Nauru Approves First CIP Application, 20 More in Pipeline

The Republic of Nauru has approved its first new citizens under its citizenship by investment program, marking a milestone for the Pacific island nation’s entry into the investment migration market.

A German family of four became the inaugural recipients of Nauruan citizenship through the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP), which the government launched in November 2024. The family recently sold their well-known, reputable German company and currently reside in Dubai, seeking additional citizenship options amid global political uncertainty.

Program CEO Edward Clark confirmed the application process took under four months from submission to citizenship approval. The family applied through international migration consultancy Henley & Partners, which designed and helped establish the program.

Clark revealed the program received the family’s initial application on February 21, though incomplete documentation delayed acceptance until March 21. The program office granted approval in principle on June 17, and Nauru’s President signed citizenship certificates on August 1. Nauru will issue the passports this week.

Clark noted that “naturally, since these were our first applications, they took longer than the expected standard timeline,” adding that the team is “confident we will consistently meet our three to four month target processing time going forward, and we already are meeting these targets with subsequent applications.”

“They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility,” he explained, noting the family chose Nauru’s program because their contribution would support the island’s development projects.

“They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility,” Clark revealed, noting the family chose Nauru’s program because their contribution would support the island’s development projects.

Clark emphasized the program’s rigorous vetting procedures, noting that all applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and receive in-depth background verification. He stated that the program accepts “only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future.”

The program operates through a New Zealand-based office that functions independently of both the Nauru government and Henley & Partners to maintain operational integrity. Clark believes the milestone provides “even more confidence to those who are currently exploring Nauru citizenship by investment.”

Processing the inaugural application provided operational insights for future cases. Clark explained that the team “learnt that generally the process works as it was designed,” while identifying “several steps in the process where it can be done more efficiently.” The program office has “already taken action to improve these areas” and identified potential bottlenecks, with Clark noting they are taking “proactive measures to ensure these won’t impact processing times as volumes increase.” The team has “been actively engaged with our agents to obtain feedback” on current policies and potential improvements.

Clark revealed the program office has “received approximately 20 applications and is aware of at least 20 additional applications currently being worked on by our agents.”

The NECRCP requires contributions starting at $105,000 for single applicants, with a family of four investing $155,000, including all fees.

The program restricts applications from citizens or residents of Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Russia, and Belarus. Citizens or residents of Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan may apply if they have lived outside these countries for ten years and maintain no economic ties.

Check out IMI’s complete list of restricted nationalities across all CBI programs here.

The program targets what officials describe as “impact investors” who want to contribute actively to a country’s future development.

Global CBI Competition Heating Up

Nauru’s inaugural approval occurs amid heightened global activity in the citizenship by investment sector. Argentina officially approved its citizenship by investment (CBI) framework through presidential decree in July 2025, though the program remains non-operational pending the establishment of investment thresholds and system integration. Sierra Leone launched fast-track citizenship routes in January 2025, offering pathways to citizenship in 60 to 90 days for investments between $100,000 and $140,000.

São Tomé and Príncipe launched its $90,000 CBI program last week and plans to begin accepting applications in early September through a Dubai-based citizenship investment unit. The Solomon Islands completed a first draft of its CBI bill in September 2024, though government officials stated in May 2025 that the program remains “a long way off” and rejected any arrangements that would compromise national sovereignty.

HwG International is authorized agent of Nauru citizenship program. Contact us for update cost and process of Nauru citizenship by investment.