Nauru · Policy & practice

Nauru citizenship for children: consent when a parent does not apply

An application for a child under 18 requires the prescribed consent from a non-applying parent or legal guardian with sole or joint custody. The documents must establish parentage, custody and authority to apply.

Edited by Frank ChangSources checked: 9 October 2026Published: 9 October 2026

A parent who does not join a Nauru Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Program application may still need to consent to the child’s application. For a dependant under 18, the regulations require consent from a non-applying parent or legal guardian with sole or joint custody, authorising the principal applicant to seek citizenship for the child.[1]

Establishing parentage and custody

A birth certificate establishes the family relationship. Where custody or guardianship has been granted by a court or another relevant authority, the regulations also require the appropriate evidence.[1] A divorce certificate may establish marital status without fully identifying who holds custody or can make decisions for the child.

The application should identify the parents or legal guardians, those joining the application and those holding custody. Supporting each fact with the relevant document provides a clearer basis for the principal applicant’s authority to act for the child.

Consent must cover the citizenship application

The prescribed consent authorises the principal applicant to seek Nauruan citizenship for the child.[1] Travel authorisations and school permissions serve other purposes; their acceptability for a citizenship application requires confirmation from the authority.

The 2026 amendments further specify the application forms, including parental or guardian signatures where required for a minor and a witnessing section for a notary or local equivalent.[2] The form, signatories and witnessing arrangements must meet the Program Office’s current requirements.

Handling exceptional family circumstances

If the other parent has died, cannot be contacted or objects to the application, an exemption cannot be inferred solely from the applicant’s account. The agent should present the relevant civil records, court decisions and circumstances for official assessment. Custody disputes may also require legal advice in the jurisdiction governing those rights.

A child’s eligibility as a dependant must be supported by the necessary authority to apply and completed signatures. Applications are submitted through an agent and assessed by the relevant authority.[3] Resolving custody and consent before finalising the family list and budget helps establish whether the child’s application is ready to proceed.