Nauru Sells Passports to Fund Climate Relocation Efforts

February 20, 2025

By The South Asia Times

CANBERRA - Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has launched a new program selling citizenship to foreign applicants to help finance the relocation of thousands of residents threatened by rising sea levels and climate change-induced flooding.

The initiative, known as the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, aims to generate much-needed funds to support the island’s sustainable development and safeguard its population from the growing impacts of climate change, according to SBS News.

Under the program, individuals can obtain Nauruan citizenship for a minimum price of US$130,000 ($204,000) per applicant. Families of two to four people will pay US$137,500 ($216,000), while larger families of five or more must contribute US$145,000 ($227,000).

Nauru, one of the world’s smallest countries, faces severe climate-related challenges, with many of its residents living in low-lying areas at risk of inundation due to rising sea levels. The revenue generated from passport sales will assist in relocating vulnerable communities to safer areas and improving the island’s climate resilience.

“This program is a vital step toward ensuring our nation’s survival and sustainability,” said a government spokesperson. “The funds raised will help us implement long-term solutions to protect our people and infrastructure from climate threats.”

The scheme also offers successful applicants a second citizenship, potentially providing travel and financial benefits. However, questions remain about the long-term viability of such programs, as well as international scrutiny surrounding citizenship-for-sale initiatives.

The Nauru passport holder will have benifts to visa free visit to several countries including UK.

Nauru joins a handful of other small island nations that have turned to economic citizenship programs to bolster their economies and address pressing environmental challenges. The government hopes the initiative will provide an immediate financial boost while attracting investment and fostering stronger global connections.

As climate change continues to threaten low-lying nations, innovative financial strategies like this may become more common among vulnerable island states striving to adapt and survive in an uncertain future.