The idea of a second passport is appealing, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and business owners. But beyond the usual travel advantages, have you ever thought about how citizenship can address important global problems? This brings us to the interesting discussion of Nauru citizenship.
This small island nation in the Pacific, with fewer than 12,000 residents, is attracting attention. Nauru citizenship is becoming notable for a bold reason. Nauru is directly impacted by climate change, and they are finding innovative ways to face this.
How to get a Nauru Citizenship?
The process of obtaining a Nauru citizenship is regulated by the Naoero Citizenship Act as of 2017 (‘Citizenship Act’). The Citizenship Act provides four main pathways through which an individual can acquire Nauru citizenship.
As of2025 Nauru has also launched a climate resilience citizenship program allowing foreigners to acquire Nauru citizenship via investment.
Citizenship by birth
A person who is born on this small island acquires a Nauru citizenship provided at the moment of birth one or both of child’s parents are Nauru citizens.
Citizenship by descendent
A person is born outside Nauru, he/she can apply for Nauru citizenship if both or one of the parents were Nauru citizen at the moment of a child’s birth.
If, however, parents of such a child renounce their citizenship, a child in question can no longer apply for Nauru citizenship. If a renunciation takes place after a child becomes a Nauru citizen, it does not affect such a child.
Citizenship by naturalization
Nauru has very strict requirements for naturalization. In order to be naturalized in Nauru, a person should meet simultaneously two criterias:
- to be born in Nauru to the parents who are both not Nauru citizens; and
- to reside legally in Nauru for the period of at least 20 years.
Citizenship by marriage
A person can become a citizen through marriage. The naturalization process in that case looks as follows:
- to be married to Nauru citizen for at least 7 years; and
- to live with Nauru citizen on the territory of Republic of Nauru for at least 7 years prior to submitting application for citizenship.
Citizenship through investment program
The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program was introduced at the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference. This resilience citizenship program, also known as a “golden passport” initiative, has its complexities.
The program provides Nauru citizenship in return for a financial contribution. Obtained money will be re-directed to secure the island’s coast line, as well as to maintain sustainable development of the island.
How the Nauru Citizenship by Investment Program Works?
The citizenship program offers a straightforward process. A Nauru passport is offered to individuals without significant criminal records, requiring a minimum contribution of USD 105,000.
It is expected, that the revenues gained through the citizenship by investment scheme will better help Nauru face the climate crisis. The money will be used to build new infrastructure projects like roads and public hospitals.
Weighing the Costs of Nauru Citizenship
Nauru Climate Resilience Program represents a cost effective solution for both individuals applicants and investors with big families.
The investment contribution along with auxiliary expenses (e.g. due diligence and processing fees) are significantly lower compared with the Caribbean citizenship programs.
Single Applicant
Total: USD 140,500
– minimum investment USD 105,000
– application fee USD 25,000
– due diligence fee USD 10,000
– passport fee USD 500
Married Couple
Total: USD 156,000
– minimum investment USD 110,000
– application fee USD 27,500
– due diligence fee USD 17,500
– passport fee USD 1,000
Married Couple with two kids under 18 y.o.
Total: USD 157,000
– minimum investment USD 110,000
– application fee USD 27,500
– due diligence fee USD 17,500
– passport fee USD 2,000
Benefits of Investing in Nauru Citizenship
Improving travel flexibility
A Nauruan passport grants visa-free access to over 100 countries and territories.
Nauru economic citizenship offers visa free travel to strategic destinations, including Hong Kong, SAR China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Ireland, the United Kingdom and many others.
Combating climate crisis in Pacific Ocean
In recent years the Republic of Nauru face rising sea levels because of climate change. By investing in Nauru you participate in the first world citizenship investment program to address climate crisis solutions.
Secure future for the whole family
Nauru climate resilience citizenship program offers to include family members for an extra fee, including parents, spouse and children.
Remote Application Process
There are no requirements to live in Nauru to apply for a second passport. The Program Office of Nauru does not require you to visit the island to submit documents. After approval in principal successful applicants can attend the oath ceremony remotely.
Politically Neutral Alternative Passport
Nauru positions itself as a politically neutral alternative citizenship program. That means that citizens of all countries can apply for Nauru passport, provided they have a clean criminal record. On top of that, it allows you to secure citizenship in a politically neutral country.
How to apply for Nauru Citizenship?
Citizenship on the grounds other than investment
If a person wants to become a Nauru citizen based on the general grounds (e.g. naturalization or marriage), they need to apply to the Secretary of Minister of Nauru.
Application process in that case may last up to six months. An applicant is required to pay the application fee along with submission of their application.
An applicant must be at least 20 years old in order to be able to file application.
After the review of the application, the Minister of Nauru can either grant or deny the citizenship. The decision of the Minister is final. In case a citizenship is denied, there is no way to appeal it or to review further.
Application Process for Nauru Resilience Citizenship Program
All the applications should be submitted through the licensed agents directly to Nauru Program Office.
The application process includes several stages:
- Submission of the required documents to the Program Office
This stage also involves payment related due diligence and application fees depending on the composition of the family.
- Review of the documents by the Program Office
At this stage applicants over 16 y.o. can be invited for online interview with the program’s representatives.
- Issuance of a final decision
The Program Office can approve application, refuse it or delay for cause. If the application is approved, an investor is required to pay the contribution within the next 30 days since approval.
- Administrative formalities
If the application is successful, an investor will be invited to take an oath. After that the certificate of citizenship is issued. The said certificate is a conclusive evidence of the citizenship of Nauru.
Conclusion
Nauru citizenship offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to gain a second passport. With its rapid application process and absence of any residency requirements, Nauru citizenship is an attractive option for those seeking to diversify their citizenship portfolio.
Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or simply an individual seeking to expand your global reach, Nauru citizenship is definitely worth considering.
