Citizenship and Residency by Investment Programs
See below a selection of countries offering residency and citizenship investment programs.
Nauru Citizenship by Investment Programme
Nauru is set to launch its new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program on January 1, 2025, making it the latest addition to the global CBI market. Known as the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, it offers one of the most affordable options for obtaining second citizenship, with investments starting at just $105,000 for a single applicant and $110,000 for a family of four. With a streamlined process taking just four months, Nauru’s program stands out for its speed and accessibility, with a similar CBI offering to nearby Vanuatu. However, investors should carefully weigh up the program’s lower visa-free access against its affordability and simplicity.
Overview of Nauru Citizenship Investment
Nauru’s new Citizenship by Investment Program is designed to attract international investors seeking a quick and cost-effective second citizenship option. For a single applicant, the total cost, including fees, is $172,305, while families of four can secure citizenship for $193,970. These figures make Nauru the most affordable officially established CBI program currently available.
Nauru previously operated an economic citizenship program until 2002, during which nearly 1,000 passports were issued. After a 23-year hiatus, the newly launched Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program represents a modernized and refined approach, incorporating enhanced checks and balances to align with today’s international standards.
Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program
The program’s launch is part of a broader effort by Nauru to bolster its economy through foreign investment while addressing climate resilience challenges.
Located in the South Pacific, Nauru offers investors an opportunity to secure citizenship in a remote island nation with a distinct history. This initiative provides an entry point for those who prioritize affordability, efficiency, and a streamlined application process. As a newly introduced program, Nauru currently has zero backlog, ensuring swift processing during its initial phase. Applicants can secure citizenship in as little as four months, making it a practical choice for those prioritizing speed and simplicity over extensive travel benefits.
Nauru Passport Strength and Ranking
The Nauru passport offers visa-free access to 102 destinations, providing practical global mobility. Key destinations include the UK, UAE, Singapore, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Qatar. While it does not grant access to the European Schengen zone, obtaining a Schengen visa with a Nauru passport may be simpler than for many other nationalities. Nauru ranks at number 111 in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking, below the halfway mark. Its visa-free access accounts for just 19.4% of global wealth (GDP) and 28.1% of travel popularity, making it a less competitive option compared to passports from Caribbean CBI programs, such as St Kitts’ citizenship program.
The program stands out for its affordability and efficiency, offering a streamlined application process that may appeal to investors seeking a cost-effective option. However, while the program’s pricing and processing speed are attractive, the Nauru passport offers fewer visa-free travel benefits compared to alternatives such as Grenada, which provide broader global mobility.
