When the most established Citizenship‑by‑Investment (CBI) options no longer feel fresh—or have lost some visa‑free privileges—savvy investors look for the next frontier. In 2025 that frontier sits in the South Pacific, where Nauru and the Solomon Islands are introducing programmes that promise both genuine impact and strategic mobility. We’re here to inform you about the latest citizenship programmes, where they are, what they offer and what sets them apart.
Why the Pacific is the new CBI hot‑spot
Until recently, the Caribbean and (to a lesser extent) Europe dominated the CBI conversation. Yet gaps remained: environmentally‑minded investors had few choices, and those wanting a strong Schengen‑plus‑China passport at mid‑tier pricing had none. The two newest entrants aim squarely at those pain‑points:
- Nauru offers the world’s first climate‑funded citizenship, channelling every contribution into adaptation projects that literally keep the country above water.
- Solomon Islands is positioning itself as a mobility powerhouse—a Pacific passport with UK, Schengen and China access—delivered under a governance model designed to avoid the mis‑steps that cost other programmes their visa waivers.
Nauru’s Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme (ECRCP)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | November 2024 (fully operational) |
| Qualifying investment | Non‑refundable donation to the Treasury Fund: USD 105,000 (single); USD 110,000 (family of 4); USD115 k (+ US $15 k per extra dependant over five) |
| Fees | Processing from USD 25,000; due‑diligence USD 10,000 (main) / USD 7.5,000 (adult dependant) |
| Timeline | 3–4 months, 100 % remote (video interview only) |
| Family scope | Spouse, children ≤30, parents/grandparents 55 +, unmarried siblings and de facto or same‑sex partners; stateless persons may apply |
| Passport power | 89 visa‑free/visa‑on‑arrival destinations including the UK (180 days), Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE and Russia |
| Tax environment | No personal income, capital‑gains or inheritance taxes |
What makes Nauru stand out?
- Impact‑first narrative – every dollar funds renewable energy, desalination or the “Higher Ground” relocation project. Investors secure a passport and a tangible climate legacy.
- Ultra‑inclusive criteria – the broadest definition of ‘dependant’ in the CBI market, plus explicit acceptance of LGBTQ+ couples.
- Ease and speed – no visit, no residency, and a typical approval in a single fiscal quarter.
- Cost leadership – for solo applicants, ECRCP is currently the least‑expensive route to a second citizenship outside Vanuatu, but with demonstrably tighter screening.
Solomon Islands Citizenship by Investment Programme (expected 2025)
| Feature | Details (draft bill) |
|---|---|
| Status | Bill completed; Cabinet review under 100‑Day Action Plan, parliamentary vote anticipated mid‑2025 |
| Indicative investment | Government‑fund donation c. USD 130,000 (single). Real‑estate, business and sovereign‑bond routes likely once regulations finalised. |
| Processing goal | 3–6 months once live; no residency or visit requirement planned |
| Passport power | 130–134 visa‑free destinations—Schengen, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, Russia and Republic of China (visa‑free since 2024) |
| Family scope | Spouse, children (likely ≤ 25‑30 if dependent) and parents; dual citizenship permitted |
| Governance pledge | “Strict due‑diligence” and transparent reporting to safeguard visa waivers and international reputation |
Why keep an eye on the Solomons?
- Top‑tier travel at mid‑tier pricing – if the bill passes unchanged, it will be the only sub‑USD 200,0000 programme granting both EU‑Schengen and China access.
- Learning from others’ mistakes – the draft law bakes in multi‑layer vetting to avoid the EU sanctions that hit Vanuatu.
- Front‑row seat in a growing economy – citizenship removes foreign‑ownership caps and opens doors in natural resources, eco‑tourism and infrastructure.
- Scarcity value – early adopters will hold a passport few others possess, conferring prestige and potential first‑mover business advantages.
Side‑by‑side snapshot
| Aspect | Nauru (ECRCP) | Solomon Islands (draft) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum outlay (single) | USD 105 k + fees | USD 130 k + fees (tbc) |
| Investment types | Donation only | Donation, real estate, business, bonds (tbc) |
| Processing | 3–4 months | 3–6 months (after launch) |
| Visa‑free countries* | 89 | 130 + |
| EU Schengen access | No | Yes |
| China visa‑free | No | Yes |
| Climate / ESG focus | Strong (all funds to climate projects) | Development‑led (infrastructure, jobs) |
| Inclusive dependants | Very broad | Standard (spouse, kids, parents) |
| Residency required | None | None (expected) |
*Visa‑free count April 2025.
Choosing the right new‑generation passport
Match the passport to your travel map
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- Need Europe or China? Wait for the Solomons.
- Happy with Commonwealth and Asian hubs? Nauru is ready today.
Balance urgency and risk
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- ECRCP is live and processing—ideal for immediate coverage.
- Solomon Islands offers greater mobility but remains subject to legislative timelines.
Consider the story behind your citizenship
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- If carbon‑offsetting and social impact resonate, Nauru’s climate narrative may be priceless.
- If return‑on‑capital or Pacific business interests matter, the Solomons’ multi‑asset routes could be compelling.
Think long term
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- Both programmes have committed to rigorous compliance—essential for keeping those precious visa waivers.
- Early adopters often secure lower pricing before inevitable “success surcharges”.
The New Era Of CBI
For years, investors chose between familiar Caribbean donations and eye‑wateringly expensive European options. The arrival of Nauru and the Solomon Islands signals a more nuanced CBI era: one where purpose, passport power and price intersect in fresh ways. Whether you are seeking a philanthropic legacy in climate resilience or a highly mobile, Asia‑connected travel document, these Pacific newcomers deserve a place on your 2025 short‑list.
As always, engage an authorised adviser before committing. Legislation evolves, and professional guidance ensures your application sails through due diligence—and that your new passport remains an asset for generations to come. Contact us today at Next Generation Equity for further help.
