This island nation in the Pacific is selling passports for $90,000 — here's what buyers get

Nauru, a small Pacific island nation threatened by rising sea levels, has launched a citizenship-by-investment programme that allows foreign nationals to obtain its passport by making a financial contribution. The government says the initiative will help finance climate adaptation projects, including relocating most of the country's population and infrastructure to higher ground.

Here's what the programme is and why it has attracted global attention.

What is Nauru's 'golden passport' programme?

Nauru introduced its citizenship-by-investment programme early last year as part of its efforts to raise funds for climate resilience.


Under the scheme, eligible foreign nationals can obtain Nauruan citizenship by contributing $90,000 under a limited-time offer, reduced from the standard fee of $115,000. Applicants must complete a four-stage screening process and pass background checks before receiving citizenship.

What benefits does the passport offer?

According to the programme's administrators, successful applicants receive a Nauruan passport that provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 85 destinations, including Singapore and Hong Kong.

However, obtaining citizenship through the programme does not give holders the right to buy land in Nauru, where land ownership remains restricted.

Why is Nauru selling citizenship?

The programme is directly linked to the country's climate challenges.

Nauru, which recently changed its official name to the Republic of Naoero, covers about 21 square kilometres. Much of its interior has been left unsuitable for development after decades of phosphate mining, forcing most residents and infrastructure to remain along low-lying coastal areas.

According to climate monitoring data, sea levels around Nauru have risen faster than the global average in recent decades, leading to more frequent and severe coastal flooding.

The government plans to relocate about 90% of families and infrastructure to higher ground. It estimates that the first phase of the project will cost more than $60 million, with proceeds from the citizenship programme expected to help fund the relocation.

How does the application process work?

Applicants must complete a four-stage due diligence process, including background checks before approval.

Nauru says it has strengthened its screening measures by introducing ongoing monitoring and giving authorities the power to revoke citizenship if a holder is found to have committed serious offences.

Why has the programme raised concerns?

Citizenship-by-investment schemes have long faced scrutiny over concerns that passports could be misused if screening is inadequate.

The concerns are particularly significant for Nauru because an earlier citizenship programme in the early 2000s was discontinued after reports that individuals linked to criminal and security concerns had obtained passports.

The government says its current programme has stricter safeguards to protect its integrity.

How does Nauru compare with similar programmes?

Nauru has joined a growing list of countries offering citizenship through investment.

Several Caribbean nations also operate similar programmes, although they generally require higher minimum investments ranging from about $200,000 to $250,000, depending on the country and investment option.

The programmes have attracted interest from applicants worldwide, including those seeking greater international mobility for business, travel and investment purposes.