22,700 | $12,345 |
Naura healthcare
The Republic of Nauru Hospital is the Nauru’s main healthcare center, offering basic medical services. Given the challenges of Nauru’s healthcare system, residents needing specialized treatments often travel to Brisbane, Australia. For that reason, a private healthcare plan is a must-have and can be quite expensive.
International healthcare providers such as MSH International AXA Global Healthcare can provide global medical plans with healthcare coverage in Nauru for expats moving there.
Moving to Nauru with pets
Like most destinations, there is a list of requirements for relocating to Nauru with pets to protect indigenous species and prevent biodiversity loss.
- Obtain an import permit from the Nauru Department of Agriculture.
- Ensure your pet has a health certificate from a certified veterinarian, a rabies vaccination, and an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.
- Pets must be transported in an approved IATA (International Air Transport Association) carrier.
Nauru authorities may prohibit specific breeds and animal species. Additional requirements, such as quarantine and vaccinations like parvovirus, might also be necessary.
Where to Settle in Nauru
Covering only 8.1 square miles, Nauru is a microstate and housing options are few and far between. Yaren, the unofficial capital, is the most urbanized area, featuring government offices, the only hospital, and the Nauru International Airport. Denigomodu on the west coast is another popular area with a quieter, more suburban atmosphere. For a more relaxed coastal vibe, Aiwo and Baiti offer tranquillity, although they have fewer amenities.
Take a look at our Nauru Citizenship by Investment Guide Ultimate Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Nauru
Is Nauru a good place to live?
Whether Nauru is a good place to live depends on the kind of life you want to live. Those seeking a simple, barebones lifestyle on a small island with year-round warmth may be suited to the Nauruan way of living. If healthcare infrastructure, luxury real estate, international connectivity, and abundant amenities are essential considerations, Nauru may not be the best place to live.
Can Americans go to Nauru?
Americans must obtain a visa from the Nauruan Press Office at the United Nations in New York to visit Nauru.
How much does it cost to become a citizen of Nauru?
The cost to obtain Nauru citizenship is $105,000 for a single applicant and $110,000 for a family of four, excluding government fees.
How do I get to Nauru from the USA?
Nauru Airlines is the only airline operating in Nauru. For the US, the simplest route to Nauru is to fly to either Nadi, Fiji, or Brisbane, Australia, two of the airline’s main departure cities.
How can I migrate to Nauru?
You can migrate to Nauru through the country’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, which allows you to financially contribute to the nation’s economic growth and climate resilience initiatives to obtain Nauru second citizenship.
How much does it cost to go to Nauru?
Due to Nauru’s remote location and limited travel options, it is relatively expensive to go there. The cheapest way to get there from the USA is to fly out of Los Angeles and connect in Nadi, Fiji, for about $1,000 one way.
What are the cons of moving to Nauru?
While the idea of Nauru as a place to live is gaining traction, there are some disadvantages to moving there. Housing is severely limited, and most food items are imported. Healthcare is basic, necessitating evacuation for all specialized treatment. The island sits thousands of miles from key destinations, connectivity is restricted, and its small size means there is limited entertainment, shopping, and cultural activities.
