Moving to Naoero is not your typical move to Australia or Fiji. There’s no luxury real estate, no endless diners, and no high-rise apartments overlooking the ocean or a New York-style city skyline. Instead, life in the South Pacific island nation is simple, slow, and deeply tied to the ocean. But for those looking for a truly off-the-grid adventure, an investment opportunity, or an escape from modern life, Naoero offers a close-knit community where everyone knows your name and island life is lived in its purest form.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about moving to the Republic of Naoero , including the benefits of moving there, visa options, and what to consider before relocating.
Why move to Naoero?
Moving to Naoero isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
- A Simple Life: Naoero is peaceful, quiet, and laid-back, with no rush hour traffic or crowds.
- A Close-knit community: With a population of under 12,000, everyone knows everyone, so it’s easy to make friends and feel at home quickly.
- Investment opportunities: Naoero is one of the least visited small island states, and tourism there is untapped, presenting opportunities for boutique accommodations and sustainable tourism projects.
- Low cost of living: Some imported goods are expensive, but essentials and local products are cheap.
- Unspoiled nature: The entire island is green and surrounded by clean water, with secluded beaches.
- Economic citizenship: The Naoero (Nauru) citizenship by investment program smooths out the relocation process while offering protection with dual citizenship and a second passport.
- No taxes: Naoero residents do not pay income tax. Businesses registered in Naoero are also not required to pay Nauru taxes on corporate income.
Requirements for Moving to Naoero
Anyone considering moving to Naoero must fulfill the following criteria to be eligible for one of the country’s visas:
- Have a valid passport
- Be in good health
- Have a clean criminal record
The Government of Naoero provides several visa options for moving to the island nation.
Business Visa: A one-year visa that allows foreigners to build and run a business in Naoero, with the option to renew annually, provided they meet the necessary compliance requirements.
Local Business (Employment) Visa: A one-year visa for foreign workers, filling key skill gaps in Naoero’s essential industries.
Citizenship by investment: Second citizenship for foreign investors who contribute to the country financially through the Naoero Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program.
The business visa starts at $6,000, with the cost varying depending on the activity. Employment visas in Naoero cost $8,000. A visa application form can be submitted in person at a Naoero consular office or through the naurugov.nr online application portal.
Naoero citizenship program
Foreign nationals can easily relocate to the tiny island nation through dei-Naoero (Nauruan) citizenship by investment for Canadians, Indians, and other foreign nationals. Officially called the Naoero Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program, applicants must make a non-refundable donation of $90,000 to the Naoero Treasury Fund. The country has been introduced to support Nauru’s sustainable development and vital climate resilience projects.
The total investment for acquiring Naoero citizenship includes due diligence, application, and passport fees. The Naoero Program Office processes applications and investors must submit their Naoero citizenship application and required documents through an Authorized Agent.
Successful applicants obtain citizenship, allowing them to move to Naoero permanently. The dual citizenship benefits mean they receive a Naoero passport, bypassing visa requirements when entering and exiting the country, in addition to enhancing visa free access with 119 Nauru passport visa free countries.
Cost of living in Naoero
While many basic groceries and everyday items in Naoero are affordable, the island’s limited space, infrastructure, and resources mean that other living costs can be high, especially accommodation. Below is a breakdown of key living expenses comprising the cost of living in Nauru versus the US and Australia.
Item |
Nauru |
USA |
Australia |
|
One-bedroom Apartment (Monthly) |
$1,890 |
$1,590 |
$1,200 |
|
Three-bedroom Apartment (Monthly) |
$4,190 |
$2,650 |
$1,960 |
|
Milk (1ltr), Fresh White Bread (500g), Chicken Filets (1kg) |
$17.28 |
$16.83 |
$12.14 |
|
Inexpensive Meal |
$6.98 |
$20 |
$15.86 |
|
Mid-Range Meal for Two People |
$26.96 |
$75 |
$76.13 |
|
Basic Utilities (Monthly) |
$253.75 |
$207.86 |
$170.84 |
|
Broadband Internet (Monthly) |
$25.38 |
$71.45 |
$51.53 |
|
International Primary School (Annually) |
$9,515 |
$22,700 |
$12,345 |
Naura healthcare
The Republic of Naoero Hospital is the Naoero’s main healthcare center, offering basic medical services. Given the challenges of Nauru citizenship by investment healthcare system, new residents needing specialized treatments often travel to Brisbane, Australia. For that reason, a private healthcare plan is a must-have and can be quite expensive.
International healthcare providers such as MSH International AXA Global Healthcare can provide global medical plans with healthcare coverage in Naoero for expats moving there.
Moving to Naoero with pets
Like most destinations, there is a list of requirements for relocating to Naoero with pets to protect indigenous species and prevent biodiversity loss.
- Obtain an import permit from the Naoero Department of Agriculture.
- Ensure your pet has a health certificate from a certified veterinarian, a rabies vaccination, and an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip.
- Pets must be transported in an approved IATA (International Air Transport Association) carrier.
Naoero authorities may prohibit specific breeds and animal species. Additional requirements, such as quarantine and vaccinations like parvovirus, might also be necessary.
Where to Settle in Naoero
Covering only 8.1 square miles, Naoero is a microstate and housing options are few and far between. Yaren, the unofficial capital, is the most urbanized area, featuring government offices, the only hospital, the Nauru International Airport, and is the home of most residents living in Nauru. Denigomodu on the west coast is another popular area with a quieter, more suburban atmosphere. For a more relaxed coastal vibe, Aiwo and Baiti offer tranquillity, although they have fewer amenities.