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The world’s smallest independent republic, Nauru, has launched its ambitious Nauru citizenship by investment (CBI) program at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Officially named the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP) and based in New Zealand, the initiative represents an innovative approach to combining global mobility with climate action in an unprecedented way.
In announcing the program, Nauru’s Minister for Climate Change and National Resilience, Asterio Appi, emphasised its transformative potential.
“This program reflects our commitment to securing a sustainable future for Nauru while offering global citizens an opportunity to make a real difference,” he told COP29 delegates.
Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, Nauru is located just south of the equator. Part of the enchanting Micronesia region, it lies northeast of Australia and west of the Marshall Islands. This unique island nation is no stranger to reinvention. Once celebrated as the wealthiest country per capita — thanks to its phosphate reserves — Nauru’s story is one of resilience and transformation, having navigated economic challenges as a result of the depletion of these reserves. An unlikely contender in the competitive world of CBI with a population of just over 10,000 and a land area barely larger than New York’s Central Park, it’s easy to underestimate this tiny nation. However, the NECRCP is carving a niche that aligns with Nauru’s unique identity and pressing needs.
President David Adeang highlighted the program broader impact noting that “investment migration has evolved into a powerful mechanism for addressing sustainability risks and promoting environmental stability.”
A Shift in Climate Finance
The NECRCP emerges as a groundbreaking solution to challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS). While the primary focus for traditional CBI programmes is mobility and tax advantages, Nauru’s program channels investments directly into projects that contribute to global environmental preservation. These include efforts to enhance energy security, improve freshwater access, and promote the innovative Higher Ground Initiative — a program aimed at mitigating the impacts of rising sea levels.
As CEO of the program, Edward Clark remarked: “This program transforms Nauru into a living laboratory for climate adaptation strategies, offering investors a meaningful way to leave a lasting global impact.”
Due Diligence Framework and Restricted Countries
The program is designed for convenience, with applications handled remotely and interviews conducted online with government-provided translators upon request. The program maintains a robust due diligence procedure to ensure all applicants meet strict vetting standards.
The list of restricted countries currently includes Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Sudan, and Yemen.
A Passport with Purpose
A Nauru passport provides visa-free access to 89 destinations, including prominent financial, healthcare, and education hubs such as the UK, UAE, Ireland, Hong Kong (SAR China) and Singapore.
This mobility is a significant advantage for frequent travellers and business professionals.
Additionally, the passport presents a strategic ‘Plan B’ to those looking for political and economic stability without needing to relocate. The program also allows unrestricted dual citizenship and imposes no caps on applications. Successful applicants will receive comprehensive post-citizenship services, including passport renewal assistance.
Why Choose Nauru?
Nauru’s entry into the CBI industry signals a new and bold chapter for the country and the Pacific region. As climate change concerns grow, this program positions itself as a leader in climate-focused investment migration, creating a roadmap for other nations.
With processing times estimated at 3–4 months and one of the lowest minimum investment thresholds available, the program is particularly attractive to budget-conscious investors and those seeking a straightforward path to citizenship. It also appeals to a growing segment of environmentally conscious investors.
It takes a modern approach to investment migration, catering to individual benefits and actively contributing to a global agenda. This approach demonstrates that small nations can create groundbreaking solutions that align with economic development, positioning them as global leaders in the fight against climate change. The NECRCP also ensures the credibility of its program through its solid due diligence framework, which adheres to international standards of thoroughly vetting applicants.
Savory & Partners is a global leader in residency and citizenship by investment services, with a presence in over 20 jurisdictions, including the EU and Caribbean Islands. As the first firm to secure all five authorised agent licenses for the Caribbean governments, it has built a reputation for excellence in this competitive field.
The company has successfully processed second passports for over 11,000 clients, maintaining a flawless 930 success rate.
Founded in 2010 by Jeremy and Helena Savory, the company is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, and operates across seven countries with a team of over 60 experts globally.
In 2023, Savory & Partners expanded its offerings by launching a dedicated Business Migration Division, specialising in business migration programs such as Canada’s SUV and Portugal’s D7, D2, and E2 visas.
AFFORDABLE AND INCLUSIVE
The program offers a straightforward and competitive contribution to the National Treasury Fund:
$105,000 (Single applicant)
$110,000 (Family of 2-4 members)
$115,000 (Family of 5+ members)
$15,000 each (Additional siblings)
ADDITIONAL FEES INCLUDE:
APPLICATION:
$25,000 (Single applicant)
$27,500 (Family of 2-4 members)
$30,000 (Family of 5+ members)
DUE DILIGENCE:
$10,000 (Main applicant)
$7,500 (Per additional adult
family member)
PASSPORT:
$500 per passport
Notably, it allows broad family inclusivity, extending eligibility to spouses, children under 30, parents over 55, and even unmarried siblings. This approach distinguishes Nauru’s offering from many other CBI programs.
Is this the Next Big Thing in Citizenship by Investment?
Leading citizenship-by-investment expert Jeremy Savory weighs in
As someone deeply embedded in the investment migration industry for over 15 years, I see Nauru’s program as a pivotal moment for the Pacific region.
At a competitive price, it stands as one of the most affordable citizenship options globally — potentially offering excellent value for those on a budget.
Like any emerging opportunity, this highly affordable program also presents certain considerations. A new program with no proven track record and consular support may take time to develop fully. In my experience, 3-4 months of processing time is ambitious but worth watching as the program evolves.
A key attraction of Nauru’s citizenship is its access to prominent destinations like the UAE — that surprisingly is neither provided by Vanuatu or the Caribbean programs. While it doesn’t include Schengen access — that many Caribbean programs provide — it remains a strong competitor, especially when compared to similar programs in the region. Nauru’s focus on environmental sustainability and climate resilience offers a fresh angle that could attract international organisations and NGOs, potentially boosting the program’s value in the future.
For those exploring strategic diversification, Nauru’s citizenship could complement other residency options — such as the UAE Golden Visa or Latvian residency —creating a comprehensive global mobility plan.
The program is redefining what investment migration can achieve — contributing to something bigger — a sustainable future for all.
Investors prioritising ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles in their portfolios could resonate well with this message.
Ultimately, I’d recommend this program for those seeking a budget-friendly, alternative citizenship option but advise working with licensed agents to navigate the finer details and potential pitfalls.
Principal Sara Hollis leads ASCS Nad Al Sheba into a new era with a commitment to academic excellence, Islamic values, and community-focused education
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