Stateless People and the Possibility of Citizenship by Investment

Can Stateless People Secure Citizenship by Investment?

While many Golden Visa and Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs exclude stateless individuals, it is still possible in certain circumstances. Success depends on the applicant being able to provide strong documentary evidence, such as a birth certificate or travel document, to verify their identity, history, and eligibility. Governments apply stricter checks than normal, often involving financial intelligence units, law enforcement, and third-party due diligence providers, before any application can be considered.

What Does It Mean to Be Stateless?

Stateless people are individuals who are not legally recognized as a citizen of any country. Without nationality, they often face significant barriers: limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and restricted freedom of movement. According to international estimates, there are at least 15 million stateless people worldwide, many of whom live with uncertainty and without the protection a passport provides.

Causes of Statelessness

Statelessness can arise for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is the result of discrimination in nationality laws, where ethnicity, religion, or gender can determine who is recognized as a citizen. It can also happen when states dissolve or borders shift, leaving individuals without an official nationality, as occurred after the breakup of the Soviet Union or Yugoslavia, or following independence movements in places such as Eritrea and Ethiopia. In other cases, whole populations, such as the Bidun in Kuwait, have remained stateless for generations.

Other common causes include gaps in birth registration, conflicting nationality laws between countries, or even governments stripping individuals of their citizenship. While not the same as being a refugee, some people are both – lacking nationality and being displaced at the same time.

Nauru: Recent CBI Approval for a Stateless Individual

Nauru recently released a press statement confirming the approval of a stateless applicant from Kuwait under its Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program. This program is one of the very few globally where stateless people may be considered. With most governments tightening their standards, many programs will not accept stateless applicants. However, Nauru’s approach demonstrates that, in carefully vetted cases, pathways remain possible. Since its launch in early 2025, Nauru’s Citizenship by Investment program has attracted strong interest as a fast and cost-effective option for securing a Plan B. This recent approval for a stateless applicant further highlights the program’s flexibility and potential in exceptional circumstances.

Other Countries That Have Approved Stateless Applicants

Nauru is not the only nation where approvals for stateless applicants have been possible. At La Vida, we have seen several cases over the years in Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts, St Lucia and Vanuatu. Each government has its own stringent rules and standards, and every application is carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Applicants should be aware that documentation is still required, even if limited. This typically includes at least a valid travel document and a birth certificate, as well as any other records that can establish identity and background. Without this, applications will not be able to progress.

La Vida’s Perspective on Citizenship for Stateless People

At La Vida, we have advised thousands of clients over the past 20 years. Among them, we have seen several cases involving stateless individuals successfully securing citizenship through certain CBI programs. These cases are exceptional, requiring rigorous due diligence and close government review. They are not the easiest applications to process, but they are indeed possible, subject to strict verification.

Most importantly, for stateless individuals, securing citizenship is more than just a passport, it can often be the first passport they have ever held, and that in itself is life changing. It opens doors to fundamental rights such as healthcare, education, freedom of movement, and security. For many, it represents the end of a life lived in legal limbo and gives them a new sense of belonging.

La Vida’s experience positions us to guide clients through these rare and complex applications with discretion and expertise. If you require any advice about your personal situation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

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