Nauru’s Citizenship Program for 2025

Most people have never heard of Nauru, a tiny island in the South Pacific with a population smaller than a football stadium crowd. 

But for those in the know, it offers one of the most convenient routes to a second passport. 

There’s no residency requirement, no real estate to manage and no drawn-out bureaucracy – just a straightforward financial contribution and some paperwork. 

But why would anyone want a passport from such a tiny, remote island nation? 

Well, for some very solid reasons, actually. While Nauru’s passport isn’t top-tier, it does offer visa-free access to key destinations like the UK, Singapore and parts of the Caribbean and Pacific.

So, for some people, it can form part of a valuable Plan B, while for others, it can be part of a strategic exit strategy – especially for US citizens who are considering renouncing their citizenship and need a second passport.

As global citizenship-by-investment programs tighten their rules and raise their prices, Nauru’s under-the-radar program is well worth a closer look. 

To that end, the Nomad Capitalist team has put together an extended guide to this overlooked island and the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

What is the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program?

Put simply, the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship program is one of the world’s most straightforward routes to a second passport.  

This South Pacific Island nation, whose main claims to fame have been its phosphate resources and remote location, has opened its doors to high-net-worth individuals looking for a Plan B. 

Unlike other countries that demand long residency periods or extensive business investments, Nauru has opted to keep things simple – make a financial contribution, pass the due diligence checks and you’re in.

The program is designed for those who value convenience and efficiency. 

You contribute to the Nauru Treasury Fund, and in return, you get full citizenship rights, including a passport valid for ten years. 

For a single applicant, the contribution is US$105,000, while families, including dependent children, can apply for slightly more. This makes it one of the cheapest citizenship-by-investment programs available right now.

Of course, Nauru isn’t a widely recognised financial hub, and its passport doesn’t have the same global appeal as a Swiss or St Kitts and Nevis passport. 

But if you’re looking for an affordable second citizenship with minimal hassle, it’s worth considering.

Why Get Nauru’s Passport?

There are some good reasons why you might want Nauru’s passport as part of your global strategy.

Positive Environmental Impact: For environmentally-conscious investors, a unique draw of this program is the impact. Your contribution directly funds climate crisis solutions, such as the Higher Ground Initiative, which aims to relocate communities and infrastructure at threat from rising sea levels. You’re not just securing your future but also actively contributing to the sustainability of a nation that needs it. Few other countries tie their CBI schemes directly to a beneficial cause like climate resilience initiatives. 

Affordability: The investment requirement is lower than other citizenship programs, with a starting contribution of US$105,000. 

No Residency Requirements: Unlike many Caribbean alternatives, there’s no requirement to visit or reside on the island to obtain Nauru citizenship, making it a hassle-free way to obtain a second nationality. This means you can enjoy the benefits of the passport, without needing to relocate there. 

A Decent Passport: Nauru’s passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 90 countries, including major financial and business hubs like the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and the UAE. While it may not compete with the global mobility of a European passport, it still offers strategic benefits, particularly for those looking to expand their travel options or secure a backup plan.

Bring Your Family: Beyond the travel perks, Nauru’s program is one of the few that allows for broad family inclusion. You can add your spouse, dependent children up to 30 years old, parents, grandparents and even unmarried siblings. 

Tax System: Nauru has a territorial tax system, meaning foreign income isn’t taxed for residents. 

How the Nauru Program Works

Nauru’s program stands out from others and is designed for those who want a fast, legitimate and hassle-free way to secure a second passport. 

The program is ideal for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) who want greater global mobility, a safety net in times of uncertainty or an alternative passport without jumping through endless bureaucratic hoops. 

The country has a population of just over 12,000, but its government wants to attract serious investors who understand the value of a second citizenship. 

Nauru Citizenship Cost

A single applicant must contribute US$105,000 to the Nauru Treasury Fund. Families pay slightly more, with a contribution of US$110,000 for two to four members and US$115,000 for five or more. 

Additional dependents require an extra US$15,000 per person.

Beyond the contribution itself, applicants must also cover various government fees. 

The application fee is US$25,000 for individuals, US$27,500 for families of up to four, and US$30,000 for larger families. 

Due diligence fees start at US$10,000 for the principal applicant and US$7,500 for each additional adult dependent. 

There are also bank compliance fees, passport fees and, if a third party funds the contribution, an extra due diligence fee of US$7,500.

All fees must be paid upfront and are non-refundable. This means that primary applicants need to be certain about their eligibility before proceeding. 

Nauru Citizenship Application Process

The application process for the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program is relatively simple and can be completed entirely remotely with the Nauru program office. 

The first step is to work with our team (a licensed agent for the program), who will assess your eligibility and guide you through the process. 

Once you’re cleared to proceed, you’ll need to prepare and submit the necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of funds and a clean criminal record certificate.

After submitting the documents, you’ll undergo a thorough due diligence process conducted by independent firms. This is an important step, as Nauru’s government is strict about maintaining the integrity of its program. 

Assuming you pass all checks, you’ll receive approval and be required to make your contribution to the Nauru Treasury Fund.

Once your payment is confirmed, you’ll take an oath of allegiance, which can be done remotely, in person or through a notary public. After that, you’ll receive your official certificate of citizenship and your new Nauru passport.

The entire process typically takes a few months, making it one of the fastest options of its kind.

How Good is the Nauru Passport?

Nauru passport holders can travel visa-free to 44 countries and get a visa on arrival in 42 more. This includes the UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, but it does not extend to major Western countries like the US, Canada or the Schengen Area.

Most visa-free access is limited to small island nations and some Asian and African countries. That said, Nauru allows dual citizenship, so there’s no need to hand in your original passport.

Second Citizenship Alternatives

While the overall cost is lower than the Caribbean CBI programs, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of a Nauru passport against other available options. 

Ultimately, investing a bit more could offer you a lot more freedom and benefits.

Antigua and Barbuda is another solid choice. For a US$230,000 donation, you get a passport with visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Zone. This includes a family of four.

Turkey offers citizenship for a US$400,000 real estate investment. While its passport isn’t as strong for visa-free travel, Turkey provides a pathway to the US E-2 investor visa and a potential route to European residency. Plus, many investors see promising returns from their real estate purchases.

St Kitts and Nevis is seen as the gold standard of Caribbean citizenship. A passport here will cost you at least US$250,000, but it remains one of the best passports for global mobility, offering visa-free access to nearly 160 countries and tax benefits.

Nauru Citizenship: FAQs

Is Nauru for You?

As outlined above, there are some great reasons to go for Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

But it’s not for everyone – if you want a passport with strong global mobility, you could be better off looking elsewhere. 

On the other hand, if you value a reliable second citizenship with no residency requirements and a simple application process, Nauru is worth considering. It’s a straightforward Plan B that won’t break the bank.

Making sure it aligns with your long-term goals, however, will take planning and that’s where Nomad Capitalist can help. We’ve worked with 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’ through bespoke offshore strategies.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan that adds maximum value to your lifestyle. To see how we can help, get in touch.