Nauru Sells First Passports to Fund Relocations Amid Rising Sea Levels

In a bold and unprecedented move, the island nation of Nauru has sold its first passports as part of a new citizenship-by-investment program aimed at funding the relocation of its residents due to the growing threat of rising sea levels. The initiative, launched in February 2025, has now approved its first six successful applicants, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to combat the devastating effects of climate change.

The program, often referred to as “golden passports,” requires a minimum investment of $160,000 (equivalent to $105,000 USD) from applicants. In exchange, they are granted citizenship, which reportedly allows visa-free entry into 89 countries, including the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. The Nauru government has stated that it expects up to 90% of its residents to be displaced by rising sea levels, a threat that has already begun to reshape the island’s future.

Edward Clark, the head of Nauru's Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, revealed that a German family of four was among the first successful applicants. The family reportedly paid around $380,000, with $140,000 of that amount designated to fund climate resilience projects in Nauru. Mr. Clark explained that the family, who had recently relocated to Dubai after selling a long-standing business in Germany, was seeking a secondary citizenship as a precaution against potential geopolitical instability in Europe, such as the reintroduction of military conscription.

Despite the program's slow start, Mr. Clark expressed optimism, noting that around 20 other applications are currently being processed. He emphasized that the initiative is still in its early stages and is working to build credibility and awareness in the international market. “We are starting to build interest and work through the existing pipeline of applications,” he said, adding that he believes the program has significant potential to grow in the future.

Nauru President David Adeang welcomed the new citizens, stating that their investment would help secure a “sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.” The government has set a target of generating $60 million annually from the passport program, which is expected to be crucial in funding the first phase of the mass relocation of Nauru’s population.

However, the program has not been without its challenges. Nauru has faced historical issues with its passport sales, most notably in 2003 when citizenship was sold to members of Al-Qaeda, who were later arrested in Asia. To prevent such incidents from recurring, the government has implemented a rigorous due diligence process involving the financial intelligence unit, police, and third-party checks. Mr. Clark emphasized that this process is essential to maintaining the integrity of the Nauru passport and the country’s reputation.

While the program has been met with some skepticism, it has also sparked international interest, particularly from wealthy individuals and families looking for a secure second nationality. However, concerns remain about the potential for exploitation and the need for transparency in how the funds are used. Mr. Clark assured that all investments will be tracked and reported on through government records, with discussions underway to establish a framework for allocating funds toward specific climate resilience projects once the program reaches a certain revenue threshold.

As the world grapples with the growing impacts of climate change, Nauru’s passport program stands as a unique and controversial attempt to secure its future. While the initiative may provide much-needed financial resources for relocation efforts, it also raises important questions about the ethical implications of selling citizenship and the long-term sustainability of such a model.