Omanghana
The Pacific island nation of Nauru is offering citizenship to foreign investors for a minimum contribution of $90,000 as it seeks funding for climate-resilient infrastructure and the planned relocation of vulnerable communities.
Developed in partnership with international advisory firm Henley & Partners, the citizenship-by-investment programme is intended to generate revenue to protect Nauru’s estimated 13,000 residents from rising sea levels and other environmental threats.
More than 120 applicants have reportedly obtained citizenship through the programme since its introduction.
A single applicant can currently participate through a promotional contribution of $90,000. The standard minimum is $115,000, with the reduced rate expected to remain available until the end of the year.
Successful applicants receive a Nauruan passport offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 85 destinations, including Singapore and Hong Kong. The passport does not currently provide visa-free entry to the United Kingdom.
Citizenship granted through the programme does not include the right to own land in Nauru. Land ownership remains restricted to native-born Nauruans under the country’s laws and traditional ownership system.
Applicants are not required to live in or visit Nauru to obtain or retain citizenship. The application process can be completed remotely, subject to identity verification, security screening and due-diligence checks.
Revenue generated through the programme is expected to support Nauru’s climate adaptation plans, including coastal protection, resilient public infrastructure and the gradual relocation of homes and essential services away from areas threatened by rising seas.
Nauru’s programme has a similar entry price to the citizenship-by-investment initiative offered by São Tomé and Príncipe. Both require a minimum contribution of approximately $90,000 and do not impose physical residency requirements.
However, the programmes differ in their development priorities and travel benefits. Nauru’s initiative is focused primarily on climate adaptation and relocation, while São Tomé and Príncipe directs investment toward sustainable tourism and environmental preservation.
A Nauruan passport reportedly provides access to more than 85 destinations, compared with approximately 60 destinations associated with São Tomé and Príncipe’s programme.
Other established citizenship-by-investment options are available in the Caribbean but generally require substantially higher contributions.
Antigua and Barbuda offers a National Development Fund option starting at $230,000 for a family of up to four, while Dominica requires a minimum non-refundable contribution of $200,000 for a single applicant.
St. Lucia’s National Economic Fund option starts at approximately $240,000 for an individual applicant. These programmes may provide broader visa-free travel access, including entry to countries within Europe’s Schengen Area.
Investment citizenship programmes can involve additional government, legal, due-diligence and processing fees beyond the advertised minimum contribution. Applicants should independently verify current requirements with official government authorities and obtain qualified legal and financial advice before transferring funds, as immigration rules and visa-access arrangements can change.
Source: Omanghana
