Tonga

The South Pacific Polynesian archipelago presents several viable investment opportunities including marine resources, agricultural initiatives, and renewable energy potentials. However, these prospects are tempered by economic dependency, as the nation heavily relies on external aid and remittances, rendering it susceptible to global economic fluctuations. Additionally, the presence of limited infrastructure, often ill-equipped to mitigate cyclone risks, introduces various challenges and potential hazards for prospective investors.

Tonga Residency By Investment

Tonga does not currently offer a residency by investment or golden visa programme for foreign investors. Residency in Tonga is generally limited to standard immigration pathways such as employment, family reunification, or long-term permits.

Tonga Citizenship By Investment

Presently, Tonga does not have a formal citizenship by investment programme. However, there have been recent discussions around reintroducing a Citizenship by Investment framework. A proposed program has outlined that contribution levels could start at USD 190,000 for single applicants and USD 220,000 for families of two to four members. At this stage, the proposal has not been formally approved, legislated, or launched and is subject to change until finalised. In the meantime, investors may consider alternative options in Oceania such as Nauru, or Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programs for broader global mobility.

Historical Context: Tonga’s Early CBI Experience

Tonga has a unique place in the history of investment migration. Whilst Citizenship by Investment in Saint Kitts is commonly acknowledged as the pioneering programme, in the early 1980s, Tonga implemented one of the first programmes in the world that allowed the sale of citizenship to non-nationals, initially catering to Protected Persons before expanding to full citizenship. More than 7,000 passports were issued during this period, and one of the programme’s better-known participants was the deposed Filipino leader Ferdinand Marcos and his family. The programme operated without formal regulatory oversight and, after much debate and urgency from the nation’s opposition, the King of Tonga closed the programme and abolished the practice in 1996

Tonga’s Passport Strength and Ranking

Tonga’s passport strength is reasonably strong, offering visa-free access to 137 countries. These countries also account for 51.7% of world wealth (GDP) and 63.5% of world travel. This places it at the 81st position in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport ranking.

Although Tonga does not currently offer citizenship by investment or residency programmes, Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment programme serves as a great alternative. Likewise, if investors want to experience similar natural beauty and climate with better economic prospects, the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment programmes such as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica and St Lucia all offer attractive options.