Citizenship & Residency Programs in Oceania
Oceania presents a sharp contrast between affordable Pacific Island CBI programs and premium investor visas in Australia and New Zealand. Vanuatu's Development Support Program is one of the fastest CBI programs globally, processing applications in 30 to 60 days with investment from $130,000. Nauru's recently launched NECRCP offers citizenship from $90,000, making it the most affordable CBI program in the Pacific. Australia's Business Innovation and Investment Programme targets experienced business owners and investors, with the Significant Investor stream requiring a $5 million commitment over 4 years. New Zealand's Active Investor Plus visa requires $5 million in acceptable investments over a 4-year period, with a points-based assessment system.
Countries
4
Programs
4
Program Types
CBI & RBI
From
Income-based
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Vanuatu CBI processes in 30-60 days, among the fastest globally
- ✓ Nauru offers the most affordable Pacific CBI at $90K
- ✓ Australia and New Zealand target HNWI investors ($5M+)
- ✓ Pacific CBI passports offer regional visa-free travel
All Oceania Programs at a Glance
Sorted by minimum investment. Click any country to explore in detail.
| Country | Program | Type | Min. Investment | Processing | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇺 Australia | National Innovation Visa (NIV) | RBI | Income-based | 12-24 months | 4 years (after PR) |
| 🇳🇷 Nauru | NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship) | CBI | $90,000 | 3-6 months | Direct |
| 🇻🇺 Vanuatu | Development Support Program (DSP) | CBI | $130,000 | 1-3 months | Direct |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | Active Investor Plus | RBI | NZD 5,000,000 | 6-12 months | 5 years |
Explore Each Program
Detailed cards with investment requirements, timelines, and key benefits.
National Innovation Visa (NIV)
Income-based
No minimum investment threshold. Invitation-only based on exceptional achievement and recognised contribution to innovation, research, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, or arts. Must submit Expression of Interest (EOI); Department issues invitations. State nomination required for most streams.
12-24 months
Must reside in Australia
Permanent (direct PR)
Yes
4 years (after PR)
189
- ✓ Merit-based, not investment-based — no minimum capital threshold
- ✓ Grants permanent residence directly, not a provisional visa
- ✓ Highly selective: ~300 invitations issued from 9,000+ EOIs as of 2025
NECRCP (Climate Resilience Citizenship)
$90,000
$90,000 standard contribution to Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Programme. Promotional rate of $80,000 available through June 2026.
3-6 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
48
- ✓ Direct citizenship from $90K standard ($80K promotional through June 2026)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or VAT
- ✓ Only 48 countries visa-free — chosen for cost diversification, not mobility
Active Investor Plus
NZD 5,000,000
Growth category: NZD 5M+ in approved managed funds or NZ business direct investment, held 3 years (21 days/year stay). Balanced category: NZD 10M+ in mixed investments including bonds and new residential property, held 5 years (105 days/year stay). Both restructured April 2025.
6-12 months
21 days/3 years (Growth) or 105 days/5 years (Balanced)
4 years (leads to PR)
Yes
5 years
189
- ✓ Two-tier structure since April 2025 — Growth (NZD 5M) or Balanced (NZD 10M)
- ✓ Growth category: only 21 days presence over 3-year investment term
- ✓ No capital gains tax on shares or portfolio investments
Development Support Program (DSP)
$130,000
$130K government contribution (single applicant). Additional fees for family members.
1-3 months
None
Citizenship (permanent)
Yes
Direct
89
- ✓ World's fastest CBI (approvals routinely in 30-60 days, some in 3 weeks)
- ✓ Zero-tax jurisdiction: no income, corporate, capital gains, or inheritance tax
- ✓ Schengen access revoked March 2022; UK requires a Standard Visitor visa
Explore Other Regions
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