German family Nauru's first ‘climate citizens’ under investment program

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Nauru has welcomed a German family of four who became the first new citizens under the island nation’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.

The program, announced at COP29 late last year, provides applicants with a second passport and international investment opportunities after directly contributing to Nauru’s economy.

Also called “The Island of Happiness, Nauru is the third smallest country in the world by size, known for its phosphate mining and industry, as well as its focus on emerging sectors such as offshore banking.

Edward Clark, the program’s CEO, said the new citizens from Germany applied through international migration agents Henley & Partners.

In a statement, the agents said they were “incredibly proud to represent the first applicant to be successfully granted citizenship under Nauru’s citizenship program.

Clark said the German family sold their long-standing family business, a well-known, reputable German company, and are currently living in Dubai.

 “They were looking for a second citizenship to provide them with a Plan B given the current global political volatility and chose the Nauru Economic & Climate Resilience Citizenship Program because the contribution was going toward tackling the impacts of climate change on the island,” he explained.

Clark, who has an extensive background in international banking, financial crime and compliance, said it took under four months from receiving the application to the granting of citizenship, and that strict due diligence processes were followed.

“This is a fundamental pillar of our program and a safeguard for Nauru's reputation and security,” he said.

Clark said all applicants undergo checks with international law enforcement agencies and are subject to in-depth background verification.

"Our entire application process is consistent with international best practices,: he added.

Clark said only individuals of the highest calibre who can participate in shaping Nauru’s future will be granted citizenship.

“The granting of Nauruan citizenship to this family marks a major milestone for the program and provides even more confidence to those who are currently exploring Nauru citizenship by investment,” he added.

Nauru, ranked the world’s fifth most vulnerable nation under the United Nations’ Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for its heightened exposure to economic and environmental shocks, launched the program as a way for conscientious investors to acquire an additional citizenship while contributing to climate adaptation and sustainable development projects in the South Pacific.

The Pacific island nation is embarking on a long-term project to deal with its economic challenges amid climate change. The program called “Higher Ground Initiative” involves the relocation of almost the entire population from the coast to higher ground.

Henley & Partners said the program is about directing capital into a Small Island Developing State, which is facing real climate risk.

“This is a clear example of how investment migration, when properly designed and governed, can channel capital toward economic and climate resilience measures and create a more sustainable future,” the statement said.

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