The Nauru citizenship by investment (CBI) program maps out a strategic route for investors seeking a second citizenship. Nauru has officially called its citizenship initiative the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP).
This program allows foreign investors to contribute $105,000 to a state fund supporting sustainability projects like the Higher Ground Initiative and receive dual citizenship and a second passport with 89 visa free countries.
This guide breaks down all the essential details:
Nauru Citizenship by Investment Program Overview
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program awards investors with second citizenship and a relatively strong alternative and safe passport in exchange for a donation to the state fund. To obtain Nauru citizenship, investors must make a non-refundable donation of $105,000 to the Nauru Treasury Fund.
Each investor’s significant economic contribution is used to support sustainable development projects and economic and climate resilience initiatives to provide a safe and sustainable future for Nauruan citizens and contribute toward global climate resilience efforts.
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act 2024 allows applicants to include family members in their application with an additional donation. Investors must submit their application through a licensed agent authorized by the Nauru Program Office, the official Nauru Immigration Department.
Ten Nauru Citizenship Program Benefits
1. Affordable second citizenship: Nauru’s program stands as the cheapest citizenship program in the world, offering a Nauru passport with a foreign investment of just $105,000.
2. Streamlined application process: The Nauru citizenship application process takes just three to four months.
3. No residency requirements: There are no residency requirements to obtain second citizenship or maintain a Nauru passport.
4. Confidential application process: Due diligence checks and reviews of documents are strictly confidential.
5. Family inclusion: In addition to a spouse and children, qualifying dependents include parents and grandparents.
6. No in-person interviews: Nauru is one of the easiest countries to get citizenship, allowing applicants to complete the Nauru citizenship by investment process remotely.
7. Enhanced travel access: A Nauruan passport can travel to 89 visa free countries, including the UK, Ireland, the UAE, Hong Kong (SAR China), and Russia.
8. Dual citizenship allowed: Nauru recognizes dual nationality, allowing successful applicants to maintain multiple citizenships when obtaining Nauru citizenship.
9. Contribute to climate crisis solutions: Investors acquiring Nauru citizenship through the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program support Nauru’s sustainable development goals, as well as contribute to vital climate resilience projects to combat climate change.
10. Security of a Plan B: Nauru’s passport is a politically neutral alternative passport, offering your family and future generations a valuable safety net in a safe and politically stable environment
Key Program Details
- Visa free countries: 89
- Visa free to Schengen Area: No
- Tax framework: Imposes personal income tax
- Processing time: 3 to 4 months
- Minimum government fund contribution: $105,000
- Minimum real estate investment: Not available
- Minimum total for one applicant: $140,500
- Minimum total family of four: $157,000
- Eligible dependents:
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Passport validity:
- 10 years for individuals 16 and over
- 5 years for individuals under 16
- Visit or residency requirement: None
- Citizenship interview: Yes (virtual)
Take a look at our Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
Nauru Citizenship by Investment Eligibility Criteria
Main applicant
- Be over 18
- Be of good character
- Have the means to invest at least $105,000
- Have a clean criminal record
Family members
- Spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
Investor Requirement for the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program
The Nauru citizenship program offers a non-refundable donation to the to the Nauru Treasury Fund as the sole option to invest and apply for citizenship. The investment criteria increase based on the number of family members in the application.
Nauru Treasury Fund | Single Applicant | Family of Up to Four | Family of Five | Additional Dependent |
Non-Refundable Contribution | $105,000 | $110,000 | $115,000 | +$15,000 each |
Citizenship fees and charges
Along with the required investment, additional fees apply to all citizenship applications:
Application Fee:
- Solo applicant: $25,000
- Family of up to four: $27,500
- Family of five or more: $30,000
- Due Diligence Fee:
- Main applicant: $10,000
- Each dependent aged 16 or over: $7,500
- Passport fee: $500 per passport
Estimated Nauru citizenship cost
The following table outlines the minimum donation and additional fees required for a single applicant and a family of four, including two children aged 15 and 17.
Cost | Single Applicant | Family of Four |
Investment Required | $105,000 | $110,000 |
Due Diligence Fee | $10,000 | $25,000 |
Application Fee | $25,000 | $27,500 |
Passport Fee | $500 | $2,000 |
Total | $140,500 | $164,500 |
The total Nauru citizenship by investment cost will include additional fees such as courier, and wire transfer fees.
Nauru Application and Due Diligence Process
Step one: Initial consultation
An agent licensed by the Nauru Program Office will walk you through the Nauru citizenship by investment program requirements and necessary documentation.
Step two: Complete all application forms
Complete the required citizenship form. Your licensed agent will submit it along with other required documents to the Nauru Program Office on your behalf.
Step three: Pay processing fees
Pay the required processing fees, including the due diligence and application fee.
Step four: Due diligence checks
The Nauru government will perform due diligence checks through an independent dual diligence firm. You’ll be asked to attend a citizenship interview, which you can take virtually or in person at a location approved by the Program Office.
Step five: Pre-approval confirmation
Provided you pass the due diligence checks, the government will pre-approve your citizenship application.
Step six: Invest and provide proof of investment
Upon receipt of a letter of approval, you can make the required donation to the Nauru Treasury Fund and send proof to the Program Office.
Step seven: Oath of Allegiance
After receiving your citizenship certificate, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to Nauru, which can be done in person or through an audio-visual link.
Nauru Citizenship by Investment Timeline
Month 1 (preparation)
- Consult with a licensed agent about the program requirements and prepare the required documents.
- Submit your application to the Nauru Program Office.
Month 2 (processing)
- One of the enlisted independent due diligence firms performs thorough due diligence checks.
- Make the required investment after receiving approval in principle.
Month 3/4 (approval)
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
- Obtain a Nauru passport
New Citizens: What are your rights and responsibilities?
Though the Nauru second passport by investment program is relatively straightforward and it’s one of the fastest citizenship by investment programs available, successful applicants should understand the benefits, obligations, and requirements of their new citizenship.
Citizenship benefits
New Nauru citizens gain a second passport that facilitates secure travel to desirable destinations such as the UK, Russia, and the UAE, allowing passport holders to take advanced of enhanced mobility for personal and professional reasons. Dual citizenship being recognized means citizens can maintain their original nationality with Nauruan citizenship and other citizenships.
Oath of Allegiance
All New citizens, whether through naturalization or investment, must take an Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of Nauru, ensuring that individuals understand their commitment to the nation’s laws and values.
Residency requirements
An advantage of the Nauru citizenship program is that there is no residency or physical presence requirement to get a plan B passport or maintain it after it is granted. Applicants can live abroad permanently and maintain a Nauru passport.
Economic and Environmental Sustainability
Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program funds pay for sustainable development climate crisis solutions.
Growing the Nauru economy
The program aims to boost the country’s economic resilience through foreign investment. Investors contribute to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public services development.
Combatting climate change
Rising sea levels and unsustainable practices contribute to climate and challenges for Nauru. Environmental stewardship will support projects such as building sea walls and implementing advanced irrigation systems to address the challenges.
Encouraging green initiatives
Enhancing climate resilience is a key objective of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program. The program supports renewable energy initiatives, reducing reliance on the earth’s dwindling energy sources while minimizing the country’s carbon footprint.
Nauru Passport Power
The Nauruan passport is a relatively strong South Pacific passport for global mobility that offers visa free travel to 89 countries and territories worldwide. The passport ranks 95th on the Global Passport Index, and strategic destinations Nauru citizens can visit without a visa include Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, and the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nauru's Citizenship by Investment Program
How do you become a citizen of Nauru?
Foreign investors who meet the minimum age of 18 can get citizenship in Nauru by investing in the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP). The minimum investment is $105,000 and the application must be submitted by a licensed agent.
Does Nauru recognize dual citizenship?
Nauru recognizes dual citizenship, meaning you don’t have to renounce your existing citizenship to acquire citizenship in Nauru.
Is Nauru citizenship worth it?
Obtaining Nauruan citizenship by investment provides significant advantages. The Nauru citizenship program is affordable, starting from just $105,000. Successful applicants gain a worthy second passport offering visa free access to 89 countries, including strategic destinations like the UK, Russia, Hong Kong, and the UAE. The Nauru citizenship requirements for investors do not include visiting Nauru during the application process.
Are there legal or professional consultants available for the Nauru citizenship by investment process?
The Nauru citizenship by investment official website, ecrcp.gov.nr, provides a list of licensed agents to apply for the program.
Can you buy a Nauru passport?
You cannot buy Nauru citizenship or a passport. However, you can invest in the country’s economic growth through the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program and obtain citizenship for yourself, your spouse, dependent children, parents, and siblings.
What are the cons of Nauru citizenship by investment?
While Nauru’s economic citizenship program is advantageous in a citizenship by investment comparison, it may not be as desirable as other programs for some international investors as Nauru passport holders do not have visa free access to the Schengen Area and being in the South Pacific, the country is relatively isolated. Additionally, while the government is committed to sustainable development and climate resilience, there is no guarantee that it will overcome the challenges of climate change, like rising sea levels.
Is the Nauru citizenship by investment program recognized internationally?
With Nauru announcing its Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program in the latter half of 2024, it is not yet an international recognized investment migration program.
Are there any interviews or language tests for Nauru citizenship program applicants?
Nauru’s citizenship program applicants must attend a virtual interview to pass the due diligence check, but there are no language requirements.
Can the Nauru citizenship by investment be revoked?
The Government of the Republic of Nauru retains the right to revoke applicants’ citizenship under circumstances such as misrepresentation, threats to national security, and any other condition outlined in the Oath of Allegiance.
