In a world where nationality defines access to rights, opportunities, and protections, statelessness remains one of the most pressing and often forgotten humanitarian challenges of our time. Statelessness occurs when individuals are not recognised as nationals by any country, a condition that can stem from historical border shifts, discriminatory nationality laws, lack of birth registration, or political exclusion.
In 2024, the UN reported that 4.4 million stateless individuals were documented globally across 95 countries, most of them in Asia. However, the actual number is estimated to be closer to 10 million due to underreporting. Of this figure, over 75% of the world’s known stateless populations belong to minority groups. UNICEF data shows that 1 in 4 children under the age of 5 are not registered at birth, leaving 237 million children worldwide at risk of statelessness. For these individuals, even the most basic rights, such as access to education, healthcare, or formal employment, can be out of reach. Without legal identity, life is marked by uncertainty and exclusion.
Understanding Statelessness
Prominent examples of stateless people include the Bedoon in Gulf states, the Rohingya in Myanmar, people of Haitian descent in the Dominican Republic, and Roma communities in parts of Europe. Despite being born and raised within established nations, many of these populations lack basic legal recognition, leaving them without access to passports, formal employment, or government services, effectively invisible in the eyes of the state.
However, not all stateless individuals live in poverty. In regions like the Gulf, many belong to long-established families integrated into the economy who, despite lacking nationality, have accumulated wealth, education, and professional status. In Kuwait, Stateless Investors make up about 10% of the total population, according to local and international reports. Similar situations exist in other Gulf countries, which face challenges related to people living without legal recognition of their nationality.
These “stateless investors” often run businesses, hold assets, and have the financial means to pursue Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programmes, viewing it not merely as a luxury but as a lifeline to global mobility, legal recognition, and financial security.
Citizenship by Investment as a lifeline
By offering a legal pathway to nationality, Citizenship by Investment programmes provide more than just the privilege of global mobility, they offer recognition, belonging, and identity. These initiatives create a structured and legitimate route to citizenship, addressing gaps that traditional nationality systems often overlook. While inclusive in design, applicants must still provide essential documentation, such as a valid travel or identity document, birth certificate, and any records verifying their identity and background. This is critical as governments enforce enhanced due diligence through financial intelligence units, law enforcement, and independent third-party verification before approving any application.
In recent years, countries such as Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and Nauru have modernised their Citizenship by Investment frameworks to accommodate stateless applicants, marking a significant evolution in the industry. This shift reflects a growing recognition that economic citizenship can attract investment while providing a lifeline of legitimacy and inclusion to those who have long been excluded from the protections of nationality.
The Pathways Available
Among these nations, Nauru stands out for its forward-thinking approach. In a landmark move, the island nation granted citizenship to a formerly stateless Kuwaiti national under its Economic and Climate Resilience Citizenship Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative that combines humanitarian impact with environmental sustainability. The program, which offers approvals within 3–4 months, requires a non-refundable contribution starting from USD 105,000 to Nauru’s Treasury Fund, plus government fees. It extends eligibility to spouses or partners, children up to 30 years old, parents over 55, and unmarried siblings, offering an inclusive pathway to global mobility.
Nauru channels contributions into climate adaptation projects addressing rising sea levels and resource scarcity, positioning itself as a pioneer in climate-linked citizenship. With visa-free access to 88 destinations, including the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the programme underscores Nauru’s dual mission: to offer stateless individuals a path to recognition while enhancing the island’s resilience to climate change.
Similarly, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica have shown leadership in using their citizenship programs as instruments of inclusion. Antigua & Barbuda permits stateless applicants from Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE, offering visa-free travel to 153 countries through a contribution starting at USD 230,000 via the National Development Fund, real estate investment, or the University of the West Indies Fund.
Dominica has also emerged as a sought-after option for individuals without legal nationality, though, as highlighted, eligibility depends on meeting the program’s strict requirements. With processing times of around four months and options starting at USD 200,000, successful applicants gain access to 142 destinations, including the Schengen Area, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China.
Unlocking Essential Rights and Opportunities
Over the past decade, the world has become more aware of the challenges facing stateless individuals. The UNHCR’s #IBelong campaign has reported remarkable progress, sharing that between 2014 and 2024, more than 500,000 stateless people around the world have acquired citizenship. In 2024 alone, over 47,000 individuals gained nationality through investment and other facilitated programs, the highest number in years.
These milestones underscore the critical role of Citizenship by Investment Programmes. For governments, such programs generate vital revenue while addressing a global human rights challenge. For individuals, they offer something beyond financial value – it restores visibility and agency.
Citizenship by Investment is far more than a financial instrument; it is a lifeline of hope, dignity, and inclusion. By providing legal identity, these programs affirm that citizenship is a fundamental human right and a foundation for stability. As more nations adopt inclusive frameworks that recognise this principle, Citizenship by Investment programs are emerging as bridges between exclusion and opportunity, empowering individuals to rebuild their futures while fostering global growth and human dignity.
Whether you are seeking a path to recognition, freedom of movement, or lasting security, our specialists at Citizenship Invest are here to help you navigate every step with confidence.
