Overview

The Republic of Nauru has announced comprehensive amendments to the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program (NECRCP), introducing structural reforms that represent a significant evolution in the program's framework. These changes, effective immediately as of February 03, 2026, apply to all new applications and certain pending cases.

The amendments encompass five major areas: permanent fee restructuring, a limited-time contribution discount, expanded dependent eligibility, updated restricted jurisdiction policies, and administrative enhancements including electronic submission capabilities. NTL International, operating as a government-authorized agent, provides this detailed regulatory analysis based on official legislative documents and Program Office directives.

1. Permanent Fee Restructuring

The program has transitioned from a family-based fee structure to an individual-based model. This change enhances transparency and aligns with international compliance standards for due diligence processing.

Filing Fees (Non-Refundable, Payment 1)

Filing fees are invoiced immediately upon application submission and must be paid before commencement of Tier 1 and Tier 2 due diligence procedures.

Approval Fees (Payment 2)

Approval fees are invoiced following issuance of Approval in Principle and must be paid within 30 days for citizenship certificate processing.

2. The Iruwa Initiative: Limited Time Offer

Under Cabinet Resolution dated 29 January 2026, and pursuant to Section 9(7) of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act 2024, the Government has designated a Special Project to celebrate the program's first anniversary.

Terms and Eligibility

• Contribution Discount: Principal Applicant contribution reduced from USD 115,000 to USD 90,000
• Validity Period: Applications submitted between 29 January 2026 and 30 June 2026
• Transitional Provision: Applications accepted prior to 29 January 2026 but awaiting contribution payment are eligible
• Scope Limitation: Discount applies only to principal applicant contribution; due diligence fees remain standard

Legal Basis: Government Gazette No. 118/2026 (Special Project Designation)

3. Expanded Dependent Eligibility

The 2026 amendments have significantly broadened the definition of eligible dependents to facilitate family unity and remove barriers that previously limited inclusion of family members.

Qualifying Dependents Now Include

• Spouse: From a monogamous marriage or de facto relationship recognized under applicable law
• Children: All biological and adopted children, regardless of age or marital status
• Parents and Grandparents: Parents and grandparents of the Principal Applicant or spouse, with no age or financial dependency requirements
• Siblings: Brothers and sisters of the Principal Applicant or spouse, regardless of marital status

Key Changes from Previous Regulations

1. Complete removal of age restrictions for children and parents
2. Elimination of financial dependency proof requirements
3. Removal of marital status restrictions for siblings and adult children

4. Restricted Jurisdictions: Updated Policy

The Government has updated its policy framework for applicants from certain jurisdictions, introducing a nuanced approach that distinguishes between restricted and prohibited categories.

Reclassification

The Russian Federation and Belarus have been moved from "prohibited" to "restricted" status, creating a pathway for nationals of these countries who meet specific criteria.

Restricted Jurisdictions

Individuals from the following jurisdictions may apply if they meet both eligibility requirements:

• Afghanistan
• Belarus
• Russian Federation
• Sudan
• Yemen

Eligibility Requirements for Restricted Jurisdiction Nationals

Requirement 1 - Residency Criterion (must satisfy one):

• Have not resided in the restricted country for at least five (5) consecutive years, OR
• Hold a valid residence permit in: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, or any European Union member state

Requirement 2 - Economic Ties:

• Demonstrate no current economic ties with the restricted jurisdictions (including business ownership, employment, or significant financial interests)

Prohibited Jurisdictions (No Exceptions)

The following jurisdictions remain prohibited with no pathway for applications:

• Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
• Iran
• Myanmar

5. Administrative Enhancements

Electronic Submission Framework

The Program Office has introduced provisions for electronic applications under Section 30 of the Act, including:

• Digital signatures for application forms
• Electronic certification of documents by authorized professionals
• Secure file transfer via NREXST (Nauru External Secure Transfer) platform

Implementation Status: Technical infrastructure is operational. Full agent access is pending final confirmation from government stakeholders. Agents will receive implementation training via webinar series.

Documentation Simplification

• Medical practitioner certification of identification documents is no longer required
• Affidavit of Support for adult dependents has been removed
• Enhanced flexibility for certified translations from accredited translators

Payment Processing Updates

• Payment 1 (Filing Fees) invoices issued immediately upon application submission
• Payment must be received before commencement of Tier 1 and Tier 2 Due Diligence
• Payment 2 (Contribution) due within 30 days of Approval in Principle letter

6. Processing Timeline

Standard processing remains 3 to 4 months from submission to citizenship certificate issuance, subject to the following conditions:

• Complete and accurate documentation submitted in compliance with Schedule 5 and 6 requirements
• Satisfactory due diligence results from Tier 1, Tier 2, and bank due diligence procedures
• Timely payment of all fees and contribution amounts
• No additional information requests or clarifications required

7. Post-Approval Additions

The program permits addition of eligible dependents after initial citizenship grant. Updated fees apply as per Schedule 3 of the Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship (Amendment) Regulations 2026.

8. Legal Framework

Primary Legislation

• Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Act 2024 (No. 15 of 2024)
• Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship (Amendment) Act 2025 (No. 50 of 2025) - Certified 23 December 2025

Regulations

• Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Regulations 2024 (SL No. 28 of 2024)
• Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (No. 2 of 2026) - Certified 29 January 2026

Official Gazettes

• Government Gazette No. 118/2026 (Special Project Designation - Iruwa Initiative)
• Government Gazette No. 114/2026 (Amendment Regulations Publication)

9. Application Requirements

All applications must include the following documents in compliance with Schedule 6 of the Regulations:

1. Completed Application Information Form (Form 1)
2. Personal Information Form for each applicant (Form 2)
3. Financial Information Form for Principal Applicant and Benefactor (Form 3)
4. Medical Information Form for each applicant (Form 4)
5. Police clearance certificates from all countries of citizenship and residence (6+ months in last 10 years)
6. Comprehensive proof of source of funds
7. Civil documentation (birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, adoption papers)
8. Valid passport copies for all applicants
9. Proof of residential address (utility bills, bank statements)
10. HIV test results for all applicants aged 12 and above (original, signed, within 3 months)

Document Validity: All documents must be dated within 6 months before application submission unless specified otherwise.

Certification: All documents must be certified as true copies in color by authorized professionals (lawyers, notaries, accountants, government officials).

Translations: Non-English documents must be authenticated by accredited translators or professional translation companies.