Nauru Citizenship Application: Steps, Documents, Interview and Timeline

The Nauru procedure has fewer steps than most Caribbean ones, but it has two points where files stall: police certificates and proof of the source of funds. I describe the steps as the Program Office publishes them, checked on 25 October 2026.

Step 1: an agent and an eligibility check

Applications go only through licensed agents. The agent checks you against the list of exclusions: convictions punishable by 12 months or more, current investigations, Interpol or Europol listings, UN targeted sanctions, terrorism financing and citizenship of a country the UN Security Council lists as high risk. If any applies, the Program Office will not approve.

Step 2: the file

The regulations list what goes into the application:

• the main application form and the agent’s details;
• personal, financial and medical information forms for each person;
• police certificates for everyone aged 16 or over, from each country of citizenship and each country of residence for six months or more in the past 10 years;
• passports, civil documents and proof of the source of funds;
• an undertaking to pay the filing fees now and the approval fees later.

Everything is filed in English. Documents in other languages need certified translations. BRIDGES also prepares apostilles and notarial copies.

Step 3: filing and fees

The agent submits the file with the application fee and the due diligence fee. Both are non-refundable.

Step 4: due diligence and the interview

Everyone aged 16 or over is checked by the Program Office compliance officers, the Nauru Police Force and independent international screening firms. The main applicant has an interview with the screening firm, online or in person at an approved place. This stage usually takes one to two months, and extra documents may be requested.

Step 5: the decision

The Program Office makes a risk assessment and a recommendation to the Minister, the Registrar reviews the file, and Cabinet decides. If approved in principle, you get a letter through the agent with instructions to pay the contribution and passport fees.

Step 6: oath, certificate, passport

The certificate of citizenship is issued after the oath or affirmation of allegiance. It can be taken in person, by audio-visual link, or before a notary. Then the agent files a certified passport application form.

How long it takes

The Program Office gives three to four months from submission to approval. BRIDGES describes a case where the passport arrived on day 85 with a file prepared in advance and no extra requests. For applicants with complex funds or from restricted countries I plan more time.

Where files usually stall

• A police certificate from a country of past residence that takes weeks to obtain. Start these first.
• Source of funds that cannot be traced back to income, a sale or an inheritance.
• Dependants who turn 16 during the process and suddenly need their own checks.

The family rules are in the family guide.