Will selling passports for $105,000 save the island of Nauru?

The island of Nauru, located in the Pacific Ocean, has gained attention due to an unusual initiative – selling citizenship for $105,000. The golden passport program is intended to raise funds to combat the rising sea levels that threaten the existence of this tiny nation. Is this the beginning of a new trend among countries at risk of sinking?

An island on the brink of survival

Nauru is one of the smallest countries in the world – it covers just 21 km² and has fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Located in the Pacific, it has been struggling with the effects of global warming for years. Seawater erodes the coastline, salinizes the soil and freshwater sources, and increasingly floods homes. In the past, the island thrived on phosphate mining, which generated immense profits. However, when the deposits were depleted, the economy collapsed, leaving Nauru without resources for the future. Now, climate change poses an even greater challenge – survival.

Golden passports of Nauru – how does the citizenship sale program work?

At the end of February 2025, the government of Nauru announced the launch of a citizenship sales program. For $105,000, anyone can become a citizen of the country and receive a passport that allows visa-free entry to 89 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and several European nations. The revenue from this program is intended to serve two main purposes: protecting existing infrastructure from rising sea levels and preparing a relocation plan for residents – both inland and potentially abroad.

Experts estimate that fully securing Nauru against the effects of climate change would require hundreds of millions of dollars, while current global adaptation funds are vastly insufficient. This is our way of surviving in a world that has left us behind, said a local official in a media interview.

The history of Nauru’s golden passports

This is not the first time Nauru has resorted to selling citizenship. In the 1990s, the island ran a similar program that attracted international scrutiny. Unfortunately, the initiative ended in scandal – passports fell into the hands of individuals suspected of money laundering, leading to Nauru being placed on the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) blacklist. The government now assures that it has learned from past mistakes and has implemented strict verification procedures for buyers.

However, critics warn that the program may attract not only wealthy philanthropists but also individuals looking for a backdoor entry into other countries. On the other hand, supporters argue that in the face of the climate crisis, such measures are justified. Nauru has no choice – this is a fight for survival, says climatologist Dr. Maria Tulele from the University of the Pacific.

How does climate change threaten the island?

Nauru is one of many places worldwide experiencing the effects of rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average ocean level could rise by 0.5 to 1 meter by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced. For an island like Nauru, whose highest point is just 65 meters above sea level, with most of its land lying significantly lower, this is a death sentence. Already, storm surges are destroying roads and homes, and coastal erosion is progressing at an alarming rate.

Drinking water, once sourced from underground wells, is becoming increasingly saline, forcing residents to rely on imports. The passport program is intended to finance, among other things, the construction of protective seawalls and new housing developments in the island’s higher areas.

Rising sea levels – a problem not only for Nauru

Nauru’s situation is not just a local issue – it serves as a warning for all. Pacific islands such as Kiribati, Tuvalu, and the Maldives also face the threat of being submerged. Nauru is one of the first nations to demonstrate how small countries, which have no influence over global emissions levels, must confront the consequences of the world’s largest economies. The golden passport program raises a fundamental question about climate justice – why should the people of Nauru bear the consequences of a crisis they did not contribute to in any way? On the other hand, the initiative attracts investors and wealthy individuals who can support climate efforts, even if their primary motivation is personal gain.

main photo: Winston Chen / Unsplash