10 Of The World’s Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship

Obtaining citizenship, especially through naturalization, is a challenge in numerous countries due to various factors. Aspiring citizens face tremendous challenges due to rigorous eligibility standards such as residency terms, language competency, and a clean criminal record.

Long durations of residency are frequently required, and applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the native language as well as an understanding of the host country’s culture, history, and values. Financial restrictions and challenging naturalization examinations add to the complication, and the lack of dual citizenship possibilities might force uncomfortable decisions.

Without further ado, here is a list of the ten most difficult nations to obtain citizenship in 2023:

1. Qatar

Qatar, located in the Persian Gulf and noted for its enormous wealth generated by the natural gas sector, is well-known for its severe citizenship requirements. To become a Qatari citizen as a foreigner, one must live in the nation for a whopping 25 years. Prerequisites include proficiency in Arabic, a clean criminal record, and proof of the financial resources to support oneself.

Furthermore, according to Qatar legislation, dual nationality is not permitted, mandating the surrender of one’s original passport. Another criterion is the likelihood of conversion to Islam, making Qatar one of the most difficult countries in the world to obtain citizenship in.

2. Vatican City

The world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City, has a population of only about 450 people. The restrictive citizenship limitations are to blame for this low number. Vatican City only gives citizenship in three unusual circumstances: if one is a cardinal residing in Vatican City or Rome, if one serves as a diplomat representing the Holy See, or if one dwells in Vatican City due to employment within the Catholic Church. These restrictions contribute to the reason for Vatican City’s existence on this list.

3. Liechtenstein

With approximately 40,000 citizens, the rich microstate of Liechtenstein, situated between Austria and Switzerland, requires a lengthy timetable for obtaining citizenship.

According to a Liechtenstein Institute report, foreign residents must reside in the country for 30 years before applying for citizenship. Marriage to a Liechtenstein citizen or community approval, on the other hand, can reduce this term to 10 or even 5 years. These demanding requirements make Liechtenstein one of the most challenging countries for obtaining citizenship.

4. Bhutan

Bhutan, a remote Himalayan kingdom, has severe entry regulations for travelers, and obtaining Bhutanese citizenship is much more difficult. Foreigners wishing to become Bhutanese citizens must first remain in the country for at least 20 years if they do not have Bhutanese ancestors.

The Bhutanese Citizen Act of 1985 requires foreign candidates to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner during this time, abstaining from making any derogatory remarks about the Bhutanese monarchy. Bhutanese authorities retain the authority to refuse citizenship applications without providing detailed reasons, and citizenship status can be lost if individuals express negative views about the ruler or the country in the future.

5. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the oil-rich country that is home to the Islamic holy towns of Mecca and Medina, provides considerable difficulties for individuals seeking citizenship. To be qualified, applicants must have lived in the country for a minimum of ten years and display fluency in Arabic.

In addition to these conditions, the official Saudi Government website promotes the importance of having a clean criminal record and being judged “morally upright.” The final judgment on citizenship applications is made by the Minister of the Interior. Moreover, individuals must give up their native country because Saudi Arabia does not tolerate dual citizenship.

6. Kuwait

Kuwait, another oil-rich country neighboring Saudi Arabia, closely follows its neighbor’s rigorous citizenship requirements. Individuals seeking citizenship must meet particular conditions, including a residency requirement of at least 20 years in Kuwait, proficiency in the Arabic language, and allegiance to the Islamic faith, whether by birth or conversion, as stated in the Kuwaiti National Law of 1959.

Kuwait, like many Gulf states, maintains a policy of denying dual citizenship, ensuring its position as one of the world’s most difficult countries to get citizenship in.

7. Switzerland

Switzerland, known for its beautiful scenery and excellent standard of living, has one of Europe’s most difficult citizenship processes. Foreigners who want to become Swiss citizens must live in the nation for at least ten years and have a ‘C residency permit.’

It is required to be fluent in one of Switzerland’s national languages (German, French, Italian, or Romansh). Naturalization requires many approval processes at the federal, cantonal, and community levels, each with its own set of conditions, solidifying its position in this list.

8. China

The most populous nation in the world, China presents significant challenges for anyone seeking foreign citizenship. According to the Immigration Department, China’s nationality law provides restricted paths for foreigners to seek citizenship, mostly based on family ties or “other legitimate reasons.”

The law purposefully leaves room for ambiguity, making the process difficult to understand. Furthermore, the law does not specify a time limit for residency. The majority of foreigners refrain from pursuing Chinese citizenship due to China’s complicated citizenship requirements.

9. North Korea

North Korea, the dictatorial and secluded nation known as the Hermit Kingdom, has one of the most mysterious citizenship procedures. Although the particular qualifications for attaining North Korean citizenship are mostly unknown, a report produced by Texas-based Southern Methodist University reveals that the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly has the right to award citizenship. Additionally, despite its limited appeal, North Korea does not recognize dual citizenship.

10. Japan

Japan, known for its powerful passport, has strict naturalization requirements. Foreigners, designated as “Aliens” by the Ministry of Justice, must live in Japan for at least five years, demonstrate “upright conduct,” and be self-sufficient.

Participation in organizations pushing for the downfall of the government disqualifies applicants. Although Japan does not permit multiple citizenship, its language requirements are very relaxed, needing only basic abilities for daily life.