Nauru has announced an update to its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, formally known as the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP). The changes include permanent reductions in program costs, broader eligibility for family members, and a limited-time incentive valid until June 30, 2026.
The announcement comes as CBI programs face increasing international scrutiny and as geopolitical and economic shifts are reshaping investor priorities. For many applicants, obtaining alternative citizenship is no longer primarily about travel convenience. Instead, it has become part of a broader strategy focused on long-term security, mobility, and jurisdictional diversification.
Nauru launched the NECRCP to support economic development and climate resilience initiatives while offering qualified applicants a structured and government-backed route to citizenship. The program is contribution-based and operates under a clear legal framework. From the outset, it positioned itself as a practical option rather than a mass-market solution, emphasizing compliance and long-term sustainability.
Changes in Detail
While Nauru’s CBI program has shifted to a flat government contribution of US$115,000, representing a US$10,000 increase from the previous tiered structure, substantial reductions in application and due diligence fees have more than offset this change, resulting in a meaningful reduction in overall program costs.
Under the revised structure, the application fee for a principal applicant has been reduced to US$5,000, down from US$25,000. The application fee per dependent is now US$2,000, compared to the former cumulative structure that could reach US$27,500–30,000 for families.
Due diligence fees have also been lowered. The fee for the principal applicant is US$6,000, down from US$10,000, while each dependent now pays US$3,000, reduced from US$7,500.
These adjustments are structural and apply on a permanent basis. They reflect a repositioning of the program rather than a temporary marketing initiative.
In addition to the revised baseline costs, Nauru has introduced a Limited Time Offer (LTO), valid until 30 June 2026. Under this incentive, the government contribution is reduced by US$25,000, bringing it to US$90,000 for principal applicants who submit qualifying applications within the promotional period.
The LTO does not affect the program’s vetting procedures. Due diligence standards remain unchanged, and all applications continue to undergo established screening and review processes. The offer should therefore be understood strictly as a pricing adjustment, not a procedural shortcut.
Another notable update concerns family eligibility. The revised framework allows for a broader range of family members without strict age limits or dependency requirements. Eligible dependents may include adult children (including married children), parents, and siblings, all subject to program rules and due diligence. This expanded definition increases the program’s relevance for multi-generational families and applicants seeking inclusive long-term planning solutions.
In-Depth Picture
According to the NECRCP’s CEO, Edward Clark, as cited by Investment Migration Insider (IMI Daily), the changes reflect rising global instability rather than any performance concerns. He described Nauru’s citizenship offering as a politically neutral option that provides additional flexibility and mobility, particularly for nationals of countries facing increased scrutiny abroad. Clark also emphasized that the revisions follow a scheduled review process and that the program remains on track to meet its objectives.
Available data suggest a measured uptake in the program’s early phase. By August 2025, approximately nine months after launch, around 20 applications had been approved, with a similar number in agent pipelines. More recent figures have not been publicly disclosed. By comparison, São Tomé & Príncipe reportedly received close to 100 CBI applications within its first several months of operation, providing context for Nauru’s early figures.
Nauru’s value proposition was further affected in December 2025, when visa-free access to the United Kingdom was suspended. The UK authorities cited concerns related to the citizenship program, a position that Nauru has publicly contested while continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring visa-free travel.
Within the global Citizenship by Investment propositions, Nauru occupies a distinct place. It does not compete on scale or speed alone, nor does it present itself as a universal solution. Instead, it offers a relatively low-cost entry point into citizenship planning, combined with flexible family rules and a clearly defined national mandate.
As international scrutiny increases and global uncertainty persists, programs are refining structures to balance accessibility with credibility. Cost reductions alone do not define value. Transparency, governance, and strategic fit remain critical considerations. For applicants who view citizenship as part of a wider mobility and asset protection strategy, Nauru’s updated program warrants informed consideration.
These updates arrive as demand for alternative citizenship is increasingly driven by risk management rather than lifestyle. Political volatility, regulatory uncertainty, and mobility constraints are prompting investors and globally active families to reassess long-term contingency planning.
For certain profiles, Nauru’s revised framework may be well-suited. These include investors seeking moderate-cost diversification, families prioritizing inclusivity, and individuals seeking long-term contingency options rather than immediate relocation.
As with any citizenship or residency decision, professional guidance and case-specific analysis remain critical. Programs evolve, personal circumstances differ, and long-term outcomes depend on careful structuring rather than headline figures alone.
About Bayat Group
Bayat Group is the licensed agent of the Nauru Citizenship by Investment Program (NECRCP) and offers end-to-end advisory and application services. Our team guides clients through every stage of the process, including eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission, and due diligence compliance. With years of experience in global mobility and investment migration, we help ensure that applicants navigate the program efficiently, securely, and in full compliance with legal requirements.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice, and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for any decisions. Prospective applicants should seek independent professional guidance and legal counsel to assess eligibility, compliance, and the broader implications of immigration, citizenship or residency programs in line with their personal and financial circumstances.