Joe Rice The Nauru Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program allows foreign nationals to obtain a second passport through a financial contribution to the country.
Also known as the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP), it offers investors and their families a range of benefits, including the opportunity to live in an idyllic island nation and visa free travel to 89 countries.
To qualify, applicants must make a significant economic investment, starting with a $105,000 contribution to a state fund supporting sustainability projects.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Nauru CBI program’s benefits, eligibility criteria, and step-by-step application process.
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)
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.
11 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. Visa free travel: 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
11. Citizenship for future generations: The main applicant and their spouse can pass dual citizenship down to future generations.
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 under 18
- Unmarried dependent children under 30
- Parents and grandparents over 55
- Unmarried 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 |
Costs and Fees for Nauru Citizenship by Investment
Along with the required investment contribution of $105,000 for a single applicant and $110,000 for a main applicant and up to four family members, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nauru Golden Visa
Nauru joined the Golden Visa landscape with its own citizenship by investment program. Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP). With a Golden Visa program, forward-thinking investors can make an investment contribution to the nation’s economy and obtain Nauru citizenship for themselves and their family members. Successful applicants are issued a Nauru passport, a politically neutral alternative passport that offers personal security and visa free or visa on arrival access to key destinations worldwide.
Why use Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a multidisciplinary firm offering bespoke residence and citizenship solutions in Europe and the Caribbean. In a world where the economy and politics are unpredictable, having a second citizenship opens up opportunities and creates flexibility for you and your family.
So, why work with Global Citizen Solutions to obtain Caribbean citizenship?
- Global approach by local experts: We are corporate members of the Investment Migration Council, with local expertise in all five Caribbean CBI programs.
- 100 percent approval rate: We have never had a case rejected and will offer you an initial, free-of-charge, due diligence assessment before signing any contract.
- Independent service and full transparency: We will present to you all the investment options available, and all expenses will be discussed in advance, with no hidden fees.
- An all-encompassing solution: A multidisciplinary team of immigration lawyers, investment specialists, and tax experts will take into consideration all your and your family's mobility, tax, and lifestyle needs.
- Confidential service and secure data management: All private data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nauru's Citizenship by Investment Program
How do you become a citizen of Nauru?
Most Nauruans acquire their citizenship by birth or descent. Foreign nationals can become Nauru citizens by marriage, naturalization, or investment. The investment route applies to the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP), which allows foreign investors over 18 to make a minimum investment of $105,000 through a non-refundable donation to the nation and become Nauru citizens.
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. Their process involves offering a Nauru citizenship by investment lawyer for guidance and document preparation, and preliminary due diligence checks.
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. Being a South Pacific country with a population of just 12,000, is relatively isolated with limited economic activity. Additionally, despite the government’s commitment to climate resilience, overcoming rising sea levels and other effects of climate change is not guaranteed.
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 I buy land in Nauru?
As a small 21-square-kilometer island in the Pacific Ocean, land in Nauru is collectively owned by its indigenous people, prohibiting any foreign national or company from acquiring land. Foreign investors in the Nauru citizenship program can legally buy land and other real estate as Nauru nationals. However, the Nauru government can reclaim land at any time for mining or to reduce environmental impacts such as biodiversity loss.
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.
What are the costs and fees to obtain citizenship by investment in Nauru?
Nauru citizenship by investment costs and fees for a single person include a non-refundable contribution of $105,000, a $10,000 due diligence fee, a $25,000 application fee, and a $500 passport fee, totaling $140,500.
What is the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program?
The Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (ECRCP) is the Republic of Nauru’s citizenship by investment program. It is an initiative to promote climate resilience and a sustainable future for the country by offering second citizenship to foreign investors in the program.
What is the minimum investment required for the Nauru citizenship by investment program?
The minimum cost to get citizenship by investment in Nauru is $105,000, excluding government fees.
What are the residence requirements for the Nauru citizenship by investment program?
Nauru’s citizenship by investment program does not require residency. Applicants can apply remotely and do not need to reside in the country to maintain dual citizenship status.
