Nauru ECRCP: The Most Affordable CBI Programme in 2026

Executive Summary

In 2024, the Republic of Nauru adopted the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act, introducing the Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme (ECRCP). The Nauru ECRCP programme offers Nauruan citizenship for life to eligible foreign nationals in exchange for a non-refundable contribution.

The programme is competitively priced, with investment thresholds set below the entry levels of established Caribbean options. The standard contribution is USD 115,000 for a single applicant. Until 30 June 2026, the minimum investment is temporarily reduced to USD 90,000 Nauruan nationality offers lifelong, heritable rights and allows dual nationality, with benefits comparable to established Caribbean programmes.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Legal Basis

The programme was established under the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act 2024, passed by the Nauruan Parliament (Naoero Leigisley). The Act allows the government to naturalize foreign nationals in exchange for a contribution to the national development fund. 

Amendments to the Act were introduced in January 2026 that revised the fee schedule, expanded eligibility for dependents, and introduced the temporary ‘Special Project’ offer that is available until June 30, 2026.

Citizenship may also be revoked under the Act in cases of fraud, or where the individual engages in terrorism, money laundering, or sanctions-related offences, meaning oversight continues even after naturalisation.

Competent Authority

The Nauru Program Office (NPO) is responsible for processing applications, carrying out due diligence, and issuing citizenship certificates and passports. Applications can only be submitted through an NPO-accredited agent, as direct submissions are not allowed.

Comparison with Competing Programmes

The table below compares Nauru’s ECRCP with the main citizenship by investment programmes in 2026, based on official government data and Harvey Law Group documentation.

* Nauru ECRCP figures are indicative and subject to change. All costs are approximate and exclude legal/professional fees.

“This program does bring a new affordability to the CBI field. Despite its relatively recent insertion, we were able to see that the Citizenship Unit is well organized and quite efficient in the processing of the cases that we submitted so far. This is of course very welcome.”

* Special Project offer applies to applications submitted before 30 June 2026.Note: Total costs are estimates and exclude legal fees. Visa-free destinations are subject to change based on applicable bilateral agreements.

Nauru offers a lower entry point than Caribbean programmes such as Dominica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts & Nevis. For investors targeting Asia-Pacific mobility with a budget under USD 200,000.

Why Nauru Below USD 200,000?

For investors looking to obtain a second citizenship without a USD 200,000 commitment required by the Caribbean programs, Nauru can present an attractive alternative.

A Programme Built Around Climate Resilience

In Caribbean programmes, qualifying investment contributions are typically used to fund development funds or private real estate projects. In Nauru, investment funds go directly to the national treasury, where they are allocated to infrastructure, renewable energy, and climate resilience projects. The structure is straightforward and avoids the involvement of agents, ongoing maintenance fees, and exposure to real estate market volatility.

A Lower Contribution Justified by Economic Reality

With a population of around 12,000 and a land area of 21 km², Nauru is undergoing an economic transition due to the depletion of its phosphate reserves. The government has positioned its pricing to attract sufficient investor demand to fund development programmes, while remaining below Caribbean options with longer track records and stronger market recognition.

Eligibility Requirements and Due Diligence

Admissibility Criteria

To be eligible for the ECRCP, the main applicant must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a national of a non-restricted jurisdiction, or meet the exemption conditions set out under the January 2026 amendments
• Have no criminal record
• Be able to document the source of funds (proof of source of funds)
• Provide a medical certificate
• Submit the application through an agent accredited by the Nauru Program Office

Eligible Family Members

The ECRCP allows the inclusion of family members of the main applicant on the same application, covering up to four generations:

• Spouse or legally recognized partner, including common-law or de facto couples, a feature exclusive to Nauru among all CBI programmes currently available
• Children, including adopted children of the main applicant or spouse, with no age or marital status restriction since the January 2026 amendments
• Parents and grandparents of the main applicant or spouse, with no age restriction since the January 2026 amendments
• Siblings of the main applicant or spouse

Due Diligence Process

Due diligence is conducted by the Nauru Program Office in coordination with independent due diligence bodies appointed by the government. The due diligence requirements apply to all family members included in the application who are aged 16 or over. 

Any information submitted as part of the due diligence checks is treated confidentially, in accordance with international data protection standards.

Applicants from certain restricted countries (including Afghanistan, Sudan, Yemen, Russia, and Belarus) may be eligible subject to the following specific conditions. They must not have lived in those countries within the past five years and must hold a valid residence permit in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, or an EU member state.

Contribution Schedule and Fees

The table below sets out the contribution schedule applicable in 2026, including the temporary special offer valid until 30 June 2026. The figures are those published by Harvey Law Group based on official information from the Nauru Program Office. Legal fees are not included and are subject to a personalized quote.

All figures are approximate and exclude legal and professional fees. Special offer valid for applications submitted on or before 30 June 2026.

Note: Nauru accepts cryptocurrencies as source of funds documentation, provided payments are made in US dollars. EUR amounts are indicative (reference rate: 1 USD approx. 0.92 EUR).The fees indicated (excluding legal fees) reflect information available at the time this article was last updated. Harvey Law Group recommends requesting a personalized quote before any decision.

Nauru CBI Application Process

Mandatory Use of an Accredited Agent

Nauruan law requires that all applications for citizenship under the ECRCP be submitted by an agent officially accredited by the Nauru Program Office. Harvey Law Group holds this accreditation, enabling it to represent clients directly before Nauruan government authorities.

Phase 1: Consultation and Preliminary Eligibility Assessment (2 to 4 weeks)

• Initial consultation with Harvey Law Group lawyers
• Preliminary verification of admissibility criteria
• Source of funds analysis and identification of family members to include
• Signing of the mandate agreement and payment of initial fees

Phase 2: File Assembly (4 to 6 weeks)

• Collection of official documents: passport, apostilled criminal record certificate, medical certificate, source of funds documentation
• Preparation and review of application forms by Harvey Law Group
• Certified translation of documents where required

Phase 3: Submission and Due Diligence (6 to 10 weeks)

• Official submission of the application to the Nauru Program Office by Harvey Law Group
• Payment of government application fees
• Due diligence process conducted by the NPO and its appointed independent bodies

Phase 4: Approval and Naturalization (2 to 4 weeks)

• Notification of approval in principle by the NPO
• Transfer of the contribution to the Nauru National Treasury
• Oath of allegiance (may be administered by audio-visual link or before a notary in the applicant’s jurisdiction)
• Issuance of the citizenship certificate and Nauruan passport (valid for 10 years)

The total processing time is generally between 3 and 4 months from submission of a complete application. Harvey Law Group advises against planning travel or legal transactions that depend on receipt of the passport before the special offer expires.

Rights Conferred by Nauruan Citizenship

International Mobility

The Nauru passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 87 destinations, including:

• United Arab Emirates
• Singapore
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Taiwan
• South Korea
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Russia

Investors should be aware that the Nauru passport does not grant visa-free entry into the Schengen Area, unlike the Caribbean programs. 

Civil and Professional Rights

For successful applicants, their citizenship rights are identical to that of Nauru citizens by birth, subject to the specific provisions of the Act. No residency obligation applies after naturalization. The holder may reside permanently outside Nauru without losing their rights.

Dual Nationality

The Republic of Nauru explicitly recognizes dual nationality. This means that successful applicants can keep their original citizenship while acquiring Nauruan citizenship.

Transmission to Future Generations

Nauruan citizenship obtained through investment is lifelong and can be passed on to children born after the naturalisation of the main applicant and their spouse.

Tax Considerations

Tax Regime of the Republic of Nauru

For Nauruan citizens who do not reside in Nauru, the tax position is as follows:

• No tax on foreign-source income
• No inheritance tax
• No capital gains tax
• No wealth tax

Nauruan citizenship does not create any tax obligations in Nauru or change the holder’s tax residency status. This should be assessed independently from their tax position in their country of origin.

Tax Obligations in the Country of Fiscal Residence

A French national residing in France remains subject to French tax on all worldwide income, regardless of their nationality. Holding a Nauruan passport does not change this position.

Important: Harvey Law Group recommends consulting an international tax advisor before any decision. The firm can refer clients to specialist tax experts within its professional network.For fiscal residents in France seeking to explore international wealth planning strategies, our team can also present the complementary residency by investment programmes available.

Risk Management

Risk 1: Recent Programme, Limited Track Record Reality: The ECRCP launched in 2024. It does not yet have the track record of established programmes such as Saint Kitts (since 1984) or the Commonwealth of Dominica (since 1993). The long-term stability of the programme depends on the continuity of Nauruan government policy. Mitigation: Harvey Law Group continuously monitors regulatory developments in the programmes it advises on. The firm recommends analyzing the Nauruan programme as part of a multiple-citizenship strategy, rather than as a sole substitute for a primary passport.

Risk 2: Limited Geographic Coverage (No Schengen Access) Reality: The Nauruan passport does not grant visa-free access to the Schengen Area. For investors whose primary objective is mobility within Europe, this programme presents a structural limitation. Mitigation: Harvey Law Group assesses each situation individually. Where Schengen access is a stated objective, alternative programmes, in particular Grenada (US E-2 visa access) or Saint Kitts, may be more appropriate.

Risk 3: Non-Refundable Contribution Reality: The contribution paid to the Nauruan national treasury is non-refundable, including in the event of application rejection. Due diligence fees are also non-refundable. Note that although the Application Fee (USD 5,000 for the main applicant) and Due Diligence Fee (USD 6,000 for the main applicant) are non-reimbursable, the actual contribution amount (USD 90,000 / 115,000) is only payable after approval in principle. This provides clients with reassurance and significantly limits their financial risk. Mitigation: Harvey Law Group conducts a preliminary eligibility check before any application is submitted, in order to minimize the risk of rejection. An incomplete file or one containing inaccurate information exposes the applicant to rejection without refund.

Risk 4: Geographic Exposure to Climate Risks Reality: Nauru is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, exposed to rising sea levels. The ECRCP is specifically designed to fund resilience measures against this threat. However, the long-term territorial viability of the country is a factor to consider. Mitigation: Nauruan citizenship is lifelong regardless of the country’s territorial situation. The rights attached to citizenship are guaranteed by national law and applicable international conventions.

Harvey Law Group Services

Official Accreditation

Harvey Law Group is an authorized agent of the Government of Nauru and submits ECRCP applications directly to the Nauru Program Office.

Institutional Expertise

Founded in 1992 by Jean-Francois Harvey, the firm has:

• More than 34 years of experience in business immigration law
• More than 20 offices across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific
• Lawyers admitted to the bar in multiple jurisdictions
• A multilingual team specializing in multi-jurisdictional matters
• A France office in partnership with Arcad Avocats, 26 Avenue George V, 75008 Paris

Legal Services

1. Initial consultation and eligibility assessment: evaluation of the client’s personal and financial situation, identification of the most suitable programme from the 30+ programmes in the HLG portfolio.

2. File preparation and submission: preparation of all required documentation, coordination of certified translations, official submission to the Nauru Program Office.

3. Procedural follow-up: ongoing liaison with the NPO throughout the due diligence process and through to issuance of the citizenship certificate and passport.

4. Complementary wealth advisory: referral to partner international tax experts for succession planning and tax residency questions.

Comparison with Other Programmes

Harvey Law Group systematically reviews alternatives before making any recommendation. Depending on the investor’s profile, the following programmes may be more suitable:

• Commonwealth of Dominica citizenship (from USD 200,000)
• Grenada citizenship (from USD 235,000, with US E-2 visa eligibility)
• Vanuatu citizenship, DSP programme (accelerated processing, 2 to 3 months)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total cost of the Nauru ECRCP for a single applicant?

Under the special offer valid until 30 June 2026, the total cost (contribution to the Nauru Treasury, government fees, and due diligence) is approximately USD 100,500 for an individual applicant. The standard rate outside the special offer is approximately USD 125,500. Harvey Law Group’s legal fees are in addition to these amounts and are subject to a personalized quote.

Does the Nauruan passport grant access to the Schengen Area (European Union)?

No. The Nauruan passport does not provide visa-free access to the Schengen Area. It does, however, allow visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 87 destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Investors whose primary objective is mobility within Europe must factor this limitation into their analysis.

Do I need to travel to Nauru to obtain citizenship?

No. The ECRCP imposes no residency requirement or physical visit to Nauru, either to obtain citizenship or to maintain it after naturalization. The oath of allegiance may be administered by audio-visual link or before a notary in the applicant’s jurisdiction.

Can I include my parents and siblings in my application?

Yes. Since the January 2026 amendments, the ECRCP allows the inclusion of the main applicant’s or spouse’s parents and grandparents (with no age restriction), as well as siblings. Additional contribution fees apply for each family member included.

Is my de facto relationship recognized for a joint application?

Yes. The Nauru citizenship by investment programme is the only program in the world that allows couples in a common-law or de facto relationship to submit a joint application without being formally married.

Does acquiring Nauruan citizenship make me liable for tax in Nauru?

No. Nauruan citizenship does not in itself create a tax obligation for non-residents. Nauru does not tax the foreign-source income, estates, capital gains, or wealth of non-residents. The applicant’s tax position in their country of residence is not affected by the acquisition of Nauruan citizenship.

What happens if the special offer at USD 90,000 expires before my application is processed?

The special offer applies based on the date of application submission, not the date of approval. An application submitted before 30 June 2026 benefits from the special offer rate, regardless of processing time. Harvey Law Group recommends not delaying the start of the process if the investor wishes to benefit from this offer.

Can I keep my current nationality when acquiring Nauruan citizenship?

On Nauru’s side, yes: the country explicitly permits dual nationality. Compatibility with the laws of the applicant’s home country must be assessed case by case. Harvey Law Group recommends consulting a lawyer specializing in nationality law before any decision.

Is Harvey Law Group an officially authorized agent for the Nauru programme?

Yes. Harvey Law Group holds the official accreditation from the Government of Nauru, authorizing it to submit ECRCP applications directly to the Nauru Program Office. All applications must be submitted by an accredited agent. It is legally impossible to file directly without going through an authorized agent.

How long is the Nauruan passport valid?

The Nauru passport is issued for 10 years for all holders. Renewals can be processed through the Nauru Program Office or the relevant Nauruan diplomatic representations.

Contact Harvey Law Group

For an eligibility assessment for the ECRCP or any question about citizenship and residency by investment programmes, contact the Harvey Law Group legal team.

Consultation

The initial consultation covers eligibility analysis, a personalized cost breakdown based on family composition, and, where the client’s profile warrants it, a comparison with other programmes in the HLG portfolio.

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Legal Disclaimer The information contained in this document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized legal advice. Laws and regulations governing citizenship by investment are subject to change without notice. The amounts indicated are those available at the time of publication and may change. Consultation with a qualified lawyer is recommended before any decision. Harvey Law Group accepts no liability for actions taken without prior legal consultation. © Harvey Law Group 2026. Reproduction prohibited without prior written authorization.