Citizenship by Investment in Nauru: What are the Features of the Program?

Nauru is one of the smallest nations in the world, located in Oceania. This tiny island, with about 10,000 people, is known for its unique history, natural riches, and special status in the international community. Despite its small size and limited natural resources, Nauru is actively developing its economy by attracting foreign investment.

In recent years, Nauru's citizenship by investment program has begun to attract interest among wealthy individuals seeking an alternative passport. The reasons for this interest are obvious: a favorable tax regime, a simplified naturalization process, and the opportunity to expand financial and business opportunities.

The Nauru Citizenship Program offers a relatively quick and convenient way to obtain a second passport, making it attractive to entrepreneurs, investors, and those looking to secure an alternative residence. In this article, we will look at the main conditions of the program, its advantages, risks and prospects, and compare it with similar offers of other countries.

Conditions and requirements of the Nauru citizenship program

Nauru citizenship through investment is a unique opportunity to obtain a passport for a small but strategically located island nation. Unlike many similar programs, Nauru offers flexible conditions and several investment areas suitable for both individual investors and business groups. The Nauru Citizenship by Investment Program, officially named the Nauru Citizenship Program for Economic and Climate Resilience, was launched in 2024 under the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilient Citizenship Act.

Minimum investment amount

To date, the exact investment thresholds for the Nauru Citizenship Program cannot be given as the final amount depends on the investment route chosen and the number of applicants included in the program. However, the minimum contribution will be between $105,000 and $115,000. In addition, investors should consider additional costs:

• Administrative fees associated with the application process (application fee).
• Payment for mandatory due diligence (due diligence).
• Legal support for the transaction.

The administrative fee for the application is $25,000 for a single applicant to $30,000 for a family of 5-7 people. The due diligence fee is $10,000 for the primary applicant and $7,500 for each additional family member over the age of 16. The legal transaction or so-called passport fee is US$500 for each passport.

All these costs add to the overall cost of the program, but in return, the investor gets access to a number of benefits, which we will discuss later in the text.

Available areas of investment

The Nauru Citizenship Program provides several ways to invest, allowing applicants to choose the best option depending on their financial goals:

National Development Fund. Irrevocable contribution to the country's economy. This option is ideal for those interested in quickly obtaining citizenship without having to manage assets.

Real Estate. Purchase of residential or commercial properties that contribute to the island's infrastructure. It may be necessary to hold the property for several years before it can be resold.

Entrepreneurial projects. Investing in business projects that contribute to job creation and economic development. This may include investments in tourism, logistics, fishing, and other key industries.

The flexibility of the program allows you to adapt investments to the needs of a particular investor, choosing the optimal balance between the return on investment and the timing of obtaining citizenship.

Who can apply?

The program is designed to appeal to a wide range of applicants including:

• Individual investors seeking a second passport for ease of travel and tax planning.
• Family applicants can include spouses, children, and parents or grandparents in the application (subject to certain conditions).
• Business partners who plan to co-invest in projects on Nauru.

Advantages of Nauru citizenship

Visa-free or simplified entry to key countries

One of the main benefits of Nauru citizenship is the ability to enter several countries, including those in Asia and Oceania, visa-free or simplified. A Nauru passport allows you to:

• Travel visa-free to around 80 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and most Caribbean countries. According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, Nauru's passport ranks 58th for freedom of movement.
• Apply for a visa on arrival or under a simplified procedure in several EU countries and the UK.
• Obtain long-term visas to strategically important countries, making the passport a convenient tool for business travel.

Tax benefits and financial privacy

Nauru offers its citizens attractive tax conditions:

• No personal income tax - investors are not required to pay taxes on income earned outside the country.
• No capital gains tax, which makes Nauru an interesting jurisdiction for business owners and real estate investors.
• Confidentiality of financial data - the state protects banking secrecy.

Simplified visa to Australia

Australia has historically maintained close ties with Nauru, and having citizenship of this island nation can simplify the process of obtaining an Australian visa. Specifically:

• Nauru citizens can apply for long-term visas to Australia under a simplified procedure.
• There may be special conditions for obtaining Australian residency.

Potential Risks and Limitations

While Nauru's citizenship-by-investment program attracts a certain audience, it also has several drawbacks to consider.

• Political and economic instability. Nauru is a small island nation with limited resources, and potential investors should carefully assess all risks associated with investment and citizenship. The country is dependent on foreign aid, especially from Australia.
• Limited passport options. Visa-free privileges are inferior to competitive programs.
• Weak infrastructure. Nauru is suitable for temporary stay rather than permanent residence.

Conclusion

The Nauru citizenship program is a specific offer that will not suit everyone. It is beneficial:

• Those interested in tax benefits and financial privacy.
• Investors working in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Individuals consider a backup passport as an option in case of instability in their home country.

While Nauru citizenship can offer certain advantages, it is inferior to Caribbean and Vanuatu programs in terms of mobility and international recognition. The main advantages are possible tax benefits and links to Australia, but the passport's limited prestige and poor infrastructure make it a niche product for a narrow range of investors.