Nauru grants first citizenship through investment scheme
Photo:
RNZ Pacific/123RF
Nauru has announced its first "climate citizens" - people taking up
citizenship via investment
in climate adaption and sustainable development.
The Nauru government's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program was announced at the UN Climate Summit (COP29) last year.
Program CEO Edward Clark said the first approved applicants are a German family who recently sold their business and are living in Dubai.
"They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a plan B given the current global political volatility," he said in a statement.
He said only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru's future will be granted citizenship.
"All applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and are subject to in-depth background verification."
The Micronesian island nation is the world's smallest independent republic and the third-smallest country, with an estimated population of 11,000.
The Nauru government describes it as "an opportunity for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the Pacific region".
The scheme allows investors to secure Nauru citizenship for US$105,000.
Henley & Partners, the international investment migration advisory firm appointed to manage the programme, said last year that citizenship by investment "is a true win-win, long-term, sustainable solution for all stakeholders".
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