Last updated: August 2026

For millions of people worldwide, citizenship is something they have never legally possessed.

A person may live in the same country for decades, have a job, operate a business, and raise a family, yet still not be recognized as a citizen by any state. This condition is known as statelessness.

For financially qualified applicants, citizenship for stateless people through investment may sometimes offer a route towards obtaining a recognized nationality and passport. However, very few Citizenship by Investment programs clearly accommodate stateless applicants, and these cases usually receive enhanced documentary and due diligence scrutiny.

This guide explains the potential investment citizenship routes for stateless people in 2026, the evidence applicants may need, the challenges involved, and the alternatives available through Residency by Investment.

Quick Answer: Can a Stateless Person Obtain Citizenship by Investment?

Potentially, yes, but only through selected programs and subject to extensive due diligence.

As of 2026, Nauru provides the clearest publicly evidenced example of a Citizenship by Investment program granting citizenship to stateless applicants on a case by case basis.

São Tomé and Príncipe is also being promoted by industry sources as potentially accepting stateless applicants, while Grenada has been reported as considering certain cases individually. However, investors should obtain written eligibility confirmation before paying government, agent, or due diligence fees where official program rules do not expressly guarantee acceptance.

A stateless applicant will usually need to demonstrate:

• A verifiable identity
• Evidence of stateless status or lack of nationality
• A documented residence history
• A clean or explainable criminal record
• A legitimate and traceable source of funds
• Sufficient documentation for international due diligence
• Compliance with the selected program’s eligibility requirements

Approval is never automatic simply because the applicant can make the required investment.

What Is a Stateless Person?

According to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons, a stateless person is someone who is not considered a national by any state under the operation of its law.

In practical terms, this means that no country legally recognizes the individual as one of its citizens.

UNHCR reported at least 4.5 million stateless people worldwide at the end of 2025, while warning that the real total is likely considerably higher because many countries do not maintain complete statelessness statistics.

Statelessness can occur because of:

• Gaps or conflicts between nationality laws
• Changes in national borders or the dissolution of states
• Discriminatory nationality rules
• Failure or inability to register a child’s birth
• Loss of nationality without obtaining another
• Difficulties proving nationality or family connection
• Administrative or documentation problems
• Certain historical or political circumstances

For authoritative background information, refer to the UN Refugee Agency:

UNHCR  About Statelessness

How Does Statelessness Affect Everyday Life?

A recognized nationality is closely connected to many everyday legal and administrative processes.

Depending on the country where they reside, stateless persons may face difficulty with:

• Obtaining a standard national passport
• International travel
• Opening or maintaining bank accounts
• Formal employment
• University admission
• Property registration
• Marriage registration
• Accessing public healthcare
• Obtaining long term residence
• Starting or operating businesses
• Passing nationality to their children
• Receiving consular protection abroad

UNHCR notes that stateless people may face restrictions in education, employment, healthcare, property ownership, banking, and freedom of movement.

This is why obtaining nationality can matter far beyond simply receiving another travel document.

Main Citizenship Routes for Stateless People

There are generally three ways a stateless individual could potentially obtain nationality:

1. Citizenship by Investment

A country grants citizenship after the applicant makes a qualifying contribution or investment and successfully completes eligibility and due diligence requirements.

This can potentially be one of the faster solutions, but only a small number of programs may accommodate stateless profiles.

2. Residence First, Citizenship Later

The applicant obtains legal residence through employment, family, humanitarian protection or an investment program.

After meeting the required residence period, language, integration, and other naturalization conditions, the person may become eligible to apply for citizenship.

TGA Migration provides information on selected Residency by Investment programs for international investors.

Explore TGA Migration Residency by Investment Programs

3. Special Statelessness or Naturalization Provisions

Some countries provide special procedures for recognized stateless persons, particularly those with long residence, strong family connections, or children who would otherwise remain stateless.

For some applicants, these routes may be more appropriate and considerably less expensive than investment migration.

Citizenship by Investment for Stateless People in 2026

Not every CBI jurisdiction accepts applications from applicants with no recognized nationality.

This is primarily because Citizenship by Investment programs operate rigorous Know Your Customer, Anti Money Laundering, and international due diligence procedures.

Officials must be able to verify who the applicant is, where they have lived, how they accumulated their wealth, and whether they present security or reputational risks.

The following programs deserve particular attention in 2026.

1. Nauru Citizenship for Stateless People

Nauru currently provides one of the clearest examples of an investment citizenship program successfully processing stateless applicants.

The Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program was established under legislation enacted in 2024. Applicants make a qualifying contribution to Nauru while undergoing detailed due diligence and government assessment.

Importantly, Nauru has already publicized successful citizenship grants to stateless applicants.

In September 2025, the Nauru program announced that a stateless applicant had obtained Nauruan citizenship after completing extensive background verification involving police, financial intelligence, and third party due diligence checks.

Another stateless approval was publicized in 2026.

This makes Nauru particularly relevant when discussing citizenship for stateless people through investment.

Nauru Investment Requirement in 2026

The standard principal applicant contribution is US$115,000.

However, Nauru’s current official contribution page advertises a temporary US$90,000 principal applicant contribution under its special program offer. The current contribution page states the discounted amount applies to applications filed before 31 December 2026.

Important Pricing Note

Some older official Nauru program pages and the original Iruwa Initiative legal notice still show 30 June 2026 as the earlier deadline for the US$90,000 offer. The program’s newer contribution page shows an extension to 31 December 2026.

Applicants should therefore obtain the current contribution schedule from the authorized program representative immediately before filing.

Nauru Application Process

The official program describes the process broadly as:

1. Engage an authorized agent.
2. Complete eligibility assessment.
3. Prepare supporting documentation.
4. Submit the application.
5. Complete international due diligence.
6. Attend the required interview.
7. Receive approval.
8. Make the qualifying contribution.
9. Complete the citizenship formalities.
10. Receive the citizenship certificate and passport.

The program currently indicates a typical processing period of approximately three to four months, although complex stateless cases can require additional investigation.

Why Nauru May Be Relevant to Stateless Applicants

• There are publicly documented stateless approvals.
• Applications are evaluated individually.
• No general minimum residence requirement applies.
• Family members can potentially be included.
• The program has a statutory legal framework.
• A licensed agent must submit the application.
• Enhanced due diligence helps authorities verify complex nationality histories.

For current program information:

Official Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program

2. São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment

São Tomé and Príncipe launched a Citizenship by Investment framework in 2025 based around contributions to the National Transformation Fund.

The program operates under Decree Law No. 07/2025 and provides direct citizenship through a qualifying contribution.

The Honorary Consulate of São Tomé and Príncipe in Germany states that the program begins with a US$90,000 contribution for a single applicant, plus applicable fees.

Current São Tomé Contribution Levels

The commonly published thresholds are:

• US$90,000 – single applicant
• US$95,000 – family of two to four
• US$5,000   – each additional qualifying dependant

A separate submission fee and other government or due diligence charges apply.

Can Stateless People Apply?

Several investment migration sources report that stateless applicants may potentially be considered.

However, because publicly available government and consular information does not provide the same level of explicit stateless applicant guidance as Nauru’s documented cases, TGA Migration recommends obtaining written program level pre clearance before presenting São Tomé and Príncipe as a guaranteed route for a stateless applicant.

The difference is important.

A program being technically capable of accepting an applicant is not the same as every stateless person being eligible.

Eligibility will depend on the applicant’s:

• Identity evidence
• Former nationality history
• Residence history
• Ability to obtain police records
• Source of wealth
• Source of investment funds
• Sanctions exposure
• Family structure
• Due diligence verifiability

For programme background:

São Tomé and Príncipe Citizenship by Investment Honorary Consulate Information

3. Grenada Citizenship by Investment for Stateless Applicants

Grenada operates one of the Caribbean’s established Citizenship by Investment programs.

The program offers two principal investment routes:

• Contribution to the National Transformation Fund
• Investment in approved real estate

Grenada’s official Investment Migration Agency states that the current minimum CBI contribution is US$235,000 following the harmonized Caribbean program pricing changes introduced in 2024.

Qualifying fractional real estate investments currently start at US$270,000, while additional government and due diligence fees apply.

Can a Stateless Person Apply for Grenada CBI?

Industry reports have suggested that certain stateless profiles may be considered case by case.

However, Grenada’s publicly available official application guide does not currently advertise a blanket category for stateless applicants.

Accordingly, applicants should not assume eligibility simply because they are stateless.

Before paying program fees, an authorized representative should obtain confirmation that:

• The applicant’s travel document is acceptable
• Identity can be independently verified
• Police and residence history records are sufficient
• The applicant is not affected by nationality restrictions
• Enhanced due diligence can be completed in the relevant jurisdictions

Grenada publishes restrictions relating to certain nationalities and circumstances, further demonstrating why preliminary eligibility screening is essential.

TGA Migration also provides information about Grenada and other Caribbean CBI options on its Citizenship by Investment page.

Explore TGA Migration Citizenship by Investment Programs

For official program requirements:

Investment Migration Agency Grenada – Application Guide

Citizenship Options for Stateless People Compared

Program Indicative Starting	Investment Public	Evidence of Stateless Eligibility	Typical Route	Key Consideration
Nauru	US$90,000 promotional rate currently advertised	Yes  successful stateless cases have been publicly announced	Government contribution	Strong identity and financial due diligence required
São Tomé & Príncipe	US$90,000 + fees	Reported as possible; obtain written confirmation	National Transformation Fund	New programme with limited operating history
Grenada	US$235,000 contribution	Reported case by case public official guidance is not explicit	Contribution or real estate	Obtain eligibility pre clearance before paying fees

Important: Investment amounts, program rules, and acceptance policies can change. This table should not be treated as an approval guarantee.

Documents a Stateless Applicant May Need

The most difficult part of a stateless CBI application is often not making the investment.

It is proving the applicant’s identity and personal history to a standard acceptable to the government and its international due diligence providers.

Proof of Identity

Possible documents may include:

• Stateless travel document
• Refugee or Convention travel document where applicable
• Historical or expired passports
• Former national identity documents
• Birth certificate
• Family register
• Marriage or divorce certificates
• Residence permits
• Emirates ID for UAE residents
• Government issued identity records
• UNHCR documentation where applicable
• Court or administrative decisions
• Biometric identification records

Accepted documents vary significantly by program.

Proof of Stateless Status

Governments may require evidence explaining why no country currently considers the applicant its national.

Depending on the individual’s circumstances, evidence could include:

• Official statelessness determination
• Government letter confirming lack of nationality
• Court decision
• Immigration documentation recording nationality as “stateless”
• UNHCR documentation
• Evidence showing loss or non acquisition of previous nationality
• Historical nationality and residence records

An applicant simply declaring that they are stateless is unlikely to be sufficient.

Source of Funds and Source of Wealth

CBI governments require applicants to show that their investment money comes from lawful, identifiable sources.

Evidence may include:

• Bank statements
• Salary records
• Employment contracts
• Business ownership documents
• Audited company accounts
• Dividend records
• Tax filings
• Real estate sale agreements
• Business sale agreements
• Investment portfolio statements
• Inheritance documents
• Gift agreements
• Trust documentation
• Loan agreements where permitted
• UAE corporate ownership records
• Evidence explaining major transactions

A stateless applicant who has lived in several jurisdictions may need financial documentation covering more than one country.

Why Due Diligence Is More Complex for Stateless Applicants

Citizenship by Investment programs need to answer several fundamental questions:

Who is this person?

Where have they lived?

Which governments have records about them?

Why do they have no nationality?

Where did their wealth originate?

Can their background be independently verified?

Problems may arise where there are:

• Missing birth records
• Inconsistent spellings of names
• Different dates of birth on older documents
• Missing police certificates
• Long periods with undocumented residence
• Historic nationality disputes
• Untraceable financial transactions
• Sanctions concerns
• Business activity in high risk jurisdictions
• Unexplained movement between countries

This is why a preliminary eligibility and due diligence review should take place before the investor transfers program funds.

What If a Stateless Person Does Not Qualify for Direct CBI?

Citizenship by Investment is not the only potential solution.

For some applicants, Residency by Investment followed by ordinary naturalization may offer a more suitable long term pathway.

Countries offering investor residence programs include jurisdictions in Europe and elsewhere.

TGA Migration currently provides guidance on selected residency programs including:

• Portugal
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Malta and other European options where relevant
• Selected business and investor routes

View TGA Migration Residency by Investment Options

Unlike direct Citizenship by Investment, an RBI program does not normally give the investor citizenship immediately.

Instead, the sequence may be:

Investment → Residence Permit → Physical / Legal Residence → Permanent Residence where available → Naturalization application

Citizenship may later require:

• Several years of lawful residence
• Minimum physical presence
• Language proficiency
• Tax compliance
• Clean criminal record
• Integration requirements
• Demonstration of ties to the country

Naturalization is never guaranteed merely because an investment residence permit has been obtained.

Citizenship by Investment vs Residency by Investment for Stateless People

Factor	Citizenship by Investment	Residency by Investment
Immediate nationality	Potentially yes	No
Passport	After successful citizenship approval	Only after later naturalization
Investment	Usually significant	Varies by country
Physical residence	Often limited under CBI	May become important for citizenship
Processing	Often measured in months	Residence may be quick; citizenship takes years
Stateless eligibility	Limited programmes	Potentially broader, depending on country
Due diligence	Very high	High
Language requirement	Usually none for direct CBI	Often required for later citizenship
Best for	Applicants needing a direct nationality solution and meeting strict criteria	Applicants able to establish a longer term residence strategy

Can a Stateless UAE Resident Apply for Citizenship by Investment?

Legal residency in the UAE does not create citizenship eligibility, but a well documented UAE residence history may help establish parts of an applicant’s background.

A UAE based applicant may be able to provide:

• Emirates ID
• UAE residence visa records
• UAE Police Clearance Certificate
• Employment documentation
• UAE bank statements
• Salary certificates
• Corporate ownership records
• Trade licenses
• Property documents
• Tenancy contracts
• Tax or accounting documentation where applicable

These documents can help establish residence, economic activity, and source of funds.

However, they do not replace proof of identity or evidence explaining the applicant’s stateless status.

Step by Step Process for a Stateless Investor

 

Step 1: Confirm Stateless Status

Identify the documents that formally record the applicant’s nationality status.

Step 2: Review Identity Documents

Build a complete timeline using current and historical identification records.

Step 3: Conduct Preliminary Eligibility Screening

Check whether the selected citizenship or residency program can accept the applicant’s circumstances.

Step 4: Review Source of Wealth and Funds

Create a clear documentary trail explaining how the applicant accumulated their assets.

Step 5: Obtain Program Pre Clearance Where Possible

For stateless cases, seek written confirmation before incurring major application costs where program rules are unclear.

Step 6: Prepare the Application

Collect, translate, certify, legalize, or apostille documents as required.

Step 7: Government and Third Party Due Diligence

Authorities verify identity, residence history, criminal background, sanctions exposure, business history and financial records.

Step 8: Interview

Where required, the applicant completes a government or due diligence interview.

Step 9: Receive Approval in Principle

If successful, the program issues the appropriate approval.

Step 10: Complete the Investment

The qualifying investment or contribution is completed according to program requirements.

Step 11: Citizenship and Passport Issuance

Once all conditions are satisfied, citizenship documentation and passport issuance may follow.

Benefits of Obtaining Citizenship for a Stateless Person

For someone who previously had no nationality, the benefits can be considerably broader than those associated with an ordinary second passport.

Potential benefits include:

1. Recognized Nationality

The individual becomes legally recognized as a national of a sovereign state.

2. National Passport

A recognized passport can significantly improve the ability to travel and apply for visas.

3. Right to Enter the Country of Citizenship

A citizen generally has a right to return to their country of nationality subject to applicable law.

4. Greater Legal Security

Citizenship can reduce dependence on temporary immigration documentation.

5. Consular Assistance

Citizens may obtain assistance from their country’s embassies and consulates abroad.

6. Improved Financial Access

A recognized nationality and passport may simplify some banking and compliance procedures, although financial institutions still perform their own KYC assessments.

7. Family Protection

Certain programs allow qualifying family members to obtain citizenship together.

8. Intergenerational Planning

Depending on the country’s nationality laws, citizenship may potentially be transmitted to future generations.

Major Risks to Consider

Citizenship by Investment should not be presented as a guaranteed solution to statelessness.

Applicants should understand the following risks.

Application Refusal

Even a fully funded applicant can be rejected following due diligence.

Non Refundable Fees

Certain due diligence, application, and professional fees may be non refundable.

Program Changes

Governments can increase investment thresholds or change eligibility requirements.

Travel Access Can Change

A country’s visa free arrangements are determined by other governments and can change at any time.

Banking Is Not Guaranteed

Obtaining citizenship does not guarantee the opening of international bank accounts.

Documentation May Be Insufficient

Some stateless individuals have too few historical documents for the government to complete due diligence.

Why Preliminary Due Diligence Matters

For an ordinary investor, due diligence is important.

For a stateless applicant, it is critical.

A strong preliminary review should establish:

• Whether the identity can be verified
• How statelessness arose
• Whether historic nationality issues exist
• Whether documents are internally consistent
• Whether police certificates can be obtained
• Whether financial history is sufficiently transparent
• Whether any sanctions or political exposure concerns exist
• Whether the program has previously accepted similar cases

The objective should be to identify serious issues before an official application is submitted.

How TGA Migration Can Assist

TGA Migration provides investment immigration guidance to investors, entrepreneurs and internationally mobile families in Dubai and across the UAE.

For complex nationality cases, the process should begin with an eligibility assessment rather than immediately selecting a country.

TGA Migration can assist with:

• Initial investment migration assessment
• Comparison of Citizenship by Investment programs
• Comparison of CBI and RBI strategies
• Review of available identity documentation
• Source of funds preparation
• Family eligibility analysis
• Coordination with relevant authorized program professionals
• Application document planning
• Investment route comparison
• Ongoing program updates

Explore our main investment migration services:

TGA Migration – Investment Immigration in Dubai

Citizenship by Investment Programs

Residency by Investment Programs

TGA Migration Investment Immigration Blog