The Pacific island nation formerly known as the Republic of Nauru has officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to embrace its indigenous heritage and national identity. The change has already been formally recognized by the United Nations, international organizations, and foreign governments.
As part of the transition, the country’s Citizenship by Investment initiative will now operate under the name Naoero Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, replacing the former Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
According to an official circular issued by the Program Office, the name “Naoero” (pronounced now-ero) is the island’s original indigenous name and has continued to be used by local communities in their own language. The government said the change reflects a commitment to honoring the country’s cultural heritage, language, and identity. The name has historical roots dating back more than 3,000 years to the Micronesian settlers who first inhabited the island around 1000 BCE.
The transition also includes several administrative updates. Effective immediately, newly issued citizenship certificates will bear the country’s official name, Republic of Naoero. However, passports will continue to be issued under the name “Nauru” during a transitional period until redesigned passports become available. Authorities emphasized that this administrative change does not affect the validity of existing or newly issued passports during the transition.
In addition, the country is updating its international identifiers. The official country code will transition from NRU to NRO, while citizens will now be formally referred to as dei-Naoero instead of Nauruans.
The Program Office confirmed that legislation, regulations, application forms, official guidance, website content, and other program materials will be updated progressively over the coming month. During this period, both “Nauru” and “Naoero” may appear across official documents and platforms while the transition is completed.
Naoero Citizenship Program
The name change does not alter the structure or objectives of the country’s Citizenship by Investment program. Now operating as the Naoero Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, the initiative continues to offer eligible investors the opportunity to obtain citizenship by contributing to projects that support the nation’s economic development and climate resilience.
The program is designed to attract responsible global investors while generating funding for sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection, renewable energy initiatives, and long-term economic growth.
Applicants who successfully complete the due diligence process and meet all program requirements can obtain citizenship, providing enhanced global mobility and the opportunity to include eligible family members under a single application.
Read also: Step-by-Step Guide to the Nauru Citizenship Program
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Nauru change its name to the Republic of Naoero?
The country officially adopted the name Republic of Naoero to honor its indigenous heritage, language, and national identity. “Naoero” is the island’s original name, which has been used by locals for generations and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
Is Nauru now officially called the Republic of Naoero?
Yes. According to the official announcement, the country has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero, and the new name has already been recognized by the United Nations, international organizations, and foreign governments.
What is the new name of Nauru’s Citizenship Program?
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program has been renamed the Naoero Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program to reflect the country’s official name change.
Does the name change affect existing citizenship certificates?
No. The circular states that new citizenship certificates issued under the program will display the country’s new official name, Republic of Naoero.
Will Nauru passports also be renamed immediately?
Not yet. During the administrative transition, passports will continue to be issued under the name Nauru until new passports bearing the country’s official name become available.
Are existing Nauru passports still valid?
Yes. The Program Office confirmed that the transition is administrative only and does not affect the validity of existing passports or passports issued during the transition period.
Has the country’s international code changed?
Yes. The official circular states that the country’s international code is transitioning from NRU to NRO.
What are citizens of the Republic of Naoero now called?
Under the official update, citizens will now be formally referred to as dei-Naoero, replacing the previous designation of Nauruans.
Will official documents and application forms be updated?
Yes. The Government of Naoero and the Program Office will progressively update legislation, regulations, application forms, guidance documents, website content, and other program materials over the coming month. During the transition, both “Nauru” and “Naoero” may appear across official documents and platforms.