The Solomon Islands citizenship by investment program is being developed to expand current government revenue streams. Joining Vanuatu and Nauru as the third Oceanic nation to offer investment citizenship, the program will be designed to align with national and international standards.
Stay ahead of the curve with this guide, which provides essential details about the upcoming program.
Solomon Islands Citizenship by Investment Overview
Governor-general David Vunagi marked the opening of Parliament in the Solomon Islands in March 2020 by announcing that the country is working to establish its own citizenship program to boost the national economy through foreign investment.
In September 2024, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele confirmed the government had drafted its first Citizenship by Investment Bill to support the Government’s National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) 100 Days Program.
The GNUT is a plan for economic reforms and social cohesion to support projects to improve infrastructure, agriculture, the healthcare system, and the environment. The government will attract foreign investment to fund the plan through the citizenship program.
Once the program is available, foreign nationals can apply for second citizenship and obtain a powerful Solomon Islands Passport, which ranks 88th on the Global Passport Index and facilitates visa free travel to 135 countries, including Canada, EU countries, China, the UAE, and the UK.
Current legislation
The Citizenship by Investment Bill is a major amendment to the Constitution of the Solomon Islands 1978. As part of the 100-day agenda, the bill will provide an appropriate regulatory framework for individuals and their families to get citizenship by investing in the country and meeting strict due diligence criteria.
The bill will also undergo further reviews and refinements before the Cabinet approves it. This attention to detail in the legal and regulatory framework shows the Solomon Islands wants a successful and sustainable CBI program.
Eligibility Criteria and Due Diligence Requirements
Strict due diligence is key to maintaining the program’s integrity and benefits for Solomon Islanders. Applicants will undergo thorough background checks to prevent fraud and potential risks to the nation. Investors can expect to fulfill the following criteria:
- Be over 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Be of excellent character
- Be able to make a qualifying investment
Qualifying family members generally include the applicant’s spouse, children, and parents.
Applicants must provide official documentation, financials, legal clearances, and identification to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with the government’s commitment to transparency.
The strict due diligence requirements for Solomon Islands citizenship by investment will protect the integrity of the program, avert potential inherent risks, and ensure the sustainability of the benefits that the program brings.
Investment Options and Requirements
Qualifying investments
While the Solomon Islands hasn’t revealed the qualifying investments in its first Citizenship by Investment Bill, investors are expected to have several options similar to existing citizenship programs. This could be:
- Government fund donation
- Real estate investment
- Invest in business ventures
- Government bonds acquisition
Investments such as buying real estate or investing in a business will either come from a pre-approved list or go through approval before becoming an eligible investment to align with the anticipated economic benefits to the country.
Minimum investment requirements
The final Solomon Islands citizenship by investment cost ensures applicants make a significant contribution. Given its South Pacific location, the minimum investment threshold is expected to be in line with other programs in the region. The minimum investment to obtain Vanuatu citizenship by investment is $130,000, and Nauru’s new citizenship program requires a $105,000 contribution.
Take a look at our Citizenship by Investment Comparison Guide
Solomon Islands Citizenship by Investment Benefits
Dual citizenship
With the Solomon Islands government allowing dual citizenship, applicants can obtain the country’s ordinary passport without giving up their original citizenship and passport.
Invest in a growing economy
According to the World Bank, the Solomon Islands economy is stable and has grown steadily over the last 20 years. This allows international investors to take advantage of potential economic benefits, which are expected to receive a significant boost from the introduction of the citizenship program.
Enhanced global mobility
The Solomon Islands passport holders have access to 135 countries without a visa. The program will be the only option among South Pacific and Caribbean citizenship by investment programs to offer visa free travel to Canada. Other destinations Solomon Islanders can travel visa free to include the UK, China, the UAE, and the Schengen Area.
Step-by-Step Citizenship Process
Prospective applicants to the Solomon Islands will follow a similar application process to those of other citizenship by investment programs.
- Choose your investment route: Determine which investment route is most suitable for you and your financial objectives.
- Select a licensed agent: Choose a licensed agent to submit your application from the list of immigration specialists approved by the government authority overseeing the program.
- Complete all application forms: Complete all the forms and necessary documents as provided by your licensed agent.
- Submit your application: Your dedicated Investment Migration Specialist will submit the citizenship application on your behalf.
- Take the citizenship interview: As part of the due diligence process, you must attend a citizenship interview. Like the Caribbean citizenship interview requirement, this can be attended virtually.
- Receive pre-approval: Provided you pass the strict due diligence requirements, you will receive ‘Approved in Principle.’
- Make your investment: Make the required investment and send proof to the Solomon Islands government.
- Become a Solomon Islands citizen: Take the Oath or Allegiance to the Solomon Islands and obtain a citizenship certificate.
What Investors Should be Aware of
The Solomon Islands citizenship by investment (CBI) program presents a lucrative opportunity for investors to acquire a second passport but may have potential drawbacks they should be aware of.
Policy amendments
Compliance with international laws is key to a successful program and the Government of the Solomon Islands may change government policies can change the program or effect citizenship status.
Natural disasters
As a tropical island nation, natural disasters are an unavoidable occurrence. The region is prone to earthquakes and cyclones that can affect infrastructure, property values, and other factors that impact the country socially and economically.
Ramifications of national solidarity
Introducing a CBI program may instigate national unity in the Solomon Islands. Natural-born Solomon Islanders may view the Solomon Islands’ citizenship program as an attempt to erode local identity or influence political decisions. Local communities may experience socio-economic disparities of foreign wealth, increasing unity among locals.
Solomon Islands Passport Power vs Other Oceania Countries
The Solomon Islands has the most powerful South Pacific passport for global mobility, offering 135 visa free countries. The country’s ordinary passport ranks 88th on the Global Passport Index, and strategic destinations Solomon Islands passport holders can visit without a visa include Canada, the UK, the European Union, Hong Kong, the UAE, and Singapore. The Solomon Islands passport stands out in a citizenship by investment comparison of passports offered by comparable economies.
Country | Global Passport Ranking | Number of Visa Free Countries | Visa Free Access to Schengen Countries | Visa Free Access to the UK | Visa Free Access to China | Minimum Cost |
Solomon Islands | 88th | 135 | Yes | Yes | Yes | - |
Nauru | 95th | 89 | No | Yes | Yes | $230,000 |
Vanuatu | 112th | 95 | No | No | No | $240,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Citizenship by Investment in the Solomon Islands
How do I become a citizen of Solomon Island?
Foreign nationals can become Solomon Islands citizens through naturalization or marriage. Solomon Islands nationality law requires foreign nationals to reside in the country for at least five years in the ten years before applying for citizenship. The spouse of a Solomon Islands national can apply for citizenship after five years of marriage.
Does the Solomon Islands offer citizenship through investment?
The Solomon Islands does not have a citizenship by investment (CBI) program; however, the first draft of the Solomon Islands CBI program has been developed and is undergoing peer review by the Attorney General’s (AG’s) Chambers.
What are the benefits of holding a Solomon Islands passport, such as visa free access to other countries?
A Solomon Islands passport offers several benefits for potential investors, including the visa free access to a range of countries like Canada, the UK, Schengen countries, and China.
Can I invest in real estate to obtain Solomon Islands citizenship?
Real estate investment has not yet been determined as a qualifying investment option to obtain citizenship by investment in the Solomon Islands.
Can foreigners buy land in the Solomon Islands?
Foreign investors can buy land in the Solomons Islands, which is based on a 75-year fixed-term lease model.
Can Solomon Islands citizenship be revoked?
The Government of the Solomon Islands retains the right to revoke citizenship under circumstances such as misrepresentation, threats to national security, and any other condition outlined in the Oath of Allegiance.
What documents are required to apply for Solomon Islands citizenship?
While the required documents to apply for the Solomon Islands citizenship by investment program are yet to be determined, foreign investors can expect to submit a valid passport, birth certificate, citizenship application, medical certificate, and financial statements.
What is the validity period of a Solomon Islands passport?
A passport of the Solomon Islands is valid for ten years for citizens 16 and over and five years for children under 16.
