Steueratlas · in German
Taxes in Tonga
A passport alone does not move your tax residence. Steueratlas sets out on one page which taxes apply once you live in Tonga.
Visit SteueratlasProgrammes · Pacific
Proposed programme
Tonga: a passport for a contribution, proposed but not yet law
Since December 2025 the South Pacific kingdom has been discussing citizenship in return for a contribution from 190,000 USD. Before anyone can apply, it needs a law, a debate in Parliament and the King's assent.
Proposed, not yet law
- Proposed
- 190,000 USD per individual
- Family, under the proposal
- 220,000 USD for two to four people
- Law
- not yet introduced
- Dual citizenship
- allowed since 2007
Where Tonga stands today
Tonga is one of the countries planning citizenship by investment. In December 2025 a concept became public that would open the kingdom's citizenship to foreign investors for a fixed contribution. Lord Fakafanua, who backs the proposal, has since become Prime Minister.
What is still missing is the legal basis. For 2026 the Attorney General's Office records only two new acts: the 2026/27 budget and an amendment to the Public Service Act. The only recent amendment to the Nationality Act, Act 29 of 2025, simply renames the minister responsible. The Prime Minister himself has set out the path: the proposal goes through due process, Parliament debates it and the King approves it. Only then can anyone apply.
The facts from the official source
Legal basis: Nationality Act, Cap 10.02 (Revised Edition 2020), last amended by Act 29 of 2025; no law for an investment route has been published
Competent authority: Prime Minister (administers the Nationality Act); naturalisation is granted by the King
| Status | not yet open: for 2026 the Attorney General's Office lists only two acts, the 2026/27 budget and an amendment to the Public Service Act; neither creates an investment route Source |
|---|---|
| Next steps | in December 2025 Lord Fakafanua, now Prime Minister, called the concept a proposal that has to go through due process, be debated in Parliament and be approved by the King Source |
| Proposed contribution | according to press reports on the proposal, 190,000 USD for single applicants and 220,000 USD for families of two to four people, non-refundable, paid into a sovereign fund or as a donation; there is no official figure yet Source |
| Expected revenue | up to 400 million USD over five years, according to the proposal Source |
| Vetting under the proposal | multi-stage security checks, all funds paid into government accounts, revocation for false statements; even today the King can revoke a naturalisation obtained by false representation or fraud (s. 12) Source |
| Naturalisation today | at least five years of residence in Tonga, good character, adequate knowledge of the Tongan language and the intention to live in Tonga; the King decides at his discretion, followed by the oath of allegiance (s. 8) Source |
| Children | children under 16 can be included in a parent's certificate of naturalisation (s. 11(1)) Source |
| Dual citizenship | allowed since the Nationality (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act 3 of 2007, in force since 14 September 2007), which abolished the loss of citizenship on naturalisation abroad Source |
| Who is responsible | the Prime Minister administers the Nationality Act (s. 15) and the King grants naturalisation (s. 8); there is no programme office yet Source |
What the proposal sets out
According to reports by Kaniva Tonga and IMI Daily, a single applicant would pay 190,000 USD and a family of two to four people 220,000 USD. The money goes as a non-refundable contribution to a sovereign fund or as a donation. Over five years, the proposal expects revenue of up to 400 million USD.
That would put Tonga in a price bracket in the Pacific that is particularly attractive for families: adding a spouse and children would cost little extra. On security, the proposal names multi-stage vetting, all funds paid into government accounts and revocation for false statements. No source mentions a residence requirement, due diligence fees or processing times; those will come with the law.
The route open today
Alongside this, naturalisation under the Nationality Act is already open. You need at least five years of residence in Tonga, good character, adequate knowledge of the Tongan language and the intention to live in the country. The King decides on your application at his discretion, after which you take the oath of allegiance. If you make Tonga your home, you are already working towards the passport today, whenever the investment route arrives.
Dual citizenship and family
Tonga has allowed dual citizenship since 2007. The Nationality (Amendment) Act 2007 abolished the rule under which a Tongan lost their citizenship on naturalising abroad. For you, that means the Tongan passport sits alongside the one you already hold rather than replacing it.
For children, current law offers a simple solution: children under 16 can be included in a parent's certificate of naturalisation. Who will count towards the family amount on the investment route is for the future law to decide.
More on Tonga from us
- Vanuatu: the open programme in the Pacific
Contribution, family and process for the programme that already accepts applications in the South Pacific.
- Nauru passport
Costs and process for citizenship of the world's smallest republic.
- New passport programmes 2026
Which countries launch in 2026 and which are tightening their rules.
- All programmes compared
Minimum amounts, fees and timelines of the open programmes side by side.
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Visit Wohnsitz AuslandQuestions about Tonga
Can I already apply for Tongan citizenship by investment?
Not yet. There is no law and no bill for the investment route; for 2026 the Attorney General's Office lists only the budget and an amendment to the Public Service Act. Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua has said the proposal has to be debated in Parliament and approved by the King.
What would the passport cost under the proposal?
According to press reports on the proposal, 190,000 USD for a single applicant and 220,000 USD for a family of two to four people, as a non-refundable contribution to a sovereign fund or as a donation. An official figure will only come with the law.
Does Tonga allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Since the Nationality (Amendment) Act 2007, no one loses Tongan citizenship for taking up another. You do not have to give up your current passport.
Is there already a route to Tongan citizenship today?
Yes, naturalisation under the Nationality Act: at least five years of residence, good character, adequate knowledge of the Tongan language and the intention to live in Tonga. The King decides at his discretion.
Can my family come with me?
The proposal includes a family amount for two to four people; exactly who counts will be set by the law. Under current law, children under 16 can be included in a parent's certificate of naturalisation.
Official sources
- Attorney General's Office Tonga: Acts passed by Year
- Attorney General's Office Tonga: Nationality Act, Cap 10.02, Revised Edition 2020
- PacLII: Nationality (Amendment) Act 2007 (Act 3 of 2007)
- Attorney General's Office Tonga: legislation
- RNZ: Proposed passport sale scheme a non-issue, Tonga's new PM-designate says (17 December 2025)
- Kaniva Tonga: Leaked $400m passport sale plan becomes flashpoint in Tonga PM vote (10 December 2025)
- IMI Daily: Tonga's likely PM candidate backs $190,000 CBI proposal (12 December 2025)
- IMI Daily: 14 countries that have proposed citizenship by investment programs (13 February 2026)
Your second passport begins with a decision.
You have worked hard to build a life full of possibilities. Now it is about expanding them, for you and for your family. Talk to Daniel Taborek about your budget, your family and the route to your second citizenship. Find out which passport should enrich your future.