Nestled in the South Pacific Ocean, Nauru is a small island nation in Oceania, located just south of the Marshall Islands. As the world’s third-smallest country—behind Vatican City and Monaco—it is the smallest republic, island nation, and member state of the Commonwealth of Nations by area. With its warm weather, friendly people, and laid-back lifestyle, Nauru is a real island getaway. Its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts to fish, snorkel, and enjoy other water sports.
In a move to boost economic growth and climate resilience, Nauru has introduced the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP). This new program allows individuals to buy citizenship quickly and easily by making a direct financial contribution to the Treasury Fund. The program links economic development with environmental sustainability, addressing climate change while supporting the island’s growth. Successful applicants can get second citizenship while investing in Nauru’s future and supporting its sustainable development.
Nauru Citizenship Program Details
What is the NECRCP?
Nauru’s government announced the new program that combines investment with purpose at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku. This groundbreaking initiative offers investors and high-net-worth individuals a chance to obtain second citizenship while supporting climate resilience and sustainable development in one of the world’s most charming island nations.
Designed for visionary investors who want to make a tangible impact, the program allows applicants to contribute directly to Nauru’s Treasury Fund, funding essential climate adaptation projects. With a simplified application process and decisions issued in just three to four months, this initiative promises both efficiency and meaningful contribution, positioning Nauru as a leader in pairing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.
Key Benefits of the NECRCP
The NECRCP gives applicants a politically neutral second passport and a safety net in an uncertain world. With visa-free travel to Hong Kong, Ireland, Singapore, the UAE, and the UK, it significantly improves global mobility. The program also includes family, so applicants can add their spouse, dependents, parents, and siblings to make travel for loved ones smoother and safer.
Additional advantages included unrestricted dual citizenship and no residency or visit requirements. Beyond personal benefits, applicants will actively contribute to combating the climate crisis in the South Pacific, where small island nations like Nauru are grappling with rising sea levels and biodiversity challenges. The program also unlocks investment opportunities in one of the Pacific’s most strategically positioned nations, combining personal growth with meaningful global impact.
Main requirements to apply
To be eligible for the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, applicants must[1]:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a clean criminal record
- Provide proof of the legitimate source of funds
- Pay a minimum of $130,000 for a single applicant, $137,500 for a family of two to four members, or $145,000 for a family of five or more members (additional fees may apply)
Vital steps
Before taking any step, applicants must speak with an authorized agent to determine their eligibility and receive application guidance before proceeding. Applicants should be taking the following steps:
- Compile the required paperwork with the agent’s assistance
- Submit their application through the agent
- Go through extensive due diligence checks
- Receive approval and make their contribution to the Nauru Treasury Fund
- Obtain the certificate of citizenship and Nauru passport
- With a processing time of only three to four months, applicants can be part of Nauru’s bright future.
Minimum Investment and Fees
The minimum contribution to the Treasury Fund is:
| Applicants | Contribution to Treasury Fund | Application Fee | Due Diligence Fee | Passport Fee (paid to Nauru Government) |
| Single applicant | $105,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 | $500 per passport |
| Family of two-four members
|
$110,000 | $27,500 | ||
| Family of five or more members
|
$115,000 | $30,000 | ||
| Each additional sibling of the main applicant or their spouse | $15,000 | $7,500 per additional family member aged 16 or older |
A single applicant’s total investment reaches $140,500, while a family of four must invest $155,000.
Step-by-step application process
Applying for the NECRCP is straightforward. Here is a complete guide to the application process[2]:
Step 1: Initial consultation with an agent
Your journey to Nauru citizenship starts with a consultation with one of the authorized Agents. These professionals are officially approved by the Nauru Program Office to assist applicants throughout their application process.
- Agents offer a detailed overview of the program.
- They evaluate the applicant’s eligibility based on the program’s criteria.
Step 2: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria to be met by an Applicant shall be as follows:
- The Applicant has undergone background screening by an approved due diligence firm and has been verified and approved by it.
- The Applicant has provided a police certificate from the country of residence where they have lived for more than 6 months in the past 10 years.
- The Applicant has not been convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more, as confirmed by the police certificate.
- The Applicant has not been charged or indicted by the International Criminal Court, regardless of the court’s findings.
- The Applicant is not listed with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), European Police, or any other international crime agency at the time of application.
- The Applicant has not engaged in terrorism and proliferation financing-related activities.
- The Applicant has not been convicted of a sexual offense involving a child.
- The Applicant is not a citizen of a country listed in the United Nations Security Council Resolution as a high-risk country.
- The Applicant has not been designated for targeted financial sanctions by the United Nations Security Council or its committees under a resolution.
- The Applicant is not a shareholder or beneficial owner of an entity designated for targeted financial sanctions by the United Nations Security Council or its committees under a resolution.
- The Applicant isn’t a potential threat to the national security, public interest, or public health of Nauru.
- The Applicant has not been found guilty, charged, indicted, or is under investigation for terrorism, money laundering, funding of terrorism, crimes against humanity, war crimes, or crimes infringing upon human rights as per the United Nations Convention on Human Rights.
- The Applicant is not being investigated or has not been charged with an offense punishable by imprisonment for 12 months or more at the time of the application.
An Applicant who does not meet all of these requirements will not be approved for consideration for Nauru citizenship under the Program.
Step 3: Application submission
The completed citizenship application, along with the required paperwork and due diligence fees, should be delivered by the agent to the Nauru Program Office. After confirming receipt of the application, the Nauru Program Office will start the rigorous review procedure.
Step 4: Due Diligence and Background Checks
To maintain the program’s credibility, all applicants who are sixteen years of age or older undergo thorough due diligence procedures. The Nauru Police Force, the Compliance Officers of the Nauru Program Office, and independent international due diligence companies specialized in background checks and anti-money laundering (AML) conduct these checks. Each Principal Applicant is required to participate in an interview, either in person or electronically, at a different site chosen by the Nauru Program Office, which will be done by a due diligence firm on commission. If considered essential, a dependent of the principal applicant who is 16 years of age or older may also be asked to participate in an interview.
Applicants must completely comply by supplying any further documentation that may be requested during the one to two-month due diligence process.
Step 5: Application review and decision
The Nauru Program Office will do a risk assessment after completing the due diligence processes and recommend to the Minister whether to accept or deny the application. After reviewing the application, the Registrar will forward it to the Cabinet for a final judgment. A Letter of Approval in Principle, including instructions for paying the contribution and passport fee, will be sent to the Principal Applicant by the Agent if an application is accepted in principle.
Post-Application Requirements
Oath/Affirmation and Certificate of Citizenship Issuance
Once the applicant takes the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, the certificate of citizenship will be issued. If the applicant cannot take the Oath or Affirmation in person, he can do so via audio-visual link, or before a notary public or any other person authorized to administer oaths or affirmations in another jurisdiction.
Passport Issuance
The applicant should submit a certified copy of the Passport Application Form. This is considered the final step in the application process. Your authorized agent will complete all the necessary documentation for you to get your passport.
Restricted Nationalities and Source of Funds:
Nationalities
Individuals holding citizenship of or residing in any of the following countries are prohibited from applying:
- Afghanistan*
- Belarus
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Iran
- Myanmar
- Russia
- Sudan*
- Yemen*
*Note: Citizens of Afghanistan, Sudan, and Yemen are permitted to apply, provided they have not lived in these countries for at least 10 years and have no economic ties to them.
Funds origin:
Participating banks impose additional restrictions on the origin of the source of funds used for the payment of fees and contributions. Funds cannot originate from or be transferred through the following countries:
- Afghanistan
- Belarus
- Central African Republic
- Cuba
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Myanmar or Burma
- Russia
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine (namely the areas subject to illegal occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine | Crimea, Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, Sevastopol and Zaporizhzhia)
- Uzbekistan
- Yemen
- Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program?
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program is a citizenship-by-investment initiative that offers individuals the opportunity to obtain Nauru citizenship in exchange for a financial contribution. The program aims to support Nauru’s sustainable development and climate resilience projects.
What investment options are available for the NCERCP?
To qualify for the citizenship by investment program, a single applicant must make a financial contribution of $105,000 to help fund Nauru’s sustainable development and climate resilience efforts.
What is the minimum investment required for the Nauru citizenship by investment program?
The minimum investment required for a single applicant is $130,000.
How long does it take to process an application for Nauru citizenship by investment?
Processing times can vary, but it may take between 3 to 5 months on average.
Can family members be included in the Nauru citizenship by investment program application?
Yes, the program allows family members, including a spouse, dependent children, parents, and siblings, to be included in additional fees.
What documents are required for the Nauru citizenship by investment application?
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
What is the process for applying to the Nauru citizenship by investment program?
Applications must submit their application through an authorized agent. The process includes document preparation, due diligence checks, and making the investment contribution.
Can individuals apply or correspond directly to the Program Office for citizenship applications?
No. Application must be submitted through licensed agents listed on the Program Office’s website.
What are the maximum ages for dependent children and Siblings, and minimum ages for parents?
- Dependent Children:
- A child, including an adopted child, of the main applicant or their spouse who is under 18 years of age.
- A child, including an adopted child, of the main applicant or their spouse, who is between the ages of 18 and 30, is unmarried, and is financially supported by the Principal Applicant.
- A child of the main applicant or their spouse, who is at least 18 years old, is physically or mentally challenged, lives with, and is fully supported by the Principal Applicant.
- Parents or Grandparents:
- A parent or grandparent of the Principal Applicant or their spouse who is over 55 years old and financially supported by the Principal Applicant.
- Siblings:
- There are no age restrictions for siblings of the Principal Applicant or spouse; however, they must not be married and must never have been married.
Are descendants automatically granted citizenship?
Citizenship granted under the Citizenship Act does not include automatic citizenship by descent,
regardless of where a subsequent child is born. However, the provisions of the Citizenship Act and Regulations allow Dependents, as defined in the Regulations, to be added to the Application after the initial grant of citizenship to the Principal Applicant. Additional fees, contributions, and documentation are required to add Dependents.
Is financial dependency necessary for children, parents, or siblings?
Financial dependency is mandatory for children and parents.
Can someone with a visa rejection apply (e.g., from the UK, USA, Schengen, etc.)?
If an applicant has been refused a visa from a country where Nauruan passport holders can travel visa-free, it could affect their eligibility for the program. Applicants must disclose any visa refusals when applying and provide a clear explanation of the circumstances. Transparency and supporting documentation can significantly aid in the evaluation process.
Can someone with an expired passport apply?
A valid passport is required for the application. However, there is no specified minimum validity period.
Does the applicant get refunded any fees in case of citizenship application rejection?
No, the Application Fee, Due Diligence Fee, and Bank Fee are non-refundable.
What are the required documents from the Main Applicant and dependents?
The following documents must be submitted by the Principal Applicant and their dependents:
- Valid Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage/Divorce Certificate (if applicable)
- Government-issued Photographic ID Card
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Citizenship Certificate
- Proof of Residential Address
- Name Change Documents (if applicable)
- Military Records (if applicable)
- Medical Certificate (including HIV Test Results)
- Custody or Legal Guardianship Records (if applicable)
- Proof of Source of Funds and Income
- Affidavits of Support for Adult Dependents
- Passport-Sized Photographs
- Other Supporting Documents (if applicable)
All documents must be certified and submitted in English. Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation provided by an approved translator.
Is a Nauruan passport issued to a citizen who has obtained citizenship under the program different from a natural Nauruan citizen’s passport?
No, the passports issued are standard Nauruan passports.
Can the name be changed in a Nauru passport?
No, this practice is not allowed from a compliance perspective, except in cases where an authenticated name change document is provided in the request (e.g., a marriage certificate for a name change due to marriage, or a deed poll or similar legal document).
What is the validity of the first Nauru passport issued?
For adults, the first passport is valid for 10 years. For minors under 16, it is valid for 5 years.
How Nauruan passport can be renewed?
Citizens who obtained Nauruan citizenship through the Program can renew their Nauruan passport
in one of the following ways:
• Through the Program Office.
• By visiting in person or couriering a passport renewal application to any of the following Nauru
missions abroad:
1. Beijing, China
2. Brisbane, Australia (preferred mission)
3. Geneva, Switzerland
4. New Delhi, India
5. New York, USA
6. Suva, Fiji
(Note: Before submitting the request to the mission office, the passport application form should
be sent to the Program Office for verification.)
• By visiting in person or couriering the documentation required for passport renewal to the
Secretary for Justice & Border Control’s office in Nauru, with notification to the Passport
Office.
Can more than one spouse be included in the Application?
No, Nauru does not recognize polygamous relationships.
At what stage in the Application review process will Applicants have to do an interview?
The interview is requested once the Application has been received, and the due diligence process is in its final stages.
Is an interview required for every adult in every Application?
It is expected that the Principal Applicant will interview in most cases. However, any Dependent of over the age of 16 may also be required to attend an interview to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
If the Applicant’s first language is not English, does the Applicant have the option to select to be interviewed in their native language?
Yes. The Applicant can choose to conduct their live interview in English, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Vietnamese, Urdu, or French. If a different language is required, the Applicant should request it upon receiving the booking invitation, and arrangements can be made.
Can the source of funds be cryptocurrency?
Yes, the source of funds can be cryptocurrency. However, payments must be made in US dollars.
Appropriate documentation to prove the source of funds is required.
Can the Application be sponsored?
Yes, the application allows for the use of benefactors. However, a due diligence fee for the benefactor will apply, and the benefactor must provide the required documentation.
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